A real conversation first
We talk through your residency, income and accounts before any paperwork.
ITIN & foreign income tax help
ITIN, foreign income and first-time U.S. tax filing help in Jersey City
Jersey City is home to families with income, accounts, property or relatives abroad, and many are filing a U.S. return for the first time. We explain the rules in plain English, prepare the return and flag foreign-account reporting before it becomes a notice.
Last reviewed October 3, 2026
ITIN & Foreign Income, At A Glance
Best forFirst-time and cross-border filers
CoversITIN W-7, foreign income & accounts
AlsoMixed-status households
PricingFixed quote, in writing
Starting Out
Filing in the U.S. when your life crosses borders
The first U.S. return is the hardest. Whether you file as a resident or a nonresident for tax purposes depends on factors like your visa, how long you were in the country and the substantial presence test, and that choice shapes everything that follows, from which forms you use to whether your worldwide income is reported.
People who live in the United States as tax residents are generally taxed on income from all sources, including wages, rent or interest from abroad. That does not always mean double taxation, since tools like the foreign tax credit and tax treaties exist to prevent it, but it does mean the income has to be reported correctly.
Getting an ITIN
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is for people who need to file or be listed on a U.S. return but are not eligible for a Social Security number, including some spouses and dependents. The application, Form W-7, generally goes in with a federal return, along with identity and foreign-status documents. The IRS accepts original or certified documents, and some people use an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment or an authorized Acceptance Agent to avoid mailing a passport. We prepare the W-7 package and explain which route fits your documents. An ITIN that goes unused on a federal return for three consecutive years can expire, so renewal is worth planning.
What We Handle
Cross-border situations we prepare returns for
01
First-time U.S. returns
Residency status, filing status and the right forms for a first filing, explained step by step.
02
ITIN applications and renewals
The W-7 package, a document checklist and a clear submission route.
03
Foreign bank and investment accounts
FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) when foreign accounts together exceed $10,000 at any point in the year, and Form 8938 where its separate thresholds apply.
04
Foreign income and the foreign tax credit
Wages, rent, interest or business income from abroad, with credit for foreign tax paid where it applies.
05
Foreign gifts and family support
Large gifts from relatives abroad can carry their own reporting, such as Form 3520 for certain gifts over $100,000 from nonresident individuals.
06
Mixed-status households
Spouses and dependents with an ITIN instead of an SSN, and what that means for how the household files.
Before You Call
What to expect, and what we do not do
Bring what you have: passports, visa or immigration documents if you are applying for an ITIN, any W-2s, 1099s or foreign income statements, and a list of foreign accounts with their highest balance during the year. Do not worry if it is incomplete; we will tell you what is missing.
Tax filing is separate from immigration status, and we do not give immigration advice. If a question belongs with an immigration attorney, we will say so. You are welcome to bring a family member to the call, and we can work remotely, the same way our online filing clients do, or in person at our Bergen Avenue office.
How It Works
From a first conversation to a filed return
Fixed quote
One price in writing based on your documents, including any extra forms.
Preparation and second review
Your return, any ITIN package and foreign-account filings are prepared and checked against your source documents.
Planning for next year
We note renewal dates and reporting thresholds so next year is easier.
Related Services
More help for Jersey City households
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ITIN to file a tax return?+
Only if you are required to file or are listed on a return and are not eligible for a Social Security number. The ITIN application is generally submitted with your federal return.
Can I apply for an ITIN without mailing my passport?+
Often, yes. Beyond mailing original documents, the IRS allows appointments at a Taxpayer Assistance Center and the use of an authorized Acceptance Agent. We explain which route fits your situation.
Do I have to report income I earned in my home country?+
If you are a U.S. tax resident, generally yes, worldwide income is reportable. Credits and treaties can reduce or remove double taxation, so reporting it correctly matters more than avoiding it.
What is an FBAR and do I need to file one?+
The FBAR is a report of foreign financial accounts, filed with FinCEN rather than the IRS. It is generally required when the combined balance of your foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point in the year. Tell us about your accounts and we will confirm.
Do you give immigration advice?+
No. Tax filing and immigration are separate, and we refer immigration questions to an immigration attorney.
Get cross-border tax questions answered
Tell us where your income, accounts and family are, and we will confirm what needs to be filed and what it costs, in writing, before we start.