What to Expect When Applying Through 4SYTE
Our ITIN service follows a structured process—from reviewing your federal tax purpose to preparing Form W-7, verifying your identification documents, and submitting the completed application package to the IRS.
This page explains the process we follow when assisting an applicant. For general information about ITIN eligibility and uses, visit our main ITIN service page.
Before You Purchase the Service
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is issued only when an applicant is not eligible for a Social Security number and has a valid federal tax purpose.
Before you purchase the service, we discuss your circumstances and the reason you believe you need an ITIN. This initial discussion helps us identify whether an application appears appropriate and what supporting documents will likely be required.
Forming a U.S. LLC, opening a bank account, using a payment processor, or investing in the United States does not, by itself, establish ITIN eligibility.
If the application must be submitted with a federal tax return, we will also identify the return involved and determine whether tax-return preparation is included in the engagement or requires a separate service.
Our Step-by-Step ITIN Process
1. Initial ITIN Review
We begin by discussing your circumstances and the federal tax purpose for which you believe an ITIN is required. We also consider whether you may be eligible for a Social Security number, because an ITIN is available only to a person who is not eligible for an SSN.
This review helps us determine whether an ITIN application appears appropriate, whether a federal tax return must accompany Form W-7, and which supporting documents are likely to be needed.
2. Information Request
If the application appears appropriate, we send you an information-request form. You provide the personal, tax, immigration, and contact information needed to prepare the application.
We may also request clear color scans of your passport and other supporting documents for the initial review. These scans help us prepare the application but do not replace the original documents or issuing-agency-certified copies required for final verification.
3. Engagement and Payment
After the scope of the service is confirmed, you purchase the service and provide payment confirmation. We begin preparing the application after payment and the required information have been received.
If a federal tax return must be prepared with the ITIN application, we confirm whether that work is included in the engagement or requires a separate service.
4. Form W-7 and Application Preparation
We prepare Form W-7 and organize the supporting application package based on the information and documents you provide.
The package may include a federal tax return, exception documentation, identification records, visa or entry information, and other supporting material required for your circumstances.
5. Client Review and Signatures
We send the prepared documents to you for review. You must confirm that the information is complete and accurate and sign the documents where required.
You return the signed documents to us using the delivery method we provide.
Document Verification and IRS Submission
6. Identification-Document Delivery
For final verification, the Certifying Acceptance Agent must have your original identification documents or copies certified by the issuing agency in their possession.
We provide instructions for sending the documents securely. The documents required depend on your application. A valid passport may establish both identity and foreign status, while some applicants must provide additional records.
7. CAA Interview and Document Verification
After the required documents are received, we arrange the CAA interview. The interview may be conducted by video conference when permitted under the applicable IRS procedures.
During the interview, the CAA compares you with the identification documents, confirms relevant application information, and completes the required verification procedures.
8. CAA Certification
We certify eligible identity and foreign-status documents in accordance with IRS CAA procedures. Documents that a CAA is not permitted to certify must be provided in the form required by the IRS.
After verification, we return original documents using the agreed delivery method.
9. Submission to the IRS
After receiving the signed documents and completing the required checks, we assemble and submit the ITIN application package to the IRS.
If the application requires a federal tax return, Form W-7 and the supporting documents are submitted with that return. If an exception applies, the required exception documentation is included instead.
10. IRS Processing and Notices
The IRS reviews the application and may approve it, reject it, or request additional information. If the IRS sends a notice concerning the application, you must provide it to us promptly so that we can review the requested action.
If the application is approved, the IRS assigns the ITIN and mails an assignment notice to the mailing address entered on Form W-7. Your mailing address must therefore be complete, accurate, and able to receive IRS correspondence.
Documents We May Request
The exact documents depend on the applicant and the federal tax purpose. For the initial review, we may request:
- a clear color scan of the passport or other identification documents;
- visa, U.S. entry-date, or residency information, when applicable;
- details of the federal tax return to be filed;
- records supporting a Form W-7 exception, when applicable;
- entity documents or EIN confirmation, when relevant; and
- prior IRS correspondence concerning an ITIN application.
For final CAA verification, we will provide a tailored list of the original documents or issuing-agency-certified copies that must be delivered to us.
Your Responsibilities and Important Limitations
Your Responsibilities
- Provide complete and accurate information.
- Review the prepared application and tax documents carefully before signing.
- Return signed documents within the requested time.
- Provide original identification documents or issuing-agency-certified copies when required.
- Attend the scheduled CAA interview and follow the verification instructions.
- Maintain a valid mailing address and promptly share any IRS notice you receive.
Important Limitations
- An ITIN is issued only by the IRS. We cannot guarantee approval or a particular processing date.
- An ITIN does not authorize work in the United States or provide immigration status.
- An ITIN does not guarantee access to a bank account, payment processor, credit, or another financial service.
- The IRS generally advises allowing about seven weeks for processing. Processing may take nine to eleven weeks during January 15 through April 30 or when applying from overseas, and it may take longer if the application is incomplete or the IRS requests additional information.
- If Form W-7 is filed with a federal tax return, the IRS processes the return after completing the ITIN application.
Common Questions During the Process
Can the entire process be completed using scanned documents?
No. Scans may be used for the initial review, but final CAA verification requires original identification documents or copies certified by the issuing agency.
Will my original passport be sent to the IRS?
When we can certify an eligible document under the CAA procedures, the original document generally does not need to be submitted to the IRS. Some documents cannot be certified by a CAA and must be submitted in the form required by the IRS.
When will I receive my ITIN?
The IRS, not 4SYTE, decides the application and mails the assignment notice. Processing time varies, and additional review or missing information can cause delays.
You can verify our status on the IRS list of acceptance agents in Pakistan.
Ready to Begin the ITIN Process?
We can review your federal tax purpose, prepare Form W-7 and the supporting application package, complete the applicable CAA verification procedures, and submit the completed application to the IRS.
Apply for an ITIN