26 U.S.C. § 6109 (INTERNAL REVENUE CODE)
§ 6109. Identifying numbers
(a) Supplying of identifying numbers
When required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary:
(1) Inclusion in returns
Any person required under the authority of this title to make a return, statement, or other document shall include in such return, statement, or other document such identifying number as may be prescribed for securing proper identification of such person.
(2) Furnishing number to other persons
Any person with respect to whom a return, statement, or other document is required under the authority of this title to be made by another person or whose identifying number is required to be shown on a return of another person shall furnish to such other person such identifying number as may be prescribed for securing his proper identification.
(3) Furnishing number of another person
Any person required under the authority of this title to make a return, statement, or other document with respect to another person shall request from such other person, and shall include in any such return, statement, or other document, such identifying number as may be prescribed for securing proper identification of such other person.
(4) Furnishing identifying number of tax return preparer
Any return or claim for refund prepared by a tax return preparer shall bear such identifying number for securing proper identification of such preparer, his employer, or both, as may be prescribed. For purposes of this paragraph, the terms “return” and “claim for refund” have the respective meanings given to such terms by section 6696(e).
For purposes of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), the identifying number of an individual (or his estate) shall be such individual’s social security account number.
(b) Limitation
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a return of any person with respect to his liability for tax, or any statement or other document in support thereof, shall not be considered for purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) as a return, statement, or other document with respect to another person.
(2) For purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a), a return of an estate or trust with respect to its liability for tax, and any statement or other document in support thereof, shall be considered as a return, statement, or other document with respect to each beneficiary of such estate or trust.
(c) Requirement of information
For purposes of this section, the Secretary is authorized to require such information as may be necessary to assign an identifying number to any person.
(d) Use of social security account number
The social security account number issued to an individual for purposes of section 205(c)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act shall, except as shall otherwise be specified under regulations of the Secretary, be used as the identifying number for such individual for purposes of this title.
[(e) Repealed. Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1615(a)(2)(A), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1853]
(f) Access to employer identification numbers by Secretary of Agriculture for purposes of Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 of 1977 1
(1) In general
In the administration of section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018) involving the determination of the qualifications of applicants under such Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may, subject to this subsection, require each applicant retail store or wholesale food concern to furnish to the Secretary of Agriculture the employer identification number assigned to the store or concern pursuant to this section. The Secretary of Agriculture shall not have access to any such number for any purpose other than the establishment and maintenance of a list of the names and employer identification numbers of the stores and concerns for use in determining those applicants who have been previously sanctioned or convicted under section 12 or 15 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2021 or 2024).
(2) Sharing of information and safeguards
(A) Sharing of information
The Secretary of Agriculture may share any information contained in any list referred to in paragraph (1) with any other agency or instrumentality of the United States which otherwise has access to employer identification numbers in accordance with this section or other applicable Federal law, except that the Secretary of Agriculture may share such information only to the extent that such Secretary determines such sharing would assist in verifying and matching such information against information maintained by such other agency or instrumentality. Any such information shared pursuant to this subparagraph may be used by such other agency or instrumentality only for the purpose of effective administration and enforcement of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 or for the purpose of investigation of violations of other Federal laws or enforcement of such laws.
(B) Safeguards
The Secretary of Agriculture, and the head of any other agency or instrumentality referred to in subparagraph (A), shall restrict, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury, access to employer identification numbers obtained pursuant to this subsection only to officers and employees of the United States whose duties or responsibilities require access for the purposes described in subparagraph (A). The Secretary of Agriculture, and the head of any agency or instrumentality with which information is shared pursuant to subparagraph (A), shall provide such other safeguards as the Secretary of the Treasury determines to be necessary or appropriate to protect the confidentiality of the employer identification numbers.
(3) Confidentiality and nondisclosure rules
Employer identification numbers that are obtained or maintained pursuant to this subsection by the Secretary of Agriculture or the head of any agency or instrumentality with which information is shared pursuant to paragraph (2) shall be confidential, and no officer or employee of the United States who has or had access to the employer identification numbers shall disclose any such employer identification number obtained thereby in any manner. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “officer or employee” includes a former officer or employee.
