ITIN for Non-US Residents: Complete Guide 2026

ITIN for Non-US Residents: Complete Guide 2026

If you're a non-US resident wanting to start a business in the United States, you'll need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). This guide explains everything you need to know about getting your ITIN without visiting America.

What is an ITIN?

An ITIN is a 9-digit tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It's designed for people who don't have and aren't eligible for a Social Security Number but need to file US taxes or open US bank accounts. The format looks like this: 9XX-XX-XXXX (always starts with 9).

Why Do Non-US Residents Need an ITIN?

If you're forming a US LLC as a foreign entrepreneur, you need an ITIN to:

- Open US bank accounts (required by most banks like Mercury, Relay, and Wise)

- Be listed as an LLC member or owner

- File US tax returns if required

- Receive payments from US companies

- Apply for business licenses in some states

Without an ITIN, you can form an LLC and get an EIN, but you'll struggle to open a US bank account, which makes running your business difficult.

How to Get an ITIN as a Non-US Resident

There are three ways to apply for an ITIN:

Method 1: Mail your original passport to the IRS (Not Recommended) Most people don't want to mail their only passport to a government agency and wait months to get it back.

Method 2: Visit an IRS office in person (Not Practical) You'd need to travel to the US just to apply, which defeats the purpose of remote business formation.

Method 3: Use a Certifying Acceptance Agent (Best Option) A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) is IRS-authorized to verify your documents and submit certified copies. You keep your original passport. This is the fastest and safest method.

ITIN Application Timeline

Here's what to expect:

- Preparation: 1-3 days to gather documents

- Submission: CAA submits to IRS

- Processing: 7-11 weeks (standard)

- Tax season delays: 12-16 weeks (January-April)

Unfortunately, ITIN processing cannot be expedited, even if you pay extra.

Documents Required for ITIN You'll need:

- Valid passport (original or certified copy)

- Completed Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

- Proof of foreign status

- Supporting documents showing why you need an ITIN (such as LLC formation documents)

A Certifying Acceptance Agent can help you prepare everything correctly.

ITIN vs EIN: What's the Difference?

Many people confuse ITIN and EIN:

- ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number): For individuals who need to file taxes but don't have an SSN

- EIN (Employer Identification Number): For businesses (like your LLC)

When you form an LLC, you get an EIN for the business. But you personally need an ITIN to be listed as the owner and open bank accounts.

Can You Form an LLC Without an ITIN?

Yes! You can form a US LLC and get an EIN without an ITIN. However, you'll need the ITIN later to:

- Open US bank accounts

- Be listed as an LLC member in some states

- File certain tax forms

Most entrepreneurs get both at the same time to avoid delays.

Best States for Non-Resident LLCs

The most popular states for international entrepreneurs are:

- Delaware: Best privacy, strong legal protections, $110 state fee

- Wyoming: Lowest cost, excellent privacy, $100 state fee

- Florida: Good if you'll have physical presence, $125 state fee

Each state has different advantages depending on your business type.

Opening a US Bank Account with Your ITIN

Once you have your ITIN, you can open accounts with:

- Mercury: Popular for startups and online businesses

- Relay: Multiple accounts for different purposes

- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Great for international transfers

These banks allow 100% remote account opening for non-residents.

Common ITIN Mistakes to Avoid

- Mailing your original passport: Use a CAA instead

- Applying during tax season: Processing takes longer January-April

- Incomplete applications: Missing documents cause rejections

- Not keeping copies: Always keep copies of everything you submit

ITIN Renewal

ITINs expire if not used on a tax return for three consecutive years. If yours expires, you'll need to renew it using the same Form W-7 process.

How LetdoX Can Help

At LetdoX, we're IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents. We handle your entire ITIN application using certified copies of your documents. You keep your original passport safe.

Our ITIN service includes:

- Complete Form W-7 preparation

- Document certification

- IRS submission

- Application tracking

- Email support

We also offer complete LLC formation packages that include LLC setup, EIN, ITIN, and virtual business address starting at $464.

Ready to Start Your US Business?

Getting your ITIN is a crucial step in launching your US business as a non-resident. With the right help, the process is straightforward and secure.

Visit letdox.com/itin to get started today, or contact us at info@letdox.com with questions.