Ever wondered how to check if your ITIN has expired? You are not alone in this! Millions of tax filers in the United States use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Like driver’s licenses or passports, ITINs also have expiration periods. Knowing the ways you can check your ITIN’s status will save you from any tax filing problems.
In this post, we will discuss what an ITIN is, how to check for a dead one, and what you must do if it’s indeed expired. Okay, let’s dive into this!
What is an ITIN?
It is an identification number provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for residents of the United States who need to have a taxpayer identification number but cannot be issued a Social Security number.
An ITIN is used in reporting and filing taxes, collecting tax refunds, and for certain tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit if the taxpayer is eligible. It is required to comply with U.S. tax laws.
ITIN issuance is required to satisfy tax compliance and claim special tax benefits. An ITIN is deemed to be inactive in case the one on file is expired, which may confuse you at tax time.
How Long Does an ITIN Last?
There are two key reasons that an ITIN may expire:
- Inactivity: An ITIN will be inactive if it is not included on a federal income tax return for three consecutive years.
- Issued Before 2013: ITINs issued before 2013 must be renewed periodically to remain valid. The IRS implemented this process to ensure the ITINs are current.
How to Know whether Your ITIN Has Expired
There are several ways to know if your ITIN has expired:
1. Check the Issuance Date
Check the middle digits of your ITIN against the following ranges:
- 70-88: Expired
- 90-99: Expired
- 83-87: Expired
If your ITIN falls into one of these groups, then it is expired. We’ll cover renewal steps later!
2. Check Your Tax Return Activity
Think of how long it has been since you used your ITIN. If you haven’t applied your ITIN to file a federal income tax return for the last three consecutive years, then it is probably invalid. The IRS terminates an ITIN that has not been used to file tax returns in three consecutive years.
3. Wait for an IRS Notice
The IRS will send you a CP-48 Notice if your ITIN is reaching its expiration date. This notice will update you on when it is expiring and remind you to renew your ITIN. Pay attention for any of these notices in your mail.
What Do You Do If Your ITIN Has Expired?
You may not be able to file taxes if you have an expired ITIN. You may face:
- Delayed Refunds: The IRS will process your return, but the refund will be delayed until the ITIN is renewed.
- Disallowance of Tax Credits: Some tax credits, for instance, Child Tax Credit, will be disallowed until your ITIN is once again valid.
To put it simply, it is going to make your tax situation all the more complicated if an expired ITIN is used, so it should be renewed as soon as possible.
How to Renew Your ITIN
If you have an expired ITIN, you will benefit from these instructions to renew it:
1. Fill out IRS Form W-7
You are to fill in the application form IRS W-7 for an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This form applies to new requests and renewals for ITIN. Each piece of information on the form must be accurately and fully entered.
2. Present the Required Documents
Attach Form W-7 to any required original documents or certified copies showing your identity and foreign status. Some of these include:
- Passport: A passport is the most commonly used document.
- National Identification Card
- S. Driver’s License
- Foreign Birth Certificate
Check a more comprehensive list on the IRS website.
3. Mail Your Application
Mail Form W-7 and attached documents to the IRS at:
Internal Revenue Service ITIN Operation P.O. Box 149342 Austin, TX 78714-9342
Another way to obtain the ITIN is in person through one of the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers or by an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent.
How Long Does It Take to Renew My ITIN?
Processing time for ITIN renewal is as much as 7 weeks, although sometimes it is up to 11 weeks during tax season. Avoid potential delay. Renew your ITIN well in advance of tax season.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a valid ITIN is important in keeping track of your tax obligations and avoiding further problems in dealing with the IRS.
Since you know how to tell if your ITIN is no longer valid and how to apply for an invalid ITIN, you can make the proper steps needed to continue to maintain it being valid.
If you haven’t filed for your ITIN in the last three years and haven’t received a renewal letter from the IRS either, it’s time to do something about it. Renew your ITIN as early as possible so you don’t have any slowdowns in processing your tax return and receiving refunds.
Want more about ITINs? The IRS or a professional tax preparer can help.
For more detailed information on Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), including how to apply and legal considerations, visit the IRS official page on ITINs.
For further assistance with ITIN applications, check out our ITIN page.