(4) Sanctions
Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 7213(a) shall apply with respect to the un­authorized willful disclosure to any person of employer identification numbers maintained pursuant to this subsection by the Secretary of Agriculture or any agency or instrumentality with which information is shared pursuant to paragraph (2) in the same manner and to the same extent as such paragraphs apply with respect to unauthorized disclosures of return and return information described in such paragraphs. Paragraph (4) of section 7213(a) shall apply with respect to the willful offer of any item of material value in exchange for any such employer identification number in the same manner and to the same extent as such paragraph applies with respect to offers (in exchange for any return or return information) described in such paragraph.
(g) Access to employer identification numbers by Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for purposes of the Federal Crop Insurance Act
(1) In general
In the administration of section 506 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation may require each policyholder and each reinsured company to furnish to the insurer or to the Corporation the employer identification number of such policyholder, subject to the requirements of this paragraph. No officer or employee of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, or authorized person shall have access to any such number for any purpose other than the establishment of a system of records necessary to the effective administration of such Act. The Manager of the Corporation may require each policyholder to provide to the Manager or authorized person, at such times and in such manner as prescribed by the Manager, the employer identification number of each entity that holds or acquires a substantial beneficial interest in the policyholder. For purposes of this subclause, the term “substantial beneficial interest” means not less than 5 percent of all beneficial interest in the policyholder. The Secretary of Agriculture shall restrict, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury, access to employer identification numbers obtained pursuant to this paragraph only to officers and employees of the United States or authorized persons whose duties or responsibilities require access for the administration of the Federal Crop Insurance Act.
(2) Confidentiality and nondisclosure rules
Employer identification numbers maintained by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation pursuant to this subsection shall be confidential, and except as authorized by this subsection, no officer or employee of the United States or authorized person who has or had access to such employer identification numbers shall disclose any such employer identification number obtained thereby in any manner. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “officer or employee” includes a former officer or employee. For purposes of this subsection, the term “authorized person” means an officer or employee of an insurer whom the Manager of the Corporation designates by rule, subject to appropriate safeguards including a prohibition against the release of such social security account numbers (other than to the Corporations) by such person.
(3) Sanctions
Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 7213(a) shall apply with respect to the unauthorized willful disclosure to any person of employer identification numbers maintained by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation pursuant to this subsection in the same manner and to the same extent as such paragraphs apply with respect to unauthorized disclosures of return and return information described in such paragraphs. Paragraph (4) of section 7213(a) shall apply with respect to the willful offer of any item of material value in exchange for any such employer identification number in the same manner and to the same extent as such paragraph applies with respect to offers (in exchange for any return or return information) described in such paragraph.
(h) Identifying information required with respect to certain seller-provided financing
(1) Payor
If any taxpayer claims a deduction under section 163 for qualified residence interest on any seller-provided financing, such taxpayer shall include on the return claiming such deduction the name, address, and TIN of the person to whom such interest is paid or accrued.
(2) Recipient
If any person receives or accrues interest referred to in paragraph (1), such person shall include on the return for the taxable year in which such interest is so received or accrued the name, address, and TIN of the person liable for such interest.
(3) Furnishing of information between payor and recipient
If any person is required to include the TIN of another person on a return under paragraph (1) or (2), such other person shall furnish his TIN to such person.
(4) Seller-provided financing
For purposes of this subsection, the term “seller-provided financing” means any indebtedness incurred in acquiring any residence if the person to whom such indebtedness is owed is the person from whom such residence was acquired.
(i) Special rules relating to the issuance of ITINs
(1) In general
The Secretary is authorized to issue an individual taxpayer identification number to an individual only if the applicant submits an application, using such form as the Secretary may require and including the required documentation—
(A) in the case of an applicant not described in subparagraph (B)—
(i) in person to an employee of the Internal Revenue Service or a community-based certified acceptance agent approved by the Secretary, or
(ii) by mail, pursuant to rules prescribed by the Secretary, or
(B) in the case of an applicant who resides outside of the United States, by mail or in person to an employee of the Internal Revenue Service or a designee of the Secretary at a United States diplomatic mission or consular post.
(2) Required documentation
For purposes of this subsection—
(A) In general
The term “required documentation” includes such documentation as the Secretary may require that proves the individual’s identity, foreign status, and residency.
