Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is the official IRS form used to apply for an ITIN. This guide explains every field of the form for Bangladeshi applicants and covers why using an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) is safer and faster than applying on your own.
What Is IRS Form W-7?
Form W-7 is a one-page IRS form used by non-US persons to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). It collects your personal information, the reason you need an ITIN, and your foreign Tax Identification Number (from Bangladesh's NID system).
The IRS issues ITINs based on the W-7 and the supporting identity documents you submit. As an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), ITIN Plus prepares and submits your W-7 on your behalf, verifying your documents so you don't need to mail your original passport to the IRS.
Form W-7 Fields Explained for Bangladeshis
Line 1a: Your legal name as it appears on your passport (first, middle, last).
Line 1b: Name at birth, if different from current legal name.
Line 2: Country of birth (Bangladesh).
Line 3: Country of citizenship (Bangladesh).
Line 4: Your Bangladesh NID number or passport number (foreign Tax ID).
Line 5: US visa number — leave blank if you don't have a US visa.
Line 6a: Date of birth.
Line 6b: Country of birth — Bangladesh.
Line 6c: Foreign address — your current Bangladesh address.
Line 6d: Mailing address if different from above.
Box h: Reason for ITIN (e.g., third-party income from US sources, for the majority of Bangladeshi applicants).
Reason for ITIN: Most Common for Bangladeshis
Box h of Form W-7 asks why you need an ITIN. For most Bangladeshi applicants, the correct reason is one of:
- Exception 1(d) — Third-party income: for freelancers and platform earners (Fiverr, Upwork, Amazon, etc.)
- Exception 1(d) — Passive income: for KDP royalties, affiliate commissions, investment income
- Nonresident alien filing a US tax return: for those with US business income who must file Form 1040-NR
Selecting the wrong reason is a common mistake that causes IRS rejection. ITIN Plus ensures the correct exception is selected based on your specific income type.
Why Use ITIN Plus Instead of Applying Yourself
Self-applicants must mail their original passport to the IRS — a process that takes months and carries the risk of document loss. As a CAA, ITIN Plus verifies your documents and certifies them to the IRS, eliminating the need to mail originals. Cost: $99. Processing: 8–14 weeks after IRS receipt. Contact: apply@itinplus.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRS Form W-7?
Form W-7 is the official IRS application form for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). It is completed by non-US persons who need a US Tax ID for income reporting, W-8BEN compliance, or US business operations.
Can I fill out Form W-7 myself?
Yes, but self-applicants must mail their original passport to the IRS, which can take months. Using an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) like ITIN Plus means you don't need to mail your passport — the CAA certifies your documents directly.
How long does Form W-7 processing take?
8–14 weeks from the date the IRS receives your application. ITIN Plus submits electronically or by mail directly to the IRS processing center.
What is the correct reason code for Bangladeshi freelancers on Form W-7?
Most Bangladeshi freelancers use Exception 1(d) — third-party income from US sources. The correct exception depends on your specific income type. ITIN Plus ensures the right code is selected.
What documents are required with Form W-7?
Your Form W-7 must be accompanied by identity documents: primarily a valid passport. A secondary ID (NID card or birth certificate) may also be required. ITIN Plus reviews all your documents before submission.