28 November 2022
Using a Certifying Acceptance Agent to claim US inheritance
If you are named as a beneficiary of a US Estate and you are not a US citizen, you may need an ITIN to claim your inheritance.
An ITIN is an Individual Tax Identification Number, and you will need one if a family member or friend in the US dies and names you in the inheritance. Without an ITIN, you will be unable to claim your part of the US estate.
You will likely need an ITIN as a beneficiary for:
- US Pensions
- US Estates
- US Trusts
- US retirement accounts (including State Retirement accounts)
- US brokerage accounts
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are the most common type of inheritance for non-US citizens. In these cases, the IRA provider will require paperwork, which will include the requirement for an ITIN.
How can a Certifying Acceptance Agent help get your ITIN?
The process of acquiring an ITIN is made smoother when you use a Certifying Acceptance Agent. This means you will not have to send your original documents to the USA.
A Certifying Acceptance Agent can verify your identity and, as they are trusted and authorised by the IRS, they are able to bypass the requirement to send documents abroad.
What is the process?
One of our Certifying Acceptance Agents will assist you with the IRS Form W-7. We will also review your supporting documentary evidence required by the IRS to certify that your ITIN application is complete.
After the validity of your documents has been established, we will issue them with a Certificate of Accuracy. One of our agents will then submit your application to the IRS ITIN Operations Office for processing.
After the IRS has processed it, which typically takes 9-12 weeks, we receive your ITIN on your behalf, before providing you with a copy. This can then be used to claim your inheritance from the US.
Want to find out more?
If you need an ITIN, are confused about how to get one, or are struggling to apply for one, we can help. Contact us to start the process today.
Mr Nathan Woodcock is regulated through the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury for work undertaken by him as a Notary Public (Admitted Notary Number: 620365). Mr Nathan Woodcock operates his practice through Woodcock Notary Public Limited (Co. No: 12085976). Mr Nathan Woodcock is a member of the Notaries Society and the Common Law Association of Notaries.
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