Whether you are interested in becoming a Certified Acceptance Agent or looking to renew your application, we want to make certain you have all necessary information to move forward with the process.
What is a Certified Acceptance Agent?
A Certified Acceptance Agent is a person (or business) who is able to help individuals who do not qualify for a Social Security Number obtain an ITIN so they may still file the Form 1040 and other tax schedules.
If your business is in a place with an influx of taxpayers with ITINs, you could benefit from having this certification.
How to get started
For all new Certified Acceptance Agent applicants and renewals, you must complete Form 13551, Application to Participate in the IRS Acceptance Agent Program and submit it to the IRS. This document and all required information can be mailed to:
Internal Revenue Service
3651 S. HI 35
Stop 6380AUSC
Austin, TX 78741
For applicants who are renewing, it is suggested to complete this form at least 6 months before your certification expires. You will also need to attach your certificate to the Form 13551.
Complete your training
Once you’ve submitted your form, you will need to complete a mandatory training session. This session is online and may be accessed here.
Then, you will complete and submit a forensic training course available on the IRS website.
About the Acceptance Application process
- You must complete at least five W-7s a year to stay in the program
- Background checks and tax compliance checks will be conducted by the IRS
- Any application without the required forms will not be processed
For more information about the Acceptance Agent process, please visit the Acceptance Agent Program page on the IRS Website.
This article was last updated on October 21, 2021.
