Question of the Week
Please continue sending your questions to our knowledgeable representatives by using the
contact us form. Your question may very well be featured here next week in our latest round of answering our customers most asked questions.
Our most frequently asked question this week is: When can I file my tax return for 2011?
We anticipate that our system will be approved by the IRS on January 6, 2012, so that will be the first day you will be able to file your taxes for 2011 with efile411.com
Older Questions:
This week we have two pressing questions that taxpapers are asking, which are How long do I have to keep my tax records to be in compliance with IRS regulations? and What are acceptable taxpayer identification number's and how do I get one?
To answer the first question efile411 has developed a comprehensive
Record Retention Guide to help determine what to keep and save and for how long. Follow our link to our
Record Retention Guide for the most up to date information.
The second question, What is are acceptable taxpayer identification numbers and how do I get one, is answered below:
Each taxpayer who files a tax return must have an identifying number. In addition, each dependent claimed on a tax return must have an identifying number. The identifying number can be a Social Security Number, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Social Security Number
A Social Security Number is an identifying number issued by the Social Security Administration. The only Social Security Numbers valid for tax filing are ones issued to U.S. citizens, noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or noncitizens permitted to work permanently in the United States.
To apply for a Social Security Number you will need to file
Form SS-5.
Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number
The IRS issues an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) as a temporary identification number for the child of a domestic adoption. This number is assigned when the adopting taxpayers are unable to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) for the child.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is an identifying number issued by the IRS. The number is only valid for filing your tax return. The IRS issues ITINs to filers or dependents who do not have a Social Security Number and are not eligible to receive one. ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status.
An ITIN is only used for tax reporting. An ITIN does not:
- Authorize a person to work in the United States
- Provide eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Provide eligibility for the earned income credit
When applying for an ITIN you will need to provide proof of identity. The documents will need to prove your identity and foreign status. If you have an unexpired passport you will not need any other form of identity. If you do not have a valid passport you will need to provide a notarized or certified copy of at least two of the following document types:
- National identification card
- U.S. or foreign driver's license
- Civil birth certificate
- U.S. state identification card
- Foreign voter's registration card
- U.S. or foreign military identification card
- Visa
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services photo identification
- Medical records (dependents under 14 years old only)
- School records (dependents or students under 25 years old only)
To apply for an ITIN, use one of these options:
- Attach Form W-7 to your federal income tax return.
- Use the services of an IRS authorized Acceptance Agent.
- Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
These are our staff's answers to your tax questions this week. If you have a follow-up question or a comment please contact us.