ITIN - and child tax element

[dcl766 0]

actually, you can send in a photocopy of your passport, it just has to be notarized.. but you can also go get your ITIN (tax assistance places,and i forget the other one.. but its in the info somewhere..)

The thing about the notarized copies is that most states (including Illinois where I am) do not allow notaries to notarize anything but a signature. They are not allowed to notarize copies of documents.

IRS Acceptance agents can also review the identification documents to apply for the ITIN, which is who I am trying to get to do it but they are pretty far and few between.

[bobo 2]

Starting this January it is not mandatory anymore to obtain ITIN prior to filing, as per http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,...00.html#revised . Here are some excerpts from this IRS page:

"What are the revised application standards for ITINs?

Effective immediately, each ITIN applicant must now:

Apply using the revised Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ; and

Attach a federal income tax return to the Form W-7.

Applicants who meet an exception to the requirement to file a tax return (see the instructions for Form W-7)must provide documentation to support the exception.

...

What documents are acceptable as proof of identity and foreign status?

IRS has streamlined the number of documents the agency will accept as proof of identity to obtain an ITIN. There are now 13 acceptable documents.

An original, or a certified or notarized copy, of an UNEXPIRED passport is the only document that is accepted for both identity and foreign status. If you do not have a passport, you must provide a combination of current documents that contain expiration dates - we accept docs issued within 12 months of the application if no expiration date is normally available. The documents must also show your name and photograph, and support your claim of foreign status.

...

How do I apply for an ITIN?

Use the January 2005 revision of Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply. Attach a valid federal income tax return unless you qualify for an exception, and include your original or certified proof of identity documents.

Because you are filing your tax return as an attachment to your ITIN application, you should not mail your return to the address listed in the Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ instructions. Instead, send your return, Form W-7 and proof of identity documents to the address listed in the Form W-7 instructions:

Internal Revenue Service

Philadelphia Service Center

ITIN Unit, P.O. Box 447

Bensalem, PA 19020

You may also apply using the services of an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in lieu of mailing your information to the IRS in Philadelphia. TACs in the United States provide in-person help with ITIN applications on a walk-in or appointment basis. Applicants outside the United States should contact an overseas the IRS office to find out if that office accepts Form W-7 applications. The IRS's ITIN Unit in Philadelphia issues all numbers by mail.

When should I apply for an ITIN?

You should complete Form W-7 as soon as you are ready to file your federal income tax return, since you need to attach the return to your application.

If you meet one of the exceptions and do not need to file a return, submit Form W-7, along with the documents required to meet your purpose for needing an ITIN, as soon as possible after you determine that you are covered by that exception.

You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year; however, if the tax return you attach to Form W-7 is filed after the return's due date, you may owe interest and/or penalties. You should file your current year return by the April 15 deadline to avoid this.

...

"

[Yodrak 7]

dcl,

A notary in Illinois cannot inspect two documents, one an original document and the other a photocopy of the original, and certify that one is an exact copy of the other?

Note that this is not certifying that the documents are correct or accurate, it is merely certifying that they are exact duplicates.

Yodrak

actually, you can send in a photocopy of your passport, it just has to be notarized.. but you can also go get your ITIN (tax assistance places,and i forget the other one.. but its in the info somewhere..)

The thing about the notarized copies is that most states (including Illinois where I am) do not allow notaries to notarize anything but a signature. They are not allowed to notarize copies of documents.

IRS Acceptance agents can also review the identification documents to apply for the ITIN, which is who I am trying to get to do it but they are pretty far and few between.

[dcl766 0]

I couldn't find the list of states where it says what notaries can and cannot notarize/certify, but I do remember that the majority states only allow them to notarize signatures, which is the case here in Illinois where I am a notary. I did find these links though:

http://www.nationalnotary.org/howto/index.cfm?text=howtoFAQs

http://www.nationalnotary.org/nnNow/index.cfm?story=450

Dave

dcl,

A notary in Illinois cannot inspect two documents, one an original document and the other a photocopy of the original, and certify that one is an exact copy of the other?

Note that this is not certifying that the documents are correct or accurate, it is merely certifying that they are exact duplicates.

Yodrak

actually, you can send in a photocopy of your passport, it just has to be notarized.. but you can also go get your ITIN (tax assistance places,and i forget the other one.. but its in the info somewhere..)

The thing about the notarized copies is that most states (including Illinois where I am) do not allow notaries to notarize anything but a signature. They are not allowed to notarize copies of documents.

IRS Acceptance agents can also review the identification documents to apply for the ITIN, which is who I am trying to get to do it but they are pretty far and few between.

[Badgerbabe 0]

I work for Associated Bank and we certify documents there.

It has to be the Bank Manager that does this and they have to use the Medallian Stamp on the copy.

This is to cerify that the copy is a true copy of the original.

He's had to do this recently for death certificates/ wills etc where they are going to various Government Depts.