If you own a US LLC but do not have a Social Security Number, you need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file US taxes, open certain bank accounts, and apply for credit products. The IRS issues ITINs via Form W-7. You can file on your own, or you can use a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) — a person or firm that the IRS has authorised to verify your identity documents so you do not have to mail your original passport to the IRS.
This page compares the main ITIN service providers used by non-resident founders. Every claim here is sourced from the provider's own website or from the IRS Acceptance Agent registry, checked in August 2026.
The one thing that matters most: CAA status
A CAA can certify copies of your identity documents. Without a CAA, you must send original documents — typically your passport — to the IRS by post. The IRS takes 3–4 months to return them. During that time, you have no passport.
The IRS publishes its Acceptance Agent list at irs.gov/tin/itin/itin-acceptance-agents. If a provider claims CAA status, that claim should be verifiable there. Where it is not, this page says so.
Provider comparison
| Provider | CAA claim | On IRS list | Price | Turnaround | Passport handling | Refund if rejected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITIN.com | Yes | Yes | $497 | 7–11 weeks (IRS standard) | Certified copies — no original required | Not published |
| ein-itin.com | Yes | Yes | Not published | 8–14 weeks | Not published | Not published |
| Clemta | Yes (in schema) | Not verified from public list | Not published | 90–120 days | Not published | Not published |
| doola | Yes ("work with" a CAA) | Not verified from public list | Bundled in plans | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Globalfy | No claim | Not on list | $275 | 90–120 days | Via "trusted partner professionals" | Re-application at no cost if rejected |
IRS list checked: California list (1,349 rows, last updated 13 Jul 2026) and Florida list (2,128 rows, last updated 3 Aug 2026). These are the two states where most of these providers operate.
Provider notes
ITIN.com
ITIN.com appears on the IRS Acceptance Agent list and claims CAA status. Price is $497. The site states that as a CAA, it can certify copies of your identity documents — you do not need to send your original passport. Turnaround follows standard IRS processing: 7–11 weeks from submission.
The site is straightforward about what it does and does not include. Tax return preparation is not part of the ITIN service unless you purchase it separately.
ein-itin.com (Cohen Investment LLC)
ein-itin.com claims CAA status and appears on the IRS list. The price is not published on the site — you receive a quote after inquiry. The site states processing takes 8–14 weeks, and separately notes "8–12 weeks approximately" in another section. There is also a statement that "the application process takes about one to two weeks" — this appears to refer to the preparation time before IRS submission, not the IRS processing time itself.
One note: the site contains a typo in the phrase "depening on the IRS processing time" — this appears in the live HTML and is the provider's own wording.
Clemta
Clemta describes itself as a "Certified Acceptance Agent recognized by the IRS" in its page schema metadata. The claim appears in the JSON-LD description block. Whether it also appears in the visible body copy requires a browser render to confirm — the raw HTML check in August 2026 found the claim in schema only.
Clemta's ITIN service price is not published separately; it is bundled into formation and compliance packages. Turnaround is stated as 90–120 days.
doola
doola states it "works with" a CAA rather than claiming to be one itself. This is an important distinction: doola is a formation and compliance platform that connects you with a CAA for the ITIN step, rather than being the CAA. The ITIN service is bundled into doola's higher-tier plans.
doola does not appear on the IRS Acceptance Agent list under its own name, which is consistent with its "work with" framing.
Globalfy
Globalfy does not claim CAA status and does not appear on the IRS list — these two facts are consistent with each other. The ITIN step is handled via "trusted partner professionals" whose names are not published. The service is ordered inside Globalfy's app (account required).
Price: $275 per ITIN application. Turnaround: 90–120 days (IRS standard). If the application is rejected, Globalfy will re-apply at no additional service cost — this is a re-application commitment, not a cash refund.
What to look for when choosing
Verify CAA status yourself. The IRS list is public. Before paying anyone, search for their name at irs.gov/tin/itin/itin-acceptance-agents. A legitimate CAA will be there.
Understand what "certified copies" means. A CAA can certify copies of your documents so you keep your original passport. A non-CAA service will require you to send originals. If a provider is vague about this, ask directly before paying.
Check the refund terms before paying. ITIN applications can be rejected by the IRS. Know what happens to your money if that occurs.
The IRS also has a free path. You can file Form W-7 yourself, attached to a US tax return, and send your original documents to the IRS. It takes longer and requires your passport to be out of your hands for 3–4 months, but it costs nothing beyond postage. The IRS also operates Taxpayer Assistance Centers where you can present documents in person.
Who Keystone Bridge uses
We refer clients to CAA-verified providers only. If you are working with us on ITIN as part of a formation or banking engagement, we will tell you exactly who handles it and confirm their IRS listing before we refer you.
See also: ITIN for non-US founders — the full guide to what an ITIN is, when you need one, and how to apply.
All provider data sourced from provider websites and IRS Acceptance Agent registry, August 2026. Prices and terms change; verify directly before purchasing.
Independence note: Keystone Bridge Global has no affiliate relationship with any ITIN service provider mentioned here. All data is sourced from provider websites and the IRS Acceptance Agent registry, verified August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) and why does it matter?+
A CAA is a person or firm authorised by the IRS to verify your identity documents for an ITIN application. Using a CAA means you keep your original passport — you do not have to mail it to the IRS. Without a CAA, you must send original documents and wait 3-4 months for them to be returned.
How do I verify that an ITIN provider is a real CAA?+
Search the IRS Acceptance Agent list at irs.gov/tin/itin/itin-acceptance-agents. Legitimate CAAs appear there under their legal entity name. If a provider claims CAA status but does not appear on the list, ask them to show you their IRS authorisation letter before paying.
Question not answered here? Email daniel@keystonebridgeglobal.com. We add answers to this page as they come in.
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