Why Should I File a Tax Return?
What is an ITIN?
Who Can Qualify for an ITIN?
What if I Lose my Eviction Case?
exemptions on the tax return.
How do I Apply for an ITIN?
You can apply for an ITIN by filling out Form W-7, showing documents that prove foreign status and identity, and filing the Form W-7 at the same time that you file your tax return.
To prove Foreign Status you can use a:
The documents to prove identity and foreign status must be current, be the originals, certified copies, or copies signed by a U.S. notary.
The Form W-7 is available in Spanish.
You must fill out the Form W-7 completely and the name listed on the W-7 form must match the name on your documents that prove foreign status and identity.
In the box marked “status” you should put “Resident Alien” if you have a green card or if you have lived in the U.S. for 184 or more days in the present year. You should put “Nonresident Alien” if you do not have a green card or have not been living in the U.S. for 184 days during the past year.
More Information on How to File
You can fill out a form W-7 for a dependent age 13 or younger. You can sign their form if you are a parent or a court-appointed guardian..
You can file the W-7 form with your tax return at a local IRS office. For a list of your local offices go to www.irs.gov or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
How Long Do I Have to Wait to Get My ITIN and How Much Does it Cost?
It takes 4-6 weeks to receive your ITIN. If you do not receive it within this time, then contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
The ITIN is free! If a tax preparer assists you in filling out the form, they may charge a fee. You can seek assistance with the form from your local IRS office for no cost.
- South Carolina Legal Services makes every effort to accommodate the Limited English Proficient community in South Carolina. We provide telephonic interpretation, document translation, and in-person interpretation for meetings with clients and applicants upon their request. We also provide services to the deaf or hard of hearing community and to the blind.
- Consumer & Bankruptcy
- Education
- Employment
- Family
- Federal Income Tax
- Housing
- Migrant Farm Workers
- Probate
- Public Benefits
Additional information may be found at:
LawHelp.org/SC
South Carolina’s guide to free legal resources
This brochure was prepared by South Carolina Legal Services and is provided as a public service.
Copyright retained by South Carolina Legal Services
Printed April 2010
Mission
South Carolina Legal Services is a statewide law firm that provides civil legal services to protect the rights and represent the interests of low-income South Carolinians.
Vision
All low-income South Carolinians will have full and fair access to justice.
Contact Us
1-888-346-5592
Apply Online
www.sclegal.org
www.lawhelp.org/sc
www.probono.net/sc