Family ITIN Applications · Lahore, Pakistan
ITIN for Spouse & Dependents — The Rules Changed. Most Websites Didn't Notice.
Since the 2018 US tax law changes, a spouse or dependent can only obtain an ITIN when they are actually claimed on a US federal return for an allowable tax benefit — simply being family is no longer enough. We prepare family applications that meet the current rules, with documents certified at one appointment in Lahore.
The 2018 Rule Change
Family ITINs Now Attach to a Tax Benefit — Not Just a Relationship
Before 2018, families routinely obtained ITINs for a spouse and every child listed on a US return. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ended that: personal exemptions went to zero, and the IRS now issues a spouse or dependent ITIN only when that person is claimed for an allowable tax benefit — a joint filing election for a spouse, or a dependent-linked credit or filing status.
That single change is why so much advice on the internet, and so many old checklists, are now wrong. Applications filed on the pre-2018 logic come back rejected. The eligibility question is settled first in our consultation, before any form is prepared or any fee is charged for an application that cannot succeed.
Children's documents are the second trap. Depending on the child's age and whether their passport shows a US entry date, the IRS requires supplementary evidence — school records, medical records, or other residency proof — and some of it in original or issuing-agency-certified form. We give parents the exact per-child checklist in writing before the appointment.
Our Process
One Visit for the Whole Family
Eligibility first
We confirm which family members qualify under current rules and which benefit each ITIN attaches to — honestly, including when the answer is no.
Per-person checklist
Each spouse and child gets a written document list. Nothing generic; the requirements genuinely differ by age and history.
One appointment
Passports are verified and certified together at our Lahore office. Where the rules require original supporting documents, we prepare them for safe submission.
Filed & followed
The W-7s travel with the US return that claims the benefit; we track every family member's application until each CP565 letter arrives.
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Everything Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
My husband works in the US. Can I get an ITIN as his wife in Pakistan?
Usually yes — the standard route is a joint filing election, where a US resident or citizen elects to file jointly with a nonresident spouse. The ITIN application then travels with that joint return. It is one of the most common family cases we handle, and the election itself has consequences worth understanding, which we explain before you sign anything.
What extra documents do children need?
Dependents face stricter documentation than adults. A child's passport alone is only sufficient in limited circumstances; depending on age and whether the passport shows US entry, the IRS asks for additional evidence such as school records, medical records, or proof of US residency. We give you the exact checklist for each child before the appointment so nothing is missing.
Can you certify my children's passports too, or do originals go to the IRS?
As a Certifying Acceptance Agent we can authenticate passports for spouses and dependents, which keeps those originals in Pakistan. Some categories of supporting documents for dependents must still be submitted in original or as certified copies from the issuing agency — we tell you precisely which pieces fall into which category for your family.
Is there any tax benefit to a dependent ITIN now that the exemption is gone?
Sometimes — that is exactly why the IRS requires the ITIN to attach to a claimed benefit. Depending on the filer's situation, dependents can matter for items such as the Credit for Other Dependents or head-of-household status. If no benefit exists, the IRS will not issue the ITIN, and we will tell you that honestly before you pay for an application.
One Appointment for the Whole Family
Tell us who is on the return and who needs a number — we will confirm eligibility under the current rules, list the exact documents for each family member, and certify everyone's passports in a single visit.
Office No. 8, Floor M, Century Tower, Kalma Chowk, Gulberg III, Lahore · info@imaarinternational.com