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Last updated September 3, 2026
The IRS charges $0 to issue an ITIN. Any amount you pay is for preparation, document authentication, tax-return work, translation, shipping, or professional assistance—not for purchasing the number from the government. Form5472 Prep charges $349 for Form W-7 preparation and CAA certification so the original passport does not have to be mailed to the IRS.
If that scope matches what you need, start the $349 ITIN application.
ITIN cost comparison
The real comparison is not “free ITIN versus paid ITIN.” It is a choice among application routes with different work, document handling, travel, and support.
| Route | IRS fee | Possible additional cost | Passport handling | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mail directly to IRS | $0 | Certified copies, shipping, return preparation | Original or issuing-agency-certified copy may be submitted | Applicant comfortable assembling the full package |
| IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center | $0 | Travel and any separate return preparation | Most documents authenticated and returned at appointment | Applicant who can attend a U.S. appointment |
| Participating VITA site | $0 | Usually none for qualifying services | Authentication available at limited locations | Eligible applicant near a participating site |
| Certifying Acceptance Agent | $0 IRS fee | Agent’s professional fee | CAA authenticates most permitted documents | Applicant prioritizing guidance and passport control |
| Form5472 Prep CAA service | $0 IRS fee | $349 flat service fee | No original-passport mailing to IRS | Non-resident wanting W-7 preparation and CAA certification |
The IRS comparison of ITIN application options identifies TAC and VITA services as free and CAAs as fee-based. Availability and the scope of tax-return help vary.
What should an ITIN service fee cover?
A clear engagement should state exactly what is included. Ask whether the quoted amount covers:
- an eligibility and reason-code review;
- Form W-7 preparation;
- CAA authentication of the relevant identity documents;
- preparation of Form W-7(COA), when applicable;
- assembly and submission of the ITIN package;
- delivery tracking;
- receipt of a copy of the ITIN notice;
- responses to an IRS document or application question; and
- preparation of the attached U.S. income tax return.
Do not assume that “ITIN service” automatically includes the tax return. Many W-7 applications require an attached return, while others use an exception package. Return preparation can be a separate service with a separate fee.
Why pay a CAA when the IRS is free?
The value is controlled document handling and application support—not faster government processing. According to the IRS Acceptance Agent comparison, a CAA can authenticate most supporting documents, return them immediately, help complete Form W-7, send the package, and work with the IRS on application issues.
That can matter when the applicant lives outside the United States, needs the passport for travel, or does not want to send an original document through international mail. A paid service can also reduce preventable inconsistencies, but it cannot guarantee that the IRS approves the application.
What the $349 Form5472 Prep fee includes
The current Form5472 Prep ITIN offer includes:
- guided intake for the W-7 reason;
- Form W-7 preparation;
- identity-document certification through an IRS-authorized CAA;
- submission to the IRS ITIN Unit; and
- follow-up support if the IRS asks a question about the application.
The applicant’s original passport is not mailed to the IRS. The IRS—not Form5472 Prep—assigns the number and controls processing time.
Avoid paying for an ITIN you do not need
An ITIN must have a federal tax purpose. The IRS specifically states that an ITIN is not issued solely for a bank account, ecommerce, or starting a business. A foreign owner may need an EIN for the LLC while having no personal ITIN requirement.
If the goal is only to obtain a business tax number for a foreign-owned U.S. LLC, compare the EIN service instead. If the goal is only Form 5472, read whether an ITIN is actually required before ordering.
The buying decision
Choose a free route when you understand the W-7 package, can access a suitable appointment or handle certified documents, and are comfortable managing IRS follow-up. Choose a CAA service when preserving control of the original passport and receiving application support is worth the professional fee.
Apply for the $349 ITIN service only after confirming the federal tax purpose. You will receive the intake and payment steps online.
Prices and service scope checked September 3, 2026. Educational information only; not tax or legal advice.