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This portion of the training consists of one introductory video, six training modules, and one online test. You can complete this at your own pace, and come back to it at any time when you need a refresher.
Introduction
What can I expect in this training?
Module One: Background
Module Two: Completing Form W7
Module Three: Signing Form W7
Module Four: Residency Test
Module Five: The Process (no video)
Module Six: Tax Law Changes
The Quiz
Relax. This is just to make sure you were paying attention to the training, so that when you arrive at one of our sites the first day, you'll be prepared to start helping clients. You have three tries, so if you don't get it the first try you simply review the modules, ask us questions (through the "Contact Us" tab) and retake the quiz. To begin your quiz click here.
This portion of the training consists of one introductory video, six training modules, and one online test. You can complete this at your own pace, and come back to it at any time when you need a refresher.
Introduction
What can I expect in this training?
Module One: Background
Module Two: Completing Form W7
- We are only completing Form W7 in TaxSlayer for ITIN applications. If the taxpayer is renewing an ITIN, enter the ITIN as you usually would. Form W7 will not be generated. The W7 will be completed with the taxpayer when they come during ITIN hours.
Module Three: Signing Form W7
- If a client needs to mail the W7 to Mexico for the applicant to sign, please print a blank Form W-7. Do not give the client the W7 that generates from TaxSlayer; it prints the form with today's date, and we want to avoid putting a date on the form until everything is ready to submit to the IRS.
Module Four: Residency Test
- Review these slides for some additional information about resident and nonresident aliens.
- This "Form 1040 or 1040NR?" screening tool will be laminated and available at every site.
Module Five: The Process (no video)
- Review these slides for more information on ITIN renewals.
- Do you need to renew your ITIN? The first page of this tool is to assist you in identifying which ITINs need to be renewed. The second page is to guide preparers when preparing the return. Make sure to follow those steps every time!
- How to Get or Renew an ITIN - We are now able to authenticate original identification documents for clients. This means they no longer need to mail original ID documents to the IRS. Please note: any applicants who are not present (i.e. clients living in another country) will still need to mail their original IDs to the IRS.
- Three Myths about the ITIN process:
- Myth #1: The tax centers will provide the client with their ITIN number when we meet with them. False. The ITIN is issued by the IRS and takes 2 months to be processed and for the ITIN letter to be sent to the client. We help clients submit all the required paperwork to the IRS.
- Myth #2: When an ITIN is renewed, the client gets a new number. False. The ITIN never changes. Even though the number “expires,” the client keeps the same number when renewing it.
- Myth #3: An ITIN applicant needs to first get the ITIN and then file their tax return. False. The tax return is submitted with the ITIN application. The IRS assigns the client an ITIN and then processes the return with the new ITIN.
- Myth #4: Clients applying for or renewing their ITIN have to get their refund as a mailed check. False. Clients can have a return prepared as Paper and still receive their refund as a direct deposit.
Module Six: Tax Law Changes
- Spouses and dependents living outside the United States must qualify for an allowable tax benefit to apply for or renew an ITIN. Read more here.
- All dependents living within the United States (including those from Mexico) must provide proof of residency here. Some examples include a passport stamped with a date of entry; a medical record for dependents under 6 years old; a school record for dependents 6 - 17 years old; or a school record, bank statement, utility bill, or other document for a dependent 18 years or older. Check out this new document with all possible options for what each taxpayer can present for an ITIN application or renewal. We will have this document printed (in English and Spanish) at tax sites and available to hand out to clients.
The Quiz
Relax. This is just to make sure you were paying attention to the training, so that when you arrive at one of our sites the first day, you'll be prepared to start helping clients. You have three tries, so if you don't get it the first try you simply review the modules, ask us questions (through the "Contact Us" tab) and retake the quiz. To begin your quiz click here.