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Official form guide
Form 8945: PTIN Supplemental Application For U.S. Citizens Without A Social Security Number Due To Conscientious Religious Objection
IRS Form 8945 is a PTIN Supplemental Application for U.S. citizens who object to a Social Security Number on religious grounds. It establishes identity and citizenship; a valid passport alone satisfies documentation.
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IRS Form 8945 - PTIN Supplemental Application For U.S. Citizens Without A Social Security Number Due To Conscientious Religious Objection
IRS Form 8945 is a PTIN Supplemental Application for U.S. citizens who object to a Social Security Number on religious grounds. It establishes identity and citizenship; a valid passport alone satisfies documentation.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting the form without the required supporting documentation will cause the application to be rejected.
- 2Filing Form 8945 when you already have a Social Security Number, which the form expressly forbids.
- 3Failing to attach any supporting documentation, or attaching expired documents, leading to rejection.
- 4Submitting only one supporting document when you do not provide an original valid passport.
- 5Providing documents that lack a photograph, despite the requirement that at least one document include a photo.
Plain English
Form 8945 lets a U.S. citizen who refuses a Social Security Number for religious reasons get a Preparer Tax Identification Number. You fill out personal details, attach proof of identity and citizenship, and have a religious group representative certify the objection.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2021-05-27 22:10:16
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you are a U.S. citizen who is a member of a recognized religious group with a conscientious objection to obtaining an SSN and you need a PTIN.
- Do not use it when you have a Social Security Number, are not a member of such a religious group, or have a pending SSN application.
- Check Form W-12 instead when you have an SSN and need a PTIN.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You have an SSN and need a PTIN
PTIN application requires an SSN
✓ Confirm you have a valid SSN
You need to obtain a Social Security Number
Application for a Social Security Card
✓ Verify eligibility for an SSN
You are applying for a PTIN without an SSN
Supplemental application for religious objection
✓ Ensure you meet religious group criteria
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Line 1 (Legal name)
Legal name as on identification documents · Applicant’s ID (e.g., passport)
Line 2a (Mailing address)
Complete mailing address · Applicant’s address records
Line 3a‑c (Birth information)
Birth date and birth name if different · Birth certificate
Line 5 (Document type)
Check box for each identification document submitted · Form 8945
Supporting documents
Original, certified, or notarized copies of ID documents · Passport, birth certificate, etc.
Before you submit
- 1Verify you do not have a Social Security Number.
- 2Confirm you belong to a recognized religious group with conscientious objection to an SSN.
- 3Complete all required fields in Part I, including legal name, mailing address, and birth information.
- 4Sign and date the form as the applicant in Part I.
- 5Obtain the authorized representative of the religious group’s signature in Part II.
- 6Check the appropriate box on line 5 for the identification documents you are submitting.
- 7Attach certified or notarized copies of the supporting documents.
- 8Mail Form 8945 together with Form W-12 to the IRS Tax Professional PTIN Processing Center address.
- 9Keep a copy of the completed application and supporting documents for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form 8945 with personal, mailing, and birth details.
- 2Gather certified or notarized copies of the required identification documents.
- 3Obtain signatures from the applicant and the authorized religious group representative.
- 4Mail the signed Form 8945, Form W-12, and supporting documents to IRS Tax Professional PTIN Processing Center, PO Box 380638, San Antonio, TX 78268, and retain the mailing receipt as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Do not submit Form 8945 if you have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN).
- 2Do not file Form 8945 if you are not a member of a religious group with a conscientious objection to obtaining an SSN.
- 3If you have a pending application for an SSN, you must not file Form 8945.
- 4Expired supporting documents cannot be attached; they will be rejected.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Entity Info
1 items
Name and taxpayer ID of the entity claiming the credit.
Credit Info
1 items
Type of credit or incentive being claimed.
Calculation
2 items
The base amount used to calculate the credit.
Calculated credit amount after applying formulas and limitations.
Certification
1 items
Detailed breakdown supporting the credit calculation.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date the form.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 8945 (Rev. May 2021) is the current edition. The source directs users to www.irs.gov/Form8945 for the latest information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads May 2021
- Fee — Not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — confirm mailing address is IRS Tax Professional PTIN Processing Center PO Box 380638 San Antonio, TX 78268
- Signature — confirm both applicant and authorized representative signatures are present
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form 8945 for your records.
