TAP 03-011

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

Statement of Issue:

Lack of understanding as to when to apply for and use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Proposal:

The panel suggests more outreach and education on the ITIN. A standard flyer, easy to read (a first grade literacy rate per the advice of LITC educators) concerning the application for and use of the ITIN would be useful. The flyer could then be translated into multiple languages.

Response Notes:

With the December 17, 2003, ITIN revisions, IRS supplemented the mass communication effort with direct outreach to communities with vested interest in ITINs, tailored to audience needs:

• Sent a direct mail package to Acceptance Agents, transmitting documents and instructions for their immediate use.
• The National Public Liaison office contacted national practitioner organizations, and IRS also reached tax professionals en masse with electronic news items to all IRS e-news for Tax Professionals and the Digital Dispatch subscribers.
• Liaisoned with state and federal government officials (i.e., Department of Labor, Social Security Administration, National Governors Association, and state agencies) through our Governmental Liaison office.
• Immediately preceding the announcement, IRS provided procedural information, training, and products (i.e., a flyer for use in Taxpayer Assistance Centers) for all IRS customer contact employees to enable them to advise and assist customers. We also established an internal communications loop to handle questions on unique situations.