💰 ITIN Cost Guide 2026

How Much Does an ITIN Cost in 2026? — $99 vs $297 vs $500 Compared

By ITIN Plus · IRS Certified Acceptance Agent · August 2026 · 6 min read

⚡ Quick Answer

The IRS charges $0 to process your ITIN. What you pay goes to professional services. In 2026, costs range from $0 (IRS TAC, US-only) to $500+ (CPA/attorney). The cheapest option for non-US residents is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent. ITIN Plus charges $99 — the lowest price among verified CAAs. Other CAAs charge $150–$297. CPAs charge $300–$500.

$0
DIY Self-File
Risky for non-US
$0
IRS TAC Office
US Residents Only
$99
ITIN Plus (CAA)
✅ Best Value
$297
Other CAA Services
Same Result, 3× More
$500+
CPA / Tax Attorney
Overpriced

Full ITIN Cost Breakdown by Method

MethodCostFor Non-US?Passport RiskRejection Risk
DIY (mail Form W-7 + original passport)$5–$50 postage + translationHigh riskLost in mailHigh
IRS TAC Office (free, in-person)$0Must be in USNoneLow
✅ ITIN Plus — IRS CAA$99 flatYes — fully onlineNone (video call)Very low
Other CAA services$150–$297YesNoneLow
H&R Block (with tax return)$150–$300+US residents mainlyNoneLow
CPA / Tax Attorney$300–$500YesNoneLow

The Hidden Costs of "Free" ITIN

DIY self-filing looks free — but here's what it actually costs:

Hidden CostAmount
International courier (passport to IRS Austin, TX)$30–$80
Return courier (IRS sends passport back)$30–$80 (if they use express)
Document translation (if needed)$25–$75 per document
Reapplication after rejectionTime + repeat courier costs
Lost passport replacement$110+ plus months of delays
Total "free" DIY cost$60–$245+

Real risk: Passports mailed to the IRS Austin, TX facility have been lost. The IRS themselves recommend using a Certifying Acceptance Agent to avoid mailing original documents. A $99 CAA service eliminates all passport mailing risk.

What Makes ITIN Plus $99 vs $297 at Competitors

Cost DriverITIN PlusCompetitors at $297+
Physical officeNone — 100% onlineYes — rent, utilities, staff
Bundled tax returnNot included (you don't need it)Often forced bundle
IRS submissionSame IRS office (Austin, TX)Same IRS office (Austin, TX)
Processing time7–11 weeks (IRS controls this)7–11 weeks (IRS controls this)
IRS.gov listingYes — verified CAAYes — verified CAA
Your price$99$150–$500

Key insight: Every IRS Certified Acceptance Agent submits to the same IRS office. The IRS doesn't process applications faster because you paid $297 instead of $99. Speed, accuracy, and outcome are equal — only the price differs.

ITIN Renewal Cost 2026

ITINs expire if not used on a US federal tax return for 3 consecutive years, or based on IRS annual expiration notices. Renewal costs are the same as a new application:

MethodRenewal Cost
✅ ITIN Plus (CAA)$99
Other CAA services$150–$297
CPA / Tax Attorney$300–$500
DIY renewal (mail passport)$60–$200+ postage + risk

Get Your ITIN for $99 — Flat Rate, No Hidden Fees

IRS Certified Acceptance Agent · 100% Online · No Passport Mailing · Verified on IRS.gov

Apply Now — $99 →

📞 +1 (305) 216-6992 · apply@itinplus.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IRS fee for ITIN really $0?

Yes. The IRS does not charge any processing fee for ITIN applications. Form W-7 is free to download from IRS.gov. All fees go to professional services (CAAs, CPAs) who help prepare and certify your application.

Can I negotiate the price with a CAA service?

Some CAAs may negotiate, but most have fixed pricing. ITIN Plus at $99 is already the lowest price in the market for IRS-verified CAA service. There is no negotiation needed — it is the flat rate for all applicants worldwide.

Do I pay the $99 before or after getting my ITIN?

Payment is made upfront before we begin your application. This covers the preparation and submission work. The ITIN itself is issued by the IRS at no additional charge after 7–11 weeks of processing.

What if I paid $297 to another service — can I switch to ITIN Plus?

If you have already submitted an application through another service, you cannot switch mid-process. For your next ITIN application or renewal, use ITIN Plus at $99 and save $198 versus $297 competitors.