(B) Validity of documents
The Secretary may accept only original documents or certified copies meeting the requirements of the Secretary.
(3) Term of ITIN
(A) In general
An individual taxpayer identification number issued after December 31, 2012, shall remain in effect unless the individual to whom such number is issued does not file a return of tax (or is not included as a dependent on the return of tax of another taxpayer) for 3 consecutive taxable years. In the case of an individual described in the preceding sentence, such number shall expire on the last day of such third consecutive taxable year.
(B) Special rule for existing ITINs
In the case of an individual with respect to whom an individual taxpayer identification number was issued before January 1, 2013, such number shall remain in effect until the earlier of—
(i) the applicable date, or
(ii) if the individual does not file a return of tax (or is not included as a dependent on the return of tax of another taxpayer) for 3 consecutive taxable years, the earlier of—
(I) the last day of such third consecutive taxable year, or
(II) the last day of the taxable year that includes the date of the enactment of this subsection.
(C) Applicable date
For purposes of subparagraph (B), the term “applicable date” means—
(i) January 1, 2017, in the case of an individual taxpayer identification number issued before January 1, 2008,
(ii) January 1, 2018, in the case of an individual taxpayer identification number issued in 2008,
(iii) January 1, 2019, in the case of an individual taxpayer identification number issued in 2009 or 2010, and
(iv) January 1, 2020, in the case of an individual taxpayer identification number issued in 2011 or 2012.
(4) Distinguishing ITINs issued solely for purposes of treaty benefits
The Secretary shall implement a system that ensures that individual taxpayer identification numbers issued solely for purposes of claiming tax treaty benefits are used only for such purposes, by distinguishing such numbers from other individual taxpayer identification numbers issued.
(Added Pub. L. 87–397, § 1(a), Oct. 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 828; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, §§ 1203(d), 1211(c), title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1691, 1712, 1834; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1524(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2749; Pub. L. 100–485, title VII, §§ 703(c)(3), 704(a), Oct. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 2427; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11112(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–413; Pub. L. 101–624, title XVII, § 1735(c), title XXII, § 2201(d), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3792, 3953; Pub. L. 102–486, title XIX, § 1933(a), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3031; Pub. L. 103–296, title III, § 316(b), Aug. 15, 1994, 108 Stat. 1532; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, § 742(b), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5010; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §§ 1615(a)(2)(A), 1704(t)(42), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1853, 1889; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3710(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 779; Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, § 8246(a)(2)(D), May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 201; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (G), (2)(O), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1097; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (G), (2)(O), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title II, § 203(a), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3078.)
heading: References in Text
text: Section 205 of the Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is classified to section 405 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 88–525, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 703, which is classified generally to chapter 51 (§ 2011 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2011 of Title 7 and Tables.
The Federal Crop Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (g), is subtitle A of title V of act Feb. 16, 1938, ch. 30, 52 Stat. 72, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§ 1501 et seq.) of chapter 36 of Title 7, Agriculture. Section 506 of the Act is classified to section 1506 of Title 7. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1501 of Title 7 and Tables.
The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (i)(3)(B)(ii)(II), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 114–113, which was approved Dec. 18, 2015.
heading: Codification
text: Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.
heading: Prior Provisions
text: A prior section 6109 was renumbered section 6116 of this title.
heading: Amendments
text: 2015—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 114–113 added subsec. (i).
2008—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(b)(1)(G), (2)(O), substituted “Food and Nutrition Act of 2008” for “Food Stamp Act” in heading.
Subsec. (f)(1), (2)(A). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(O), substituted “Food and Nutrition Act of 2008” for “Food Stamp Act of 1977”.
2007—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 110–28, § 8246(a)(2)(D)(ii), which directed amendment of heading by substituting “tax return preparer” for “income return preparer”, was executed by making the substitution for “income tax return preparer”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 110–28, § 8246(a)(2)(D)(i), substituted “a tax return preparer” for “an income tax return preparer”.
1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–206 substituted “For purposes of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3)” for “For purposes of this subsection” in concluding provisions.
1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–188, § 1615(a)(2)(A), struck out subsec. (e) which read as follows:
“(e) Furnishing Number for Dependents.—Any taxpayer who claims an exemption under section 151 for any dependent on a return for any taxable year shall include on such return the identifying number (for purposes of this title) of such dependent.”
