How to Get an ITIN If You Sold U.S. Property as a Non-U.S. Resident

Selling U.S. property as a non-U.S. resident comes with tax obligations. Many sellers are surprised to learn they need an ITIN to complete the process properly.
At Nolly.com, we help international sellers understand the steps and avoid delays.

Why an ITIN Is Required After a Sale

When a non-U.S. resident sells U.S. property, FIRPTA rules apply.
Tax is often withheld at the time of sale.

An ITIN is required to file a U.S. tax return and reconcile the actual tax owed.

FIRPTA Withholding Is Not Final Tax

The amount withheld is an estimate.
The actual tax may be lower.

Filing a return allows sellers to claim a refund if too much was withheld.

When to Apply for an ITIN

Most sellers apply for an ITIN after the sale.
The ITIN application is usually submitted with the 1040NR tax return.

This shows the IRS the clear tax purpose.

Documents Needed

Common documents include:
A valid passport
Property sale documents
FIRPTA withholding forms
The completed tax return

Accurate documents prevent delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without a tax return
Using incorrect FIRPTA forms
Missing signatures
Using outdated IRS forms

These mistakes often delay refunds.

Why Timing Matters

Refunds cannot be issued without an ITIN.
Delays in applying delay refunds.

Applying as soon as possible helps speed things up.

Using a Certified Acceptance Agent

Mailing original passports carries risk.
A Certified Acceptance Agent verifies documents securely without mailing originals.

This often speeds up approval.

How Nolly.com Helps

We help sellers apply for ITINs, prepare accurate 1040NR returns, and ensure FIRPTA rules are applied correctly.

This protects refunds and reduces stress.

Final Thoughts

Selling U.S. property as a non-U.S. resident requires proper tax filing. An ITIN is essential to complete the process correctly.

Start your ITIN and FIRPTA filing with Nolly.com today. We help you file accurately and recover overpaid tax.