Knowledge Center Tax Advice for Specific Needs

How Much Does It Cost to Get an ITIN?

The IRS doesn’t charge anything to process your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) application. Form W-7 is entirely free to submit. According to the IRS, processing takes approximately 7 weeks for standard applications, extending to 9-11 weeks during peak tax season or when applying from overseas. Depending on your method, total costs range from $0 to around $500.

Whether you need an ITIN for your foreign spouse, children born abroad, or yourself as a new resident, we’ll get it right the first time.

What Will Determine My ITIN Cost?

Your final cost depends entirely on which application method you choose. The IRS offers three primary methods for applying, each with distinct cost implications.

Method 1: Mail Your Application Directly to the IRS – Cost: $0

Complete Form W-7, attach your tax return, and mail everything with your original documents to the IRS ITIN Operations Center in Austin, Texas. The catch? You’ll be without your passport for 2-3 months. Hidden costs include international certified mail ($25-$75), accredited document copies ($10-$100 per document), and the risk of rejection requiring resubmission.

Method 2: IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center – Cost: $0

Taxpayer Assistance Centers verify documents in person and return them immediately. However, appointments can take weeks to schedule, and there are limited centers worldwide offering ITIN services.

Method 3: Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) – Cost: $50-$500+

CAAs are IRS-authorized professionals who review Form W-7, authenticate documents, and submit applications on behalf of their clients. Documents are returned the same day, usually within minutes.

Typical pricing:

Basic service: $150-$300 per person
Family packages: $400-$800
With tax prep: $500-$1,000+

Greenback serves as a Certifying Acceptance Agent, which allows us to authenticate your identity documents and submit your ITIN application to the IRS as part of our expat tax services.

Not sure how much your ITIN will cost or which route to take?

Your simple, accurate path to a successful application starts here.

What Hidden Costs Should I Watch Out For?

Document Certification Costs

If you can’t send original documents or work with a CAA, you’ll need certified copies from the issuing agency. Costs include embassy certification ($50+ per document), apostille services ($25-$100 per document), or translation services ($25-$100 per page).

Notarization Isn’t Enough

The IRS requires original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. Standard notarization doesn’t meet IRS requirements and is a common mistake that can lead to rejection.

Rejection Costs

Each rejection results in 2-3 additional months of processing time and may incur additional document certification fees.

How Much Will It Cost for My Specific Situation?

Scenario 1: Married to a non-Citizen

Your spouse needs an ITIN to file jointly and claim the standard deduction ($29,200 for the 2025 tax year).

DIY: $0-$75 (be without a passport for 7-11 weeks)
CAA: $150-$350 (documents returned same day)

Scenario 2: Children Born Abroad

Kids with only ITINs can’t be claimed for the Child Tax Credit but qualify for the Credit for Other Dependents and potentially the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

DIY: $0 per child
CAA: $100-$250 per child
Family packages (2-3 children): $400-$700

Scenario 3: Multiple Family Members

Five ITINs for an entire family:

DIY: $0-$300 (2-3 months without passports)
CAA Family Package: $800-$1,500 (all handled same day)

What If My ITIN Application Gets Rejected?

If rejected, the IRS sends a CP567 notice explaining why. Your documents are returned within 60 days, but you must resubmit, and processing starts over. Working with an experienced CAA avoids common pitfalls and rejection delays.

Is Getting an ITIN Worth the Cost?

Absolutely. Without an ITIN, you can’t file a joint tax return with your non-citizen spouse, claim your foreign-born children as dependents, take advantage of treaty benefits, or claim the standard deduction for married filing jointly.

The tax benefits of having ITINs for your family members typically exceed the application costs many times over. For example, the standard deduction alone for married filing jointly could save you $6,000-$8,000 in taxes compared to filing separately.

More importantly, filing your taxes correctly with all eligible family members included gives you peace of mind. You’re staying compliant, protecting yourself from IRS penalties, and ensuring you’re not overpaying on your taxes. Learn more about who needs an ITIN in our detailed guide.

How Can I Keep My ITIN Costs Low Without Sacrificing Quality?

Time Your Application Right

Avoid tax season (January 15 through April 30) when processing times are longest.

Bundle Family Applications

Most CAAs offer discounted rates when multiple family members apply together. Instead of paying $250 per person ($1,250 for a family of five), family packages typically run $800-$1,000 total.

Include Your ITIN Application With Tax Prep

Many tax preparation firms, including Greenback, offer more competitive ITIN rates when you’re also having your full tax return prepared.

Avoid These Costly Mistakes

Using notarized copies instead of certified copies – Notarization doesn’t meet IRS requirements. You need certified copies from the issuing agency or original documents.
Mailing your passport via regular mail – Always use certified or tracked international mail. Regular mail risks loss and provides no tracking.
Applying without a tax return when required – Most applicants must attach a tax return to Form W-7. Apply only if you qualify for a specific IRS exception.
Waiting until you need your ITIN urgently – Processing takes 7-11 weeks minimum. Start your application at least 3 months before any deadline.

What Documents Do I Need and How Much Will They Cost?

The most common document for ITIN applications is a valid passport, which serves as both identity verification and proof of foreign status. If you already have a passport, there’s no additional document cost when working with a CAA who can verify and return it the same day.

If you can’t use a passport, you’ll need to provide two alternative documents from the IRS-approved list. For expats, obtaining these alternative documents often costs more and takes longer than simply using a passport.

How Long Will It Take to Get My ITIN?

Standard ITIN processing takes approximately 7 weeks, or 9-11 weeks during tax season or for applications from overseas. There is no official expedited service offered by the IRS.

However, working with a CAA can indirectly speed up the process because your application is more likely to be error-free and accepted on first submission, you avoid the delays of international mail both ways, and your documents are verified correctly the first time.

Once you have your ITIN, keep in mind that ITINs can expire if not used on a tax return for three consecutive years, so you’ll want to maintain your filing compliance.

No Matter How Complex Your ITIN Situation, We Can Help

Whether you need one ITIN or five, whether you’re filing on time or catching up from years behind, Greenback has the expertise to guide you through the process smoothly. Our team has filed over 71,000 tax returns for expats in 190+ countries, maintaining a 4.9-star average on TrustPilot.

Your dedicated accountant will:

Review your circumstances and recommend the best filing strategy
Handle all Form W-7 preparation and submission as a Certified Acceptance Agent
Coordinate ITIN applications with your tax return preparation
Ensure you’re claiming every available deduction and credit
Keep your documents safe and return them to you promptly

If you’re ready to be matched with a Greenback accountant, click the get started button below. For general questions on expat taxes or working with Greenback, contact our Customer Champions.

Ready to apply for your ITIN with confidence?

Start your application today with guidance from a Certified Acceptance Agent.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Individual tax situations vary, and you should consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your specific circumstances.