Navigating US business compliance requires understanding three critical registrations: ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), EIN (Employer Identification Number), and Trademark registration. Whether you’re a foreign investor, entrepreneur, or tax professional, this guide from ICT (Institute of Corporate Training) provides step-by-step instructions to help you stay compliant with IRS and USPTO requirements.

At ICT, we offer US tax certification courses, including IRS tax preparation training and business compliance programs, to equip professionals with practical skills for handling these processes efficiently.

1. How to Apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

What is an ITIN?

• A 9-digit tax processing number issued by the IRSfor individuals who need to file US taxes but don’t qualify for an SSN.
• Used for:Filing tax returns, opening US bank accounts, claiming tax treaty benefits.

Who Needs an ITIN?

✔ Non-resident aliens earning US income
✔ Spouses/dependents of US visa holders (H1B, L1, etc.)
✔ Foreign real estate investors with rental income

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Complete IRS Form W-7(Available at gov)
2. Submit Proof of Identity(Notarized passport, birth certificate, or national ID)
3. Mail to IRSor apply through an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA)
4. Processing Time:6-12 weeks

📌 Key Notes:

• ITINs expireif not used for 3 consecutive years.
• No costif applying with a tax return.

2. How to Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

What is an EIN?

• A federal tax IDfor businesses, required for LLCs, corporations, and employers.
• Used for:Hiring employees, opening business bank accounts, filing business taxes.

Who Needs an EIN?

✔ US-based businesses (LLCs, corporations, partnerships)
✔ Foreign companies with US operations
✔ Self-employed individuals with employees

Application Methods

1. Online (Fastest)– IRS EIN Assistant (Immediate approval)
2. Fax– Send Form SS-4 to IRS (4-5 business days)
3. Mail– Slowest (4-6 weeks processing)

📌 Fee: Free

3. How to Register a Trademark in the USA

What is a Trademark?

• Legal protection for brand names, logos, and slogans(e.g., Coca-Cola®).
• Registered with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office).

Who Should Register?

✔ E-commerce sellers (Amazon, Shopify)
✔ Startups securing brand identity
✔ Businesses expanding to the US market

Step-by-Step Process

1. Conduct a Trademark Search(Use USPTO TESS Database)
2. File Application via USPTO TEAS System

• TEAS Plus($250 per class) – Lower fee, stricter requirements
• TEAS Standard($350 per class) – More flexibility
  
  3. Examination & Approval(6-12 months)

⚠️ Pro Tip: Hiring a trademark attorney reduces rejection risks by 60%.

Comparison Table: ITIN vs. EIN vs. Trademark

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using an ITIN instead of an EIN for business taxes (Causes IRS penalties)
❌ Skipping a trademark search (Risk of infringement lawsuits)
❌ Filing trademark without legal help (Higher rejection chances)

ICT’s US Tax & Business Compliance Training

Master these processes with our expert-led courses:
✅ IRS Tax Certification Course – ITIN/EIN applications
✅ US Trademark Registration Training – Step-by-step filing
✅ Small Business Tax Filing – Federal & state compliance

🔗 Enroll Now: ICT US Tax Courses

Final Thoughts

• ITIN= For individuals without SSN
• EIN= For businesses & employers
• Trademark= For brand protection

📞 Need professional assistance? Contact ICT Tax Consultants today!