Complete and review Form W-7
Check the application reason, required fields and consistency with the applicant’s tax return or exception evidence.
CERTIFYING ACCEPTANCE AGENT PROCESS
Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) Process for ITIN Applications
Understand what an IRS-authorized CAA can do, which documents may be authenticated, how the interview works and when the CAA route may reduce the need to mail original identity documents.
Quick answer
What is a Certifying Acceptance Agent?
A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) is an individual or organization authorized by the IRS to assist with ITIN applications and authenticate most eligible supporting documents. A CAA can complete or review Form W-7, prepare Form W-7 (COA), mail the application package and work with the IRS on application issues.
The IRS still makes the ITIN decision and controls processing time.
What a CAA can do for an ITIN application
Authenticate eligible documents
Review originals or issuing-agency certified copies and authenticate most supporting documents within IRS limits.
Return authenticated documents
Eligible documents that are authenticated by the CAA can be returned after the appointment rather than mailed to the IRS.
Prepare Form W-7 (COA)
The Certificate of Accuracy confirms that the CAA reviewed the required original documents or issuing-agency certified copies.
Submit the ITIN package
Mail the completed ITIN application package to the IRS after the review and authentication steps are complete.
Receive and address notices
A CAA can work with the IRS on issues involving the ITIN application and may receive copies of client ITIN notices.
CAA vs. Acceptance Agent
The key difference is document authentication. An Acceptance Agent can help with Form W-7 and submission, but a CAA has additional authority to authenticate most eligible supporting documents.
| Capability | CAA | Acceptance Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Help complete Form W-7 | Yes | Yes |
| Authenticate most supporting documents | Yes, with IRS limits | No |
| Return authenticated documents after review | Yes | No authentication authority |
| Mail the ITIN package | Yes | Yes |
| Work with the IRS on application issues | Yes | Yes |
Important limits
Documents a CAA cannot authenticate
CAAs cannot authenticate a foreign military identification card. For dependent applicants, a CAA can authenticate only the passport and civil birth certificate; other dependent documents generally must be sent to the IRS as originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
Can the CAA interview be done by video?
Yes. IRS rules allow video conferencing for the interview, but the CAA must have the required original identity documents or issuing-agency certified copies in possession during the interview.
Does using a CAA make the IRS process faster?
No special faster IRS processing lane is created by using a CAA. The practical benefit is document review, authentication of eligible documents and a structured submission process.
When the CAA route may be useful
The CAA route is often considered when an applicant wants professional Form W-7 review and would prefer not to mail an eligible original passport or other authenticatable identity document to the IRS.
You need document authentication
See which documents the IRS accepts and which ones a CAA can or cannot authenticate.
You are applying from abroad
CAA services can be available in the United States or abroad, subject to appointment and document requirements.
You want a clear filing sequence
Review the full Form W-7 process before choosing mail, an IRS office appointment or the CAA route.
Send a short case summary and we can identify which part of the ITIN process needs attention first.
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