FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) is a U.S. tax law that requires foreign persons selling U.S. real estate to file the necessary IRS tax documents and potentially have tax withheld on the sale proceeds to ensure compliance with U.S. tax obligations.

What is a FIRPTA withholding certificate?

A FIRPTA withholding certificate is an IRS authorization that can reduce or eliminate the standard percentage withheld on the sale price of U.S. real estate by a foreign seller when the actual tax liability is expected to be lower.

What is FIRPTA and who needs to file a FIRPTA return?

FIRPTA applies to foreign persons (non-U.S. residents and entities) who sell U.S. real property interests. Foreign sellers and their representatives may need to submit FIRPTA filings to comply with IRS requirements.

Who can benefit from FIRPTA Tax Returns’ services?

Professionals such as real estate agents, title agents, attorneys, brokers, and foreign buyers and sellers benefit from FIRPTA Tax Returns’ services. The team helps simplify compliance and manage all required tax documents.

How can FIRPTA Tax Returns help streamline my closing process?

FIRPTA Tax Returns handles FIRPTA-related documentation, including forms and affidavits, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations so you can focus on completing the real estate transaction without delay.

How does FIRPTA Tax Returns assist with reducing or eliminating withholding at closing?

They provide expertise in obtaining FIRPTA withholding certificates, which can reduce or eliminate the amount withheld at closing by demonstrating lower expected tax liability to the IRS.

Do I have to send my original passport or identity documents to the IRS?

No. As Certified Acceptance Agents (CAA), FIRPTA Tax Returns can certify original passports, visas, or national ID documents without submitting them to the IRS, keeping your important documents safe.

What is an ITIN and do I need one to file a FIRPTA return?

An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number required for non-U.S. residents who need to file U.S. taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. Foreign sellers typically need an ITIN for FIRPTA filings.

Can FIRPTA Tax Returns help me get an early refund?

Yes. FIRPTA Tax Returns assists with preparing and submitting documents to file for an early refund, potentially within the same tax year rather than waiting for the next filing season.

What other tax services does FIRPTA Tax Returns offer?

Besides FIRPTA filings, they offer accounting and tax services including IRS income tax returns, payroll tax filings, corporate tax filings, and tax consulting for audits and examinations.

How experienced is the FIRPTA Tax Returns team?

The team has over 43 years of combined experience in tax preparation and compliance, helping clients manage complex U.S. tax filings with confidence.

Is there a cost for a consultation with FIRPTA Tax Returns?

No. FIRPTA Tax Returns offers a free consultation to assess your needs and explain how they can assist you.

Understanding ITIN Certified Acceptance Agents and Their Role in U.S. Tax Compliance

Certified Acceptance Agent

Every year, thousands of foreign investors and non-resident aliens file tax documents in the United States. But many of them face one common obstacle, getting an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The process can be time-consuming and confusing without proper guidance.

That’s where an ITIN Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) steps in. These authorized professionals simplify the application and verification process, ensuring compliance with IRS rules while saving applicants time and frustration.

In this blog, we will explore what an ITIN Certified Acceptance Agent does, how they can help you file correctly, and why choosing a qualified firm like FIRPTA Tax Returns can make all the difference.

What is an ITIN and Why is it Needed?

An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is issued by the IRS to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). It is primarily used by foreign nationals, non-resident aliens, and others who need to file taxes or report income earned in the United States.

Some common reasons you might need an ITIN include:

You are a non-resident alien required to file a U.S. tax return.
You are a dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
You are an investor or property owner earning income in the U.S. under FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act).

The ITIN ensures that you can file your taxes legally, claim treaty benefits, and receive refunds if applicable.

Who is an ITIN Certified Acceptance Agent?

A Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) is an individual or organization authorized by the IRS to assist applicants in obtaining an ITIN. CAAs have undergone specialized training and maintain a valid agreement with the IRS to review original identification documents and submit Form W-7 on behalf of taxpayers.

Unlike regular tax preparers, a CAA can verify passports and other identification documents directly, eliminating the need to mail sensitive original documents to the IRS. This makes the process faster, safer, and far more reliable, especially for foreign applicants who cannot risk losing their original identification.

How an ITIN Certified Acceptance Agent Helps You?

Working with an ITIN Certified Acceptance Agent offers a smoother, guided experience through the IRS application maze.

Here’s how a CAA supports you at every stage:

Document Verification: A CAA reviews your identification documents, such as passports, visas, or birth certificates, and certifies them for IRS submission.
Form W-7 Completion: They help you accurately complete Form W-7, minimizing the risk of rejection due to incomplete or incorrect information.
Submission Assistance: CAAs can submit your ITIN application directly to the IRS on your behalf.
Follow-up and Tracking: They track the progress of your application and assist in responding to any IRS inquiries.
FIRPTA Compliance: For foreign real estate investors, CAAs ensure your ITIN is correctly linked with your FIRPTA withholding documents for seamless reporting and refund claims.

