How much does an ITIN service cost?

ITIN service fees typically range from $197 to $397 depending on the provider and service level. itin.so charges $197 for standard processing and $297 for express. Some competitors charge $297 to $397 for comparable services. The IRS itself charges nothing to issue the ITIN.

What is a Certifying Acceptance Agent?

A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) is an individual or business authorized by the IRS to verify identity documents for ITIN applications. Using a CAA means you do not need to mail your original passport to the IRS. The CAA certifies copies of your documents, which are submitted with your W-7 form.

How long does it take to get an ITIN through a service?

Application preparation time varies by service. itin.so prepares your application in 2-10 business days depending on the plan. Some competitors take 2-7 days, while others take 12-20 weeks. After submission, the IRS typically processes ITIN applications in 7-11 weeks.

Should I apply for an ITIN myself or use a service?

You can apply on your own, but mistakes on Form W-7 or insufficient documentation cause frequent rejections. A professional service reviews your documents, prepares the form correctly, and uses CAA certification so you keep your original passport. The cost is often worth avoiding delays and resubmissions.

Do ITIN services guarantee approval?

No service can guarantee IRS approval since the final decision rests with the IRS. However, reputable services like itin.so offer a money-back guarantee if your application is rejected due to a preparation error. This protects you from paying for a poorly prepared application.

ITIN Service Comparison: How to Choose the Right Provider

Choosing the right ITIN service can save you hundreds of dollars and weeks of waiting. Not all providers are the same. Pricing ranges from $197 to $397, preparation times vary from 2 days to 20 weeks, and not every service uses IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents. This guide compares the top ITIN application services so you can make an informed decision.

What to Look for in an ITIN Service

Before comparing specific providers, understand the key factors that separate a reliable ITIN service from a mediocre one:

Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) status. A CAA can verify your identity documents so you do not need to mail your original passport to the IRS. This is the single most important feature to look for. Learn more about Certifying Acceptance Agents and why they matter.
Transparent pricing. Look for a service that lists its fees clearly with no hidden charges for document review, shipping, or form preparation.
Processing speed. Some services prepare your application in days. Others take months. Ask specifically about preparation time (what the service controls) versus IRS processing time (which no one controls).
Money-back guarantee. A guarantee shows the service stands behind its work. If your application is rejected because of a preparation error, you should get your money back.
Customer support. You should be able to reach a real person who can answer questions about your application status and required documents.

ITIN Service Comparison Table (2026)

Feature	itin.so	Business Globalizer	House of Bookkeepers
Pricing	$197 - $297	$199 - $299	$297 - $397
Preparation time	2 - 10 business days	12 - 20 weeks	2 - 7 business days
CAA document certification	Yes	Yes	Yes
Money-back guarantee	Yes	Limited	Limited
Express option	Yes ($297)	Yes ($299)	Yes ($397)
W-7 form preparation	Included	Included	Included
Document review	Included	Included	Included

Why Speed Matters for Your ITIN Application

The IRS takes 7-11 weeks to process an ITIN application after it receives your completed forms. That timeline is the same regardless of which service you use. What differs is how long the service takes to prepare your application before submitting it.

A service that takes 12-20 weeks just to prepare your application means you could wait over 30 weeks total. By contrast, a service that prepares your documents in 2-10 days gets your application to the IRS months sooner. If you need your ITIN for tax filing deadlines, business setup, or financial account opening, those weeks matter.

Why Price Matters

The IRS charges nothing to issue an ITIN. The fees you pay go entirely to the service provider for document review, W-7 preparation, CAA certification, and customer support. Since the IRS processing is identical regardless of which service prepares your application, you want to get the best preparation at the lowest cost.

Watch out for hidden fees. Some services advertise a low base price but charge extra for document shipping, notarization, or “expedited review.” Ask for a complete breakdown of all costs before committing. A transparent provider lists everything upfront.

Why Choose itin.so

Lowest standard price at $197. Our standard ITIN application service costs less than most competitors while including everything you need: document review, W-7 preparation, and CAA certification.
Fast preparation in 2-10 business days. We prepare your application quickly so it reaches the IRS sooner. Express processing ($297) prioritizes your application for the fastest turnaround.
IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent. We certify your identity documents so you never have to mail your original passport. Your documents stay safely with you throughout the process.
Money-back guarantee. If your application is rejected due to a preparation error on our part, you get a full refund. We stand behind the quality of our work.
Clear, transparent pricing. No hidden fees. No surprise charges. The price you see is the price you pay.

How to Choose the Best ITIN Application Service

ITIN Service Comparison: Frequently Asked Questions

The best ITIN service depends on your priorities. itin.so offers the best combination of price ($197 standard), speed (2-10 business days for preparation), CAA document certification, and a money-back guarantee. Compare pricing and features before choosing any provider.

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