How to get an ITIN in Mexico through an acceptance agent

From Mexico, you apply for an ITIN on Form W-7. You can mail it to the IRS or use a certifying acceptance agent in the United States or abroad.

Who needs an ITIN

The IRS says you need an ITIN if you have a federal tax purpose and you are not eligible for a Social Security number. Reasons on Form W-7 include being a nonresident alien who files a U.S. federal tax return. They also include being a dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen or resident alien. Another reason is a nonresident alien who must get an ITIN to claim a tax treaty benefit.

What an ITIN does not do

An ITIN is for federal tax purposes only. The IRS says it does not qualify you for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit. It does not provide or change immigration status. It does not authorize you to work legally in the U.S.

Attach a tax return, or use an exception

Generally, you attach your original tax return to Form W-7. The instructions list five exceptions. Several cover income with third-party withholding or treaty benefits, mortgage interest, and sales of U.S. real property by a foreign person. Read the instructions to see if you qualify.

What an acceptance agent does

An acceptance agent (AA) can help you complete and file Form W-7. An AA must send original documents, or certified copies from the issuing agency, to the IRS.

A certifying acceptance agent (CAA) can verify original documents and certified copies. The CAA returns your documents right after review. For dependents, a CAA can verify only passports and birth certificates. A CAA must also attach Form W-7 (COA), the Certificate of Accuracy, to each application.

Acceptance agents for Mexico

The IRS has a page called "Acceptance agents - Mexico." It lists acceptance agents with their addresses and phone numbers. Contact them to ask about service, language, and price.

Your documents

If you submit an original valid passport, or a certified copy from the issuing agency, you do not need other documents. Otherwise you must submit at least two types of documents. A foreign passport is the only document that can stand alone.

The IRS list has 13 types. Types that match common Mexican documents include a foreign driver's license, a national identification card, a foreign voter's registration card, and a civil birth certificate. Ask your agent whether your own card fits one of those types.

A certified copy is one that the original issuing agency provides and certifies as an exact copy.

Time and fees

The IRS says to allow 7 weeks for notice of your status. From overseas it can take 9 to 11 weeks. The IRS lists agent services as fee-based, and fees may vary. Ask each agent for the price.

Ways to apply from Mexico

1. By mail. The IRS accepts Form W-7 by mail with original documents or certified copies. The address is Internal Revenue Service, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342.
2. Through an agent. A certifying acceptance agent can work in the United States or abroad.
3. At a Taxpayer Assistance Center. You can do this only while you are in the United States. Call 844-545-5640 for an appointment.

The U.S.-Mexico tax treaty

The IRS lists an income tax treaty with Mexico from 1992, with a protocol from 2003. The Form W-7 instructions say certain nonresident aliens must get an ITIN to claim certain tax treaty benefits, even if they do not have to file a U.S. federal tax return.

Get help from Mexico

From outside the United States, call the IRS at 267-941-1000. It is not a toll-free number.

Before you book

Confirm the current details with the agent and with the IRS before you book. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS. The agent list data comes from the IRS.