28 November 2022

Using a Certifying Acceptance Agent to claim US inheritance

If a US estate, Trust, or Pension names you as a benefactor, you may need an ITIN.
Using A CAA To Claim US Inheritance 1

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 Certificate of Accuracy (Form W-7). 

After we have certified your identity documents, we will issue them with a Certificate of Accuracy. You will then need to submit the application yourself to the IRS, as we are not able to do this step for you.

After the IRS has processed it, which typically takes 9-12 weeks, we receive their decision on your behalf, before providing you with a copy. If the application has been successful and you have been given an ITIN, it 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.

Additionally, we have a blog about how to file US tax returns if you would like more information.