ITIN Application – Certified Acceptance Agent in Miami

What Is an ITIN and Who Needs One?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service for individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. ITINs are used by foreign nationals, nonresident aliens, their spouses and dependents who have U.S. tax filing or reporting obligations.

Common situations requiring an ITIN include: filing a U.S. tax return as a nonresident alien, being claimed as a spouse or dependent on a U.S. tax return, opening an interest-bearing U.S. bank account, owning rental property or a business in the United States, reporting income from U.S. sources, and meeting tax treaty requirements. In Miami’s international community, ITIN applications are especially common among families with members from Latin America and the Caribbean who have U.S. tax obligations.

Why Use a Certified Acceptance Agent?

When you apply for an ITIN by mailing Form W-7 directly to the IRS, you are required to include your original identity documents – typically your passport. The IRS holds these documents for 60 to 90 days or longer while processing your application, leaving you without your passport during that entire period.

A Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) eliminates this problem. As an IRS-authorized CAA, E Alex Ortiz, CPA, PA can verify your identity documents in person at our Coral Gables office. We examine your original passport (or other qualifying documents), certify copies for the IRS, and return your originals to you the same day. You never have to mail your passport anywhere.

This designation is granted by the IRS only to qualified tax professionals who complete a rigorous application process, pass suitability checks, and demonstrate expertise in ITIN procedures. You can verify our listing on the official IRS Acceptance Agent directory for Florida.

Our ITIN Application Process

Step 1: Consultation – We review your situation to confirm you need an ITIN and determine which supporting documents are required. We explain the process, timeline, and fees so there are no surprises.

Step 2: Document Verification – You bring your original passport and any other required identity documents to our office. We examine the originals, create certified copies, and return your documents to you immediately. No mailing, no waiting, no risk.

Step 3: Form W-7 Preparation – We complete your ITIN application (Form W-7) accurately, attach the certified document copies, and include any required tax return. Errors on the W-7 are the most common reason for ITIN rejections – our experience ensures your application is done right the first time.

Step 4: Submission & Follow-Up – We submit your complete application package to the IRS and monitor its progress. If the IRS has questions or requests additional information, we handle the correspondence on your behalf. Current processing times are typically 7 to 11 weeks.

ITIN Renewals

ITINs that have not been used on a federal tax return at least once in the past three consecutive years expire and must be renewed before they can be used again. Additionally, ITINs with middle digits 70-88 have been systematically expired by the IRS and require renewal.

The renewal process follows the same Form W-7 procedure, and as a Certified Acceptance Agent, we can verify your documents in person for renewals just as we do for new applications. If your ITIN has expired, we recommend renewing it before you need to file your next tax return to avoid processing delays.

ITIN Services for Families

Many Miami families need ITINs for multiple family members – a spouse, children, or elderly dependents who are claimed on a U.S. tax return. We handle family ITIN applications efficiently, verifying documents for all family members in a single office visit. For children under age 18, we can also certify birth certificates and other required documentation.

If you are filing a joint tax return with a spouse who needs an ITIN, we prepare the tax return and ITIN application together as a coordinated package to ensure everything is processed correctly.

Bilingual ITIN Assistance

The ITIN application process can be confusing, especially for individuals whose first language is not English. Our office provides the entire process in both English and Spanish – from the initial consultation through document verification, form preparation, and follow-up with the IRS. We help you understand exactly what is happening at every step.

Conveniently Located in Coral Gables

Our office at 2727 Ponce de Leon Blvd is centrally located in Coral Gables and easily accessible from all of Miami-Dade County. We serve ITIN applicants from Miami, Brickell, Doral, Hialeah, Homestead, Miami Beach, Kendall, and throughout South Florida. Appointments are available Monday through Friday during business hours.