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 104–188, § 1704(t)(42), redesignated subsec. (f) relating to access to employer identification numbers for purposes of Federal Crop Insurance Act as subsec. (g).
1994—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–465 substituted “dependents” for “certain dependents” in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “If—
“(1) any taxpayer claims an exemption under section 151 for any dependent on a return for any taxable year, and
“(2) such dependent has attained the age of 1 year before the close of such taxable year,
such taxpayer shall include on such return the identifying number (for purposes of this title) of such dependent.”
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 103–296, § 316(b)(1), amended subsec. (f) relating to access to employer identification numbers for purposes of Food Stamp Act of 1977 by adding par. (2) and striking out former par. (2) “Safeguards” which read as follows: “The Secretary of Agriculture shall restrict, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury, access to employer identification numbers obtained pursuant to paragraph (1) only to officers and employees of the United States whose duties or responsibilities require access for the administration or enforcement of the Food Stamp Act of 1977. The Secretary of Agriculture shall provide such other safeguards as the Secretary of the Treasury determines to be necessary or appropriate to protect the confidentiality of the employer identification numbers.”
Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 103–296, § 316(b)(2), amended subsec. (f) relating to access to employer identification numbers for purposes of Food Stamp Act of 1977 by substituting, in par. (3), “pursuant to this subsection by the Secretary of Agriculture or the head of any agency or instrumentality with which information is shared pursuant to paragraph (2)” for “by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to this subsection” and “employer identification numbers shall disclose” for “social security account numbers shall disclose”.
Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 103–296, § 316(b)(3), amended subsec. (f) relating to access to employer identification numbers for purposes of Food Stamp Act of 1977 by substituting, in par. (4), “pursuant to this subsection by the Secretary of Agriculture or any agency or instrumentality with which information is shared pursuant to paragraph (2)” for “by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to this subsection”.
1992—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 102–486 added subsec. (h).
1990—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted “1 year” for “2 years”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–624, § 2201(d), added subsec. (f) relating to access to employer identification numbers for purposes of Federal Crop Insurance Act.
Pub. L. 101–624, § 1735(c), added subsec. (f) relating to access to employer identification numbers for purposes of Food Stamp Act of 1977.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–485, § 703(c)(3), substituted “or whose identifying number is required to be shown on a return of another person shall furnish” for “shall furnish”.
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 100–485, § 704(a), substituted “age of 2” for “age of 5”.
1986—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–514 added subsec. (e).
1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, §§ 1203(d), 1906(b)(13)(A), struck out in provisions preceding par. (1) “or his delegate” after “Secretary” and added par. (4).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1211(c), added subsec. (d).
heading: Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title II, § 203(f), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3081, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 6213 of this section] shall apply to applications for individual taxpayer identification numbers made after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015].”
heading: Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
text: Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.
Amendment by section 4002(b)(1)(B), (G), (2)(O) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.
heading: Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 110–28 applicable to returns prepared after May 25, 2007, see section 8246(c) of Pub. L. 110–28, set out as a note under section 6060 of this title.
heading: Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3710(b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 779, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998].”
heading: Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
text: Amendment by section 1615(a)(2)(A) of Pub. L. 104–188 applicable with respect to returns the due date for which, without regard to extensions, is on or after the 30th day after Aug. 20, 1996, with special rule for 1995 and 1996, see section 1615(d) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 21 of this title.
heading: Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
text: Amendment by Pub. L. 103–465 applicable to returns for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1994, but not applicable to returns for taxable years beginning in 1995 with respect to individuals who are born after Oct. 31, 1995, and to returns for taxable years beginning in 1996 with respect to individuals who are born after Nov. 30, 1996, see section 742(c) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as a note under section 32 of this title.
heading: Effective Date of 1992 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 102–486, title XIX, § 1933(c), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3031, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 6724 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1991.”
heading: Effective Date of 1990 Amendments
text: Amendment by section 1735(c) of Pub. L. 101–624 effective and implemented first day of month beginning 120 days after publication of implementing regulations to be promulgated not later than Oct. 1, 1991, see section 1781(a) of Pub. L. 101–624, set out as a note under section 2012 of Title 7, Agriculture.
Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11112(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–413, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to returns for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1990.”
heading: Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
text: Amendment by section 703(c)(3) of Pub. L. 100–485 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1988, see section 703(d) of Pub. L. 100–485, set out as a note under section 21 of this title.
Pub. L. 100–485, title VII, § 704(b), Oct. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 2428, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to returns the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after December 31, 1989.”
heading: Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1524(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2749, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 6676 of this title] shall apply to returns the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after December 31, 1987.”
heading: Effective Date
text: Pub. L. 87–397, § 1(d), Oct. 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 829, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, § 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that: “Paragraph (1) of section 6109(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954], as added by subsection (a) of this section, shall apply only in respect of returns, statements, and other documents relating to periods commencing after December 31, 1961. Paragraphs (2) and (3) of such section 6109(a) shall apply only in respect of returns, statements, or other documents relating to periods commencing after December 31, 1962.”
heading: Audit by TIGTA
text: Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title II, § 203(b), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3079, provided that: “Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015], and every 2 years thereafter, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration shall conduct an audit of the program of the Internal Revenue Service for the issuance of individual taxpayer identification numbers pursuant to section 6109(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section) and report the results of such audit to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on the [sic] Ways and Means of the House of Representatives.”
heading: Community-Based Certified Acceptance Agents
text: Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title II, § 203(c), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3079, provided that:
“The Secretary of the Treasury, or the Secretary’s delegate, shall maintain a program for training and approving community-based certified acceptance agents for purposes of section 6109(i)(1)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section). Persons eligible to be acceptance agents under such program include—
“(1) financial institutions (as defined in section 265(b)(5) of such Code and the regulations thereunder),
“(2) colleges and universities which are described in section 501(c)(3) of such Code and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code,
“(3) Federal agencies (as defined in section 6402(h) of such Code),
“(4) State and local governments, including agencies responsible for vital records,
“(5) community-based organizations which are described in subsection (c)(3) or (d) of section 501 of such Code and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code,
“(6) persons that provide assistance to taxpayers in the preparation of their tax returns, and
“(7) other persons or categories of persons as authorized by regulations or other guidance of the Secretary of the Treasury.”
heading: ITIN Study
text: Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title II, § 203(d), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3079, provided that:
“(1) In general.—
The Secretary of the Treasury, or the Secretary’s delegate, shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of the application process for individual taxpayer identification numbers before the implementation of the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 6213 of this title], the effects of the amendments made by this section on such application process, the comparative effectiveness of an in-person review process for application versus other methods of reducing fraud in the ITIN program and improper payments to ITIN holders as a result, and possible administrative and legislative recommendations to improve such process.
“(2) Specific requirements.—
Such study shall include an evaluation of the following:
“(A) Possible administrative and legislative recommendations to reduce fraud and improper payments through the use of individual taxpayer identification numbers (hereinafter referred to as ‘ITINs’).
“(B) If data supports an in-person initial review of ITIN applications to reduce fraud and improper payments, the administrative and legislative steps needed to implement such an in-person initial review of ITIN applications, in conjunction with an expansion of the community-based certified acceptance agent program under subsection (c) [set out as a note above], with a goal of transitioning to such a program by 2020.
“(C) Strategies for more efficient processing of ITIN applications.
“(D) The acceptance agent program as in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015] and ways to expand the geographic availability of agents through the community-based certified acceptance agent program under subsection (c).
“(E) Strategies for the Internal Revenue Service to work with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and other organizations and persons described in subsection (c) to encourage participation in the community-based certified acceptance agent program under subsection (c) to facilitate in-person initial review of ITIN applications.
“(F) Typical characteristics (derived from Form W–7 and other sources) of mail applications for ITINs as compared with typical characteristics of in-person applications.
“(G) Typical characteristics (derived from 17 [sic] Form W–7 and other sources) of ITIN applications before the Internal Revenue Service revised its application procedures in 2012 as compared with typical characteristics of ITIN applications made after such revisions went into effect.
“(3) Report.—
The Secretary, or the Secretary’s delegate, shall submit to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives a report detailing the study under paragraph (1) and its findings not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2015].
“(4) Administrative steps.—
The Secretary of the Treasury shall implement any administrative steps identified by the report under paragraph (3) not later than 180 days after submitting such report.”