Let's start at the beginning. There are two types of acceptance agents.
1. An Acceptance Agent (AA) can prepare the paperwork only. They cannot check your ID documents. The originals will need to be sent with the application.
2. A CERTIFIED Acceptance Agent (CAA) can complete the full application, certify your ID documents and ensure the renewal goes through.
To be clear, the renewal happens by the ITIN unit not by the acceptance agent - the job of the agent is to complete the paperwork and ensure it is complete and correct, perform all checks in terms of eligibility and then either attach the original ID documents (AA) or check the ID documents and sign a W-7COA (certificate of Accuracy) to the application (CAA).
Why am I being asked to renew my ITIN?
ITINs are being renewed on a staggered schedule - all ITINs ever issued are being renewed (and have been renewed) since 2013. Separately, you only need to renew if filing a US tax return. Where you have not filed for 3 years or more, new rules apply from 2015, which require you to renew if filing after this non filing period. If you have received a letter and do not file or are not required to file, the ITIN can still be used for reporting purposes (e.g. you receive dividend income).
I received a letter to renew - do I need to?
As above - you only need to renew if you are filing a US tax return - if not filing, then there is no need to renew. The letters are generated automatically.
Contact us if you need to renew or have any further questions:
t: 0208 1444632
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