Thursday, September 6, 2012

IRS makes it harder for people to get ITINs


An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) only to an applicant who is not eligible for a social security number.
Last June, the IRS announced that -- at least for awhile -- it will make it harder for non-citizens to get an ITIN.  Formerly, the IRS would allow ITIN applicants to provide copies of identity documents that were notarized, or allow such documents to be submitted through certifying acceptance agents (approved, ironically, by the IRS).
ITIN applicants who submit Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, generally want to be able to file IRS Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, with the IRS.  This is a good thing.
But during this interim period, people who need an ITIN to get their tax returns processed must do so by submitting -- by mail -- their original identity documentation or certified copies of their documentation. Documentation will be accepted at IRS walk-in sites but will be forwarded to the ITIN centralized site for processing.
The IRS says the new procedures are designed to strengthen and protect the integrity of the ITIN process while minimizing the impact on taxpayers.
"The IRS will look to make long-term improvements to the program while minimizing barriers to individuals reporting their income and filing their tax returns," an IRS news release said.  Really?  It's an improvement to make it harder to get an ITIN?
Government used to be for the people.