I got bored today and decided to investigate becoming a CAA so that I will be able to fill out forms W-7 (Application for ITIN) for clients and send in certification that I have seen their proof or proofs of eligibility instead of sending in those documents. (For those who don't know, the documents have to be original or certified copies and would have to be sent in unless a CAA is completing and signing the form. Some don't want to mail in things like their passports or driver's licenses and suitable certified copies may be hard to get.) I have several questions.
Even if a CAA is involved, documents (if any) to establish why the applicant is not required to attach a tax return have to be included with the W-7. Furthermore these documents need attestation by a US or foreign notary if they are copies and there's an additional hoop to jump through if the notary is foreign. What I want to know is can the notary for this purpose be a member of the CAA's staff or as would be the case if something involved in a representation case had to be notarized, must I use a notary without connection to my business? (This isn't trivial because a CAA must keep for three years notarized copies of all documents used whether or not sent in.)
How long does it take you to prepare Form W-7 on average once your client gives you the necessary information?
Whether your stated fee is hourly or per form, you must know what you generally charge per hour. Do you build a PIA Increase or Client Attraction Discount into that fee? What do you typically charge for a W-7?
If a client who turns out to be eligible for a Social Security Card wants help filling out the form, can we afford to offer that service or are there reasons (eg the law or our E & O insurer wouldn't like it) why we can't or why you don't?
Even if a CAA is involved, documents (if any) to establish why the applicant is not required to attach a tax return have to be included with the W-7. Furthermore these documents need attestation by a US or foreign notary if they are copies and there's an additional hoop to jump through if the notary is foreign. What I want to know is can the notary for this purpose be a member of the CAA's staff or as would be the case if something involved in a representation case had to be notarized, must I use a notary without connection to my business? (This isn't trivial because a CAA must keep for three years notarized copies of all documents used whether or not sent in.)
How long does it take you to prepare Form W-7 on average once your client gives you the necessary information?
Whether your stated fee is hourly or per form, you must know what you generally charge per hour. Do you build a PIA Increase or Client Attraction Discount into that fee? What do you typically charge for a W-7?
If a client who turns out to be eligible for a Social Security Card wants help filling out the form, can we afford to offer that service or are there reasons (eg the law or our E & O insurer wouldn't like it) why we can't or why you don't?
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