- 2Original supporting documents you send will be returned to the mailing address you entered on line 2.
- 3Verify that you mailed the form to the correct IRS address (do not use the address printed on the form).
- 4If the IRS rejects the application due to missing or expired documents, submit a new Form 8945 with the correct supporting documentation.
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — Do not submit this form if you have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN).
- SRCForm p.2 — Do not complete Form 8945 if you have an SSN or are not a member of a religious group that has a conscientious objection to obtaining an SSN.
- SRCForm p.2 — If you have an application for an SSN pending, do not file Form 8945.
- SRCForm p.3 — Do not attach expired documents; expired documents will not be accepted.
- SRCForm p.3 — If you submit an original valid passport (or a certified or notarized copy of a valid passport), you do not need to submit any other documents.
- SRCForm p.3 — Otherwise, you must submit at least two of the documents listed below.
- SRCForm p.3 — At least one document must contain your photograph.
- SRCForm p.3 — At least one document must verify both your identity and U.S. citizenship.
- SRCForm p.3 — Your original documents will be returned to the address you enter on line 2.
- SRCForm p.3 — Keep a copy of the application for your records.
Common confusion points
Do I need to provide a Social Security Number?
Many filers think a SSN is optional, but the form is only for those without an SSN.
→ Confirm you have no SSN and no pending SSN application before filing.
Can I use a P.O. box for my mailing address?
The address line mentions a P.O. box only if USPS cannot deliver to your physical location.
→ Use a P.O. box only when required and follow the instruction note.
Do I have to send my original passport?
The form allows either the original passport or a certified/notarized copy, yet a tip suggests avoiding originals.
→ Decide whether to send the original or a certified/notarized copy; either is acceptable.
How many documents must I submit if I don’t have a passport?
Some think one document is enough, but the form requires at least two documents when a passport isn’t provided.
→ Provide at least two current documents, one with a photograph and one that verifies both identity and citizenship.
What happens if my supporting documents are expired?
Filers may assume expired documents are still usable, but the form explicitly rejects them.
→ Ensure every supporting document is current before attaching.
Where should I mail Form 8945?
The address printed on the form can be misleading; the form states not to send it there.
→ Locate the correct mailing address on the IRS website or the “Applying by mail” instructions.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 8945 – resubmit with corrected or additional supporting documentation if the original submission is rejected.
Questions about IRS Form 8945
What is IRS Form 8945 used for?
Form 8945 lets a U.S. citizen who refuses a Social Security Number for religious reasons get a Preparer Tax Identification Number. You fill out personal details, attach proof of identity and citizenship, and have a religious group representative certify the objection.
Who must file IRS Form 8945?
U.S. citizens who are members of a recognized religious group with a conscientious objection to obtaining a Social Security Number and who do not have an SSN must file IRS Form 8945.
What information does IRS Form 8945 require?
The form collects the applicant’s legal name (line 1), mailing address (lines 2a‑b), birth information (lines 3a‑c), and the type of identity documents submitted (line 5), plus a certification from an authorized religious representative in Part II.
How do I complete IRS Form 8945?
Complete Part I with the applicant’s name, mailing address, birth details, and select the document type box. Attach a valid passport or at least two current documents that verify identity and U.S. citizenship, ensuring one includes a photograph. Have the applicant sign and date Part I, then the authorized religious representative sign, date, and provide their name, address, and title in Part II. Submit the signed form with the supporting documents.
What happens if IRS Form 8945 is filed incorrectly?
If required supporting documentation is missing or incorrect, the application will not be processed, and the applicant cannot obtain a PTIN.
Do I need to provide a Social Security Number?
Many filers think a SSN is optional, but the form is only for those without an SSN. Confirm you have no SSN and no pending SSN application before filing.
Can I use a P.O. box for my mailing address?
The address line mentions a P.O. box only if USPS cannot deliver to your physical location. Use a P.O. box only when required and follow the instruction note.
Do I have to send my original passport?
The form allows either the original passport or a certified/notarized copy, yet a tip suggests avoiding originals. Decide whether to send the original or a certified/notarized copy; either is acceptable.
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