ITIN Application in Greenville, SC
Looking for help with your ITIN application? Quetzal Taxes in Greenville, SC, helps you apply for an ITIN right here — no need to mail your passport or original documents to the IRS. As an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent, we verify your identity documents in person so you keep them safe. Bilingual service in English and Spanish.
Years Serving Greenville
What Is an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. An ITIN allows individuals who don’t qualify for a Social Security number to file a federal tax return and report income in the U.S.
Your ITIN is not a work permit. It does not change your immigration status. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a tax identification number — nothing more. The IRS uses it to process your tax return, issue your refund, and track your taxpayer records.
If you earn income in the U.S. without a Social Security number, you are legally required to apply for an ITIN and file your taxes. With an ITIN, you may also qualify for valuable tax credits like the Child Tax Credit and the credit for other dependents — potentially worth thousands of dollars.
Who Needs an ITIN??
You need to apply for an ITIN if you have a federal tax filing requirement but are not eligible for a Social Security number. The IRS issues an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to any taxpayer with a U.S. tax obligation who cannot get an SSN. Common situations:
- You work in the U.S. without an SSN — If you earn taxable income and need to file a federal tax return, apply for an ITIN so you can file correctly.
- You are a nonresident alien with U.S. income. — Foreign nationals who earn money in the U.S. — from wages, rent, investments, or a taxable scholarship — must report income with a taxpayer identification number.
- You are claiming tax treaty benefits — If your country has a tax treaty with the U.S. and you want to claim tax treaty benefits, you need an ITIN on your return.
- Your spouse or dependents need a tax ID — If your spouse or dependents don't have Social Security numbers, each will need their own ITIN to be included on your return.
- You are a foreign status individual — Resident aliens, nonresident aliens, and their spouses or dependents can apply for an ITIN regardless of immigration status.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Contact us, and we’ll help you figure it out in minutes.
How to Apply for an ITIN in Greenville, SC
You can apply for an ITIN by mail, in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent like Quetzal Taxes. Here’s why working with us is the easiest way to apply for an ITIN and file your tax return:
Step 1: Call Us to Set Up Your Visit
Call +1 (864) 246-1117 or send us a message to set up your ITIN appointment. We'll tell you exactly what to bring. Our office is open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM (closed Wednesdays and Sundays).
Step 2: Bring Your Documents
Bring your passport, any supporting documents, and your income records (W-2s, 1099s, or other proof of income). We'll go through everything with you. Check our What to Bring page for the full list.
Step 3: We Verify Your Identity
As IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents, we review and certify your identity documents on the spot. This means you do not have to mail your original passport or national identification card to the IRS. You keep your documents — we send certified copies on your behalf.
Step 4: We Complete and Submit Your Application
Our team fills out IRS Form W-7 (the ITIN application form), attaches your federal tax return, and submits the complete Form W-7 package to the IRS. We review every form line by line, so nothing gets rejected or delayed.
Step 5: You Get Your ITIN
After you submit your application, it typically takes 7 to 11 weeks for the Internal Revenue Service to process it and mail you your assigned ITIN. During peak tax season, it may take a bit longer. You can check the status of your ITIN application 7 weeks after you submit your Form W-7.
Important: Notarized copies are not accepted by the IRS. You must provide original documents or a certified copy from the issuing agency. If you apply by mail, your originals will be returned within 60 days, but mailing a passport is risky. Work with a Certifying Acceptance Agent instead — we create a certified copy of each document so you never mail the originals.
Documents You Need for Your ITIN Application
A valid passport is the only document that proves both your identity and foreign status by itself. If you don’t have a passport, you’ll need at least two of the following:
- National identification card (with photo, name, address, date of birth, and expiration date)
- Civil birth certificate
- Foreign voter's registration card
- U.S. visa
- Foreign military identification card
- Medical records (for dependents under age 6 only)
- U.S. state ID or driver's license
- Foreign driver's license
You also need:
- A completed IRS Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Your federal tax return (filed with your Form W-7 application)
- Proof of income (W-2, 1099, or other documentation)
Important: Notarized copies are not accepted by the IRS. You must provide original documents or a certified copy from the issuing agency. If you apply by mail, your originals will be returned within 60 days, but mailing a passport is risky. Work with a Certifying Acceptance Agent instead — we create a certified copy of each document so you never mail the originals.
