How to Apply for an ITIN from Bangladesh: A Complete 2025 Guide
1. Introduction: Why This Guide Matters
If you’re a Bangladeshi citizen earning income from U.S. sources, planning to invest, sell property, file taxes jointly with a U.S.-based spouse, or open a business bank account in the USA to better manage your expat tax obligations, you may need an ITIN — an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS. At House of Bookkeepers, we help simplify the process by offering IRS-authorized services directly from Bangladesh.
This guide walks you through the ITIN application process — eligibility, required documents, benefits, and how to apply with expert help.
2. What Is an ITIN? Understanding the U.S. Tax Identification Number for Non-Residents
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is designed for individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
👉 Format of an ITIN: 9XX-XX-XXXX
The ITIN is used by:
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Non-resident aliens earning U.S.-sourced income
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Foreign investors in U.S. businesses or real estate
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Spouses and dependents of U.S. taxpayers
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International students on U.S. scholarships
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Freelancers, Amazon sellers, and other digital workers abroad
🔍 What an ITIN Is Not:
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An ITIN does not grant work authorization
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It does not provide legal immigration status
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It is not a replacement for an SSN
Instead, the ITIN is strictly for U.S. federal tax purposes. It allows foreign individuals to:
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File a U.S. tax return (Form 1040 or 1040NR)
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Claim refunds on overpaid taxes
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Report income legally
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Avoid backup withholding
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Comply with U.S. tax laws and regulations
✅ Example Use Case:
If you’re a Bangladeshi freelancer earning from U.S. clients or an investor selling U.S. property, the IRS requires you to have an ITIN to file your taxes, claim treaty benefits, or receive a tax refund.
3. Who in Bangladesh Needs to Apply for an ITIN?
Understanding when and why you need an ITIN is easier when we look at common real-world situations. Here are key examples:
✅ You’re a Bangladeshi Citizen Earning Income from the U.S.
Whether you’re a freelancer, business owner, or remote employee working for U.S. clients, your income must be reported to the IRS. An ITIN enables you to file taxes legally, avoid penalties, and claim refunds or deductions.
✅ You’ve Invested in U.S. Property or Want to Sell It
If you’ve bought property in the U.S. and are collecting rent or planning to sell it, you’ll need an ITIN to comply with FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act). It’s required to report earnings, pay tax on capital gains, and possibly claim refunds on excess withholding.
✅ You Live in the U.S., But Your Spouse Lives in Bangladesh
If you’re a U.S. taxpayer and want to file jointly to claim marriage-related tax benefits, your spouse (even if in Bangladesh) needs an ITIN. This allows you to access higher tax refunds and credits.
✅ You’re a Freelancer Who Wants to Open a U.S. Bank Account or Get Credit
Freelancers or contractors in Bangladesh often use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Payoneer to manage their federal tax responsibilities. To open a U.S. bank account (Wise, Mercury, Relay) or access Stripe payment processing, credit cards, or even business loans that can help you manage your federal tax obligations, an ITIN is often necessary.
✅ You’re Investing in U.S. Stocks or Companies
Non-resident investors need an ITIN to file annual tax returns and claim lower withholding rates under the U.S.–Bangladesh tax treaty. Without an ITIN, you might be taxed at the highest rate on dividends or capital gains.
4. Benefits of Having an ITIN
While the primary purpose of an ITIN is tax compliance, there are several additional benefits:
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Legally file U.S. tax returns
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Claim tax treaty benefits under the U.S.-Bangladesh agreements
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Open U.S. business bank accounts to facilitate your expat tax filings. When paired with an EIN and an LLC
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Receive U.S. tax refunds for overpaid taxes
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Facilitate dependents’ immigration processes
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Avoid backup withholding on U.S. earnings (commonly 30%)
An ITIN empowers non-residents to operate in the U.S. economy legally and with confidence.
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an ITIN Using Form W-7
✅ Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You must have a valid tax purpose — this can include filing a tax return, being a dependent, claiming treaty benefits, or fulfilling real estate obligations.
