An IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) is an authorized intermediary who can verify your identity documents and certify them to the IRS on your behalf. For Canadian ITIN applicants, using a CAA changes everything — your passport stays in Canada, your application is reviewed by an expert before submission, and errors are caught before the IRS sees them.
What Is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent?
A Certified Acceptance Agent is a person or entity authorized by the IRS to review identity documents, verify their authenticity, and certify copies to the IRS as authentic. This certification has the same legal effect as mailing original documents — the IRS accepts the CAA's certification in lieu of original documents.
CAAs are authorized by the IRS under a formal agreement (IRS Publication 1935). They must complete IRS training, pass background checks, and maintain ongoing IRS compliance. ITIN Plus holds current CAA authorization.
The CAA Advantage for Canadian Applicants
Without a CAA: Canadian applicants must either (a) mail original passport to the IRS in Austin, TX (risk of loss, delay, no passport for 3–5 months), or (b) visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in the US (requires US travel).
With a CAA (ITIN Plus): Email your document copies. ITIN Plus verifies and certifies them. Submits directly to IRS. Your passport never leaves Canada. Application reviewed by ITIN experts before submission.
How ITIN Plus's CAA Process Works
1. Email your passport, secondary ID, and address proof to apply@itinplus.com
2. ITIN Plus reviews for IRS compliance (document validity, address matching, exception documentation)
3. ITIN Plus prepares your Form W-7 with correct exception code and treaty basis
4. ITIN Plus certifies your documents and submits directly to the IRS
5. The IRS assigns your ITIN within 8–14 weeks and mails CP565 to your Canadian address
CAA vs Self-Application: Risk Comparison
Self-application risks: Mailing original passport (loss risk, lengthy delay without ID), selecting wrong exception code (IRS rejection), missing supporting documentation (rejection), errors in Canadian address format (processing delay).
CAA advantages: Expert document review, no original document mailing, correct form preparation, direct IRS submission, application tracked throughout processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent?
A Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) is an IRS-authorized intermediary who can verify identity documents and certify them to the IRS on behalf of ITIN applicants. Using a CAA means Canadian applicants don't mail their original passport.
Is ITIN Plus an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent?
Yes. ITIN Plus is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) authorized to verify documents and submit ITIN applications on behalf of Canadian and international applicants.
What is the difference between a CAA and an AA?
A Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) is authorized to certify identity documents for all ITIN applicants. An Acceptance Agent (AA) has more limited authority. ITIN Plus is a CAA, providing full certification capability for Canadian applicants.
How long does it take to get an ITIN through a CAA?
8–14 weeks from the IRS submission date — the same as direct application. The advantage of a CAA is expertise and no passport mailing, not faster IRS processing.
Is it safe to email my passport to ITIN Plus?
ITIN Plus uses encrypted email and secure document handling for all Canadian applications. Email your documents to apply@itinplus.com. If you prefer enhanced security, contact us at +1 (305) 216-6992 for alternative secure transfer options.