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    Changes in ITIN application procedure

    Have any of you seen this:



    In one fell swoop they've rendered certifying acceptance agents superfluous and made it significantly more difficult for anyone to obtain an ITIN. It's hard to see just what they're playing at!
    Evan Appelman, EA

    #2
    I think that by making this abrupt change, the issuing of ITINs must somehow be involved in the deluge of filing returns with stolen info. Of course, the IRS will not say.
    You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you.

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      #3
      I never bothered to learn the rules for people not using CAAs. Is it correct to infer that under the old rules, anyone applying directly (without going through a CAA or IRS office) had to send in the original or certified copies of the appropriate documents?

      If so, I can see how one might conclude that the new rules make the CAAs superfluous, but I would disagree. People still appreciate having a local contact to help lead them through the bureaucracy. They'll pay for this service for the same reason they'll pay for tax prep, without understanding or caring about the significance of a CAA designation. I doubt there will be a surge of marketing saying "Come to us, CAAs aren't needed anymore," so there shouldn't be any direct impact on the CAA business.

      There will be indirect impact, from people unwilling to part with their passports or visas for the 60 days involved. My reading of the announcement and FAQ suggests that even if they go to an IRS center, the original documents will still get sent to Austin, so people who want an ITIN really don't have a choice in the matter.

      This could be a serious issue in states like AZ. I haven't read the details of the recent court decision, but I gather that checking ID is still allowed. I imagine that people with legitimate applications and who don't want to part with their passport will need to obtain other documentation. (I'm not sure if all US visas are physically separate from the passport these days.)

      Comment


        #4
        Previously you had the option (without CAA) of sending in either original documentation, or notarized copies of documentation.

        The changes no longer allow notarized copies. They must be certified copies issued by the issuing authority of the documentation - IE, if it's a Mexico passport, you either send the passport itself or a certified copy from Mexico.

        So what is the difference between CAA and the rest of us, in the interim? I can preparer a W-7 the same as a CAA. What benefit do you receive over me?

        Edit: This is just for the interim, come Jan 1st who knows what the rules will be and CAA may have some additional benefits once more.
        Last edited by David1980; 06-27-2012, 11:27 AM.

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