Download IRS Form 7004 (2016) and its instructions. Plain-English guidance for preparation, filing, payments, or amendments related to Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns. Includes tips, deadlines, and eligibility notes. Free case review.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit taxpayer identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for individuals who must comply with U.S. tax laws but are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). Foreign nationals, nonresident aliens, and resident aliens may need an ITIN to file federal tax returns, report income, and meet tax purposes without changing their immigration status.

Download IRS Form 945 (2015) and instructions. Plain-English guide for filing late or amended returns. Free case review.

Returning to society after incarceration often means facing multiple financial and personal challenges at once. One of the most pressing responsibilities is addressing unfiled federal tax returns after imprisonment. Many individuals feel overwhelmed by the idea of preparing a federal tax return, especially if several tax years have passed without filing. Despite these challenges, filing a tax return remains vital to rebuilding financial stability and regaining access to essential benefits such as refunds and tax credits.

Divorce and separation create challenges beyond family and emotional life, often extending into how individuals manage their taxes for an entire tax year. When the IRS considers a person’s filing status, it directly affects how a tax return is filed, which deductions are available, and what credits may apply. State tax issues affecting divorced taxpayers further complicate the situation because state rules may not always match federal tax laws, leaving many people unsure about their obligations. Understanding the connection between joint tax return responsibilities, household filing status, and eligibility for credits can help divorced or separated taxpayers avoid costly mistakes. Whether a person is filing as head of household, filing jointly, or married filing separately, every decision shapes the outcome of the tax year. Choosing the right path requires reviewing the separation agreement, custody arrangements, and income sources such as spousal or child support. These details determine whether a taxpayer is eligible for certain benefits or must share liability with an ex-spouse. This article explains how to handle filing status, child support rules, property transfers, and relief programs. It also highlights how to claim head of household, when to file a joint return, and what options exist for taxpayers filing in complex circumstances. By exploring these issues, readers will gain practical tax advice and learn when to seek help from a qualified tax professional.

The Internal Revenue Service created the individual taxpayer identification number to ensure that people without a Social Security number can still meet their federal tax obligations. ITIN taxpayers include non-U.S. citizens, spouses, and qualifying relatives who live or work in the United States and must file a federal income tax return. Many Spanish-speaking households use this identification to stay compliant with government rules, maintain proof of income, and protect their immigration status while fulfilling tax purposes. This system allows taxpayers to show their income, report dependents, and claim benefits when eligible. Every year, thousands of people complete an ITIN application through Form W-7. The IRS issues these numbers to help workers, students, and families report earned income, claim other dependents, and sometimes request a refund. Some taxpayers apply with original documents, such as a driver’s license or proof of foreign status. Once verification is successful, waiting periods can still affect processing time. Delays may lead to missed credits or notices, so it is essential to complete applications carefully. This guide will explain how to apply for an ITIN, renew an expired ITIN, and file a tax return correctly. It will also cover common audit risks, available deductions, and the role of the IRS taxpayer assistance center and certifying acceptance agent. By following these steps, taxpayers can stay in good standing, keep their money safe, and avoid unnecessary problems with the IRS.