Ready to Apply for Your ITIN? Let Us Handle It.
Our Greenville, SC, office has helped the community apply for ITINs since 2002. You don’t have to pay extra or visit multiple offices. Call +1 (864) 246-1117 or contact us to set up your visit.
Why an ITIN Matters — Benefits of Filing Taxes
Getting an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and filing your federal tax return is more than just a legal requirement. It opens doors for every taxpayer:
- Build a tax record — Filing taxes year after year shows you pay what you owe and follow the law. It proves to the IRS that you are a responsible taxpayer.
- Claim tax credits — ITIN filers can qualify for the Child Tax Credit, the credit for other dependents, and more — potentially worth thousands of dollars.
- Open bank accounts — Many banks accept an ITIN to open checking and savings accounts, helping you build a financial history.
- Support immigration cases — Tax records can serve as evidence of presence and financial responsibility in certain immigration proceedings. Read our Immigration and Taxes guide for details.
- Apply for a mortgage or loan — Some lenders accept ITINs for home loans and personal loans, so filing helps you build credit.
Filing your taxes with an ITIN protects you and your family. Every taxpayer who files on time is doing the right thing — and gains access to benefits only available to people who file.
ITIN Renewal — Is Your ITIN Still Valid?
ITINs that have not been used on a federal tax return for three years in a row will expire. If your ITIN has an expiration date that has passed — or if it has middle digits 70–88 — you may need to renew your existing ITIN before you can file your next return.
Don’t wait until the last minute to renew an expired ITIN. Quetzal Taxes handles the entire process — we complete the form and submit everything to the IRS so it’s ready before your next tax return is due.
We Answer Your Questions
Got questions about the ITIN application process? Here are the answers ITIN applicants ask us most often.
Do you have any further questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly. We respond quickly and without obligation.
What is an ITIN, and who needs one?
An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — a nine-digit tax processing number the IRS issues to people who need to file a federal tax return but aren’t eligible for a Social Security number. Nonresident aliens, undocumented workers, and their spouses and dependents are the most common ITIN applicants.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
It typically takes 7 to 11 weeks for the IRS to process your ITIN application and mail you your number. During tax season, it can take longer. The IRS does not expedite ITIN applications, so the sooner you apply, the better.
What documents do I need for my ITIN application?
A passport is the simplest option — it proves both identity and foreign status. Without a passport, you need at least two other documents, like a national identification card and a birth certificate. You also need a completed Form W-7 and your federal tax return.
Can I file taxes while I wait for my ITIN?
Yes — your tax return is submitted with your ITIN application. We attach your federal tax return to your Form W-7 and send both to the IRS together. Once the IRS processes your ITIN and your return, you’ll get your tax refund.
Does having an ITIN affect my immigration status?
No. The IRS issues ITINs for tax purposes only. The IRS does not share taxpayer information with immigration services. Your ITIN does not grant work authorization, change your status, or make you eligible for Social Security benefits.
How much does an ITIN application cost at Quetzal Taxes?
Our ITIN application fees are fair and clear. The cost covers Form W-7 preparation, document review, certification by our Certifying Acceptance Agents, and submission to the IRS. Contact us for current pricing. We give you CPA-level service at a price you can afford.
What Our Clients Say
Get Your ITIN — Start Today
Don’t let paperwork hold you back. Quetzal Taxes has helped the Greenville community apply for ITINs and file taxes for over 20 years. Our IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents make the whole process simple — in English or Spanish. Whether you need to apply for an ITIN or file a return with an existing one, call +1 (864) 246-1117 or contact us to set up your visit.