✅ Step 2: Fill Out Form W-7
This IRS form is used to apply for an ITIN. It must be accurate and reflect your tax situation. House of Bookkeepers will complete it for you professionally.
✅ Step 3: Collect Required Documents
You’ll need:
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A valid, original passport
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A completed form is necessary to apply for an ITIN number. tax return (Form 1040 or 1040NR), which are required for filing your federal tax return.
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Any supporting documents (e.g., visa copies, scholarship letters)
✅ Step 4: Submit with the Help of a Certified Acceptance Agent
The best method for Bangladeshi residents is through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) like House of Bookkeepers, who specialize in expat tax services. We verify your documents locally — no need to mail your original passport to the U.S.
6. Why You Should Use an IRS-Certified Acceptance Agent in Bangladesh
Here’s why working with a CAA like House of Bookkeepers is your safest and fastest option:
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No risk of losing your original passport
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Faster processing with fewer rejections when applying for an ITIN number.
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Professional support for preparing tax return documents
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End-to-end service — from filling out W-7 to getting IRS confirmation for your ITIN number.
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100% compliance with IRS requirements
Plus, we’re listed on the official IRS Acceptance Agents in Bangladesh page.
7. How Long Does It Take to Get an ITIN in 2025 ?
Once your application is submitted:
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Normal processing time: 7 to 11 weeks
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Peak season delays (Jan–April): up to 13+ weeks
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House of Bookkeepers provides real-time updates throughout the process
We recommend applying early in the year or in the off-season to minimize delays in processing your federal tax return.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an ITIN
Every year, the IRS rejects thousands of ITIN applications due to preventable errors. Here are the most common issues:
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Incorrect or incomplete Form W-7
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An expired or uncertified passport copy may be required for original documents.
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Missing U.S. tax return
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Applying without a valid tax purpose
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Submitting documents via unreliable mail services
When you apply with House of Bookkeepers, we triple-check every document to ensure your ITIN application gets approved the first time.
FAQs About ITIN Application from Bangladesh
Q1: Can I apply for an ITIN entirely from Bangladesh?
Yes. With House of Bookkeepers, you don’t need to visit the U.S. We handle everything through our IRS-authorized process in Bangladesh.
Q2: What’s the difference between ITIN and EIN?
An ITIN is for individuals to file taxes.
An EIN is for businesses (like an LLC or corporation) to open a bank account or pay employees. We can help you get both.
Q3: Is my passport safe?
Absolutely. You don’t need to send your original passport to the U.S. when you apply through House of Bookkeepers.
Q4: What Documents Are Required to Apply for an ITIN from Bangladesh in 2025?
To apply for an ITIN from Bangladesh in 2025, you’ll need the following documents as per the latest IRS requirements:
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Form W-7—The official ITIN application form issued by the IRS
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Valid Passport—Original or certified copy (used to prove identity and foreign status)
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U.S. Federal Tax Return (Form 1040 or 1040NR)—Required unless you qualify for an exception
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Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable):
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Visa or entry documents
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U.S. income statements
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Scholarship or fellowship letters
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Marriage certificate (for spouses)
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Birth certificate (for dependents)
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Q5: How do I know if my ITIN has been approved?
We provide status tracking. Once approved, the IRS sends a Letter CP565, and we notify you immediately.
Apply for Your ITIN with House of Bookkeepers—Trusted & IRS Certified
Navigating the U.S. tax system from Bangladesh can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At House of Bookkeepers, we offer transparent, trusted, and timely ITIN application services backed by our IRS certification for federal tax compliance.
Whether you’re a student, freelancer, business owner, or spouse, we simplify your journey toward U.S. tax compliance.
🔗 Contact House of Bookkeepers Today
✅ IRS Certified Acceptance Agent in Bangladesh
📍 Office: House-48, Road-12, Nikunjo-2
Dhaka, 1229 , Bangladesh
🌍 Website: https://www.houseofbookkeepers.com
