ITIN identification difficulties: non-US newbies

[flyingtadpole]

Non-US !When you're at the happy point of a library telling you to hand over form W8-BEN so they won't take out withholding tax, you need form W7 to get an ITIN. To do that you have to prove you are you, non-resident, for which the easiest way is a passport. Or rather, a notarised copy of the appropriate bits. What the IRS doesn't tell you until you've sent it in is that notarised copies which work OK elsewhere may not work for ITIN purposes. In my case, an Australian Court-certified passport copy is not acceptable because it has not been filled out by a USA Notary Public, or alternatively the certification is not regarded as an apostille (look that up if you must).So when you need to supply it, try and get your identification stuff notarised by a US notary public, and if you're lucky, there'll be one closer than 600 miles away which it appears my nearest notary is. Don't expect rapid responses from consulates either.Tim

[bassman]

Getting my ITIN number was no easy task and after many failed attempts I went to the US embassy, they sorted it all out for meand 2 weeks later I had an ITIN no.

[devin]

Great posts gents...thanks!