This professional guidance saves weeks of delay and helps maintain full tax compliance for non-resident individuals and businesses.

The Benefits of Using a Certified Acceptance Agent

Hiring a Certified Acceptance Agent for your ITIN application has several key advantages:

Accuracy: CAAs understand IRS documentation standards, which reduces the likelihood of rejection.
Security: No need to send your original passport or documents by mail.
Convenience: The process can often be handled remotely, especially for international clients.
Faster Processing: CAAs expedite verification and submission, ensuring faster ITIN issuance.
Compliance Assurance: Ideal for investors involved in FIRPTA transactions who must meet strict reporting requirements.

By partnering with a reliable CAA service like FIRPTA Tax Returns, you ensure your ITIN application meets every IRS guideline.

Common Documents Required for ITIN Application

To apply for an ITIN through a Certified Acceptance Agent, you will typically need:

Document Type	Example
Proof of Identity	Passport, National ID Card
Proof of Foreign Status	Visa, Birth Certificate
Tax Document	Form 1040NR, FIRPTA withholding certificate, or other IRS form

Additional documentation may be required depending on your tax situation. The CAA will guide you on the exact requirements based on your eligibility and purpose of application.

How to Apply for an ITIN Through a CAA?

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to applying for your ITIN with help from a Certified Acceptance Agent:

Initial Consultation: Discuss your tax filing or FIRPTA requirements with the CAA.
Document Preparation: Gather and verify your identification and supporting tax documents.
Form W-7 Review: The CAA completes and reviews your IRS Form W-7.
Certification: Your documents are certified by the CAA without needing to mail originals.
Submission to IRS: The CAA submits your application to the IRS.
Tracking and Approval: The agent monitors progress and notifies you once your ITIN is approved.

This process usually takes 6–8 weeks, but CAAs often reduce delays by ensuring all documents meet IRS criteria from the start.

Why Choose FIRPTA Tax Returns?

FIRPTA Tax Returns specializes in helping non-resident investors, property owners, and foreign individuals navigate U.S. tax laws efficiently. Our team includes experienced certified acceptance agents who handle ITIN applications, FIRPTA withholding, and IRS documentation with accuracy and confidentiality.

Whether you are buying property, selling under FIRPTA, or filing your annual return, we streamline the process and ensure you stay fully compliant with IRS standards.

Simplify Your ITIN Process with a Certified Acceptance Agent

Obtaining an ITIN doesn’t have to be stressful. With the guidance of an ITIN Certified Acceptance Agent, you can complete your application correctly, protect your documents, and ensure timely processing.

If you are a foreign investor or non-resident earning income in the U.S., let FIRPTA Tax Returns guide you every step of the way. From ITIN applications to FIRPTA compliance, our Certified Acceptance Agents make U.S. tax filing straightforward and secure.

Contact FIRPTA Tax Returns today to schedule your consultation and get your ITIN processed smoothly by a Certified Acceptance Agent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between an ITIN and a Social Security Number (SSN)?

An ITIN is issued to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number but need to file taxes in the U.S. It functions only for tax purposes, unlike an SSN, which is used for employment and social benefits. Foreign investors, non-resident aliens, and dependents of U.S. taxpayers commonly apply for ITINs.

How long does it take to get an ITIN with a Certified Acceptance Agent?

Processing time typically ranges from six to eight weeks after submission. Working with a Certified Acceptance Agent ensures that your application is error-free and verified, which helps prevent IRS delays or rejections.

Can a CAA help with expired ITIN renewals?

Yes. Certified Acceptance Agents are authorized to assist with ITIN renewals as well. They help verify your documents and resubmit your application before the expiration date, ensuring continued compliance with IRS filing requirements.

Do I have to be in the U.S. to apply for an ITIN through a CAA?

No, many CAAs offer remote services. FIRPTA Tax Returns, for example, helps clients globally through secure online verification and document submission, allowing you to apply without physically visiting the U.S.

What happens if my ITIN application gets rejected?

If the IRS rejects your application, a CAA can review the reasons for denial, correct any issues, and resubmit your documents. Errors are usually related to missing identification or incorrect forms, which can easily be avoided through professional review.

How can FIRPTA Tax Returns help with FIRPTA-related ITIN needs?

FIRPTA Tax Returns specializes in handling ITIN applications for property transactions under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act. Their Certified Acceptance Agents ensure your ITIN aligns with your FIRPTA withholding and tax reporting, preventing delays in refunds or compliance issues.