Ever wondered how to get an ITIN number? Okay, take a deep breath—you are not alone. All over the place, some people seem to do the same thing: lose or forget their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Okay, no need to worry, this is a guide that will walk you through all the steps you must take to locate your ITIN number. Let us keep it simple and easy to understand. Here we go.
What Is an ITIN Number?
First: What’s an ITIN number? An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a unique number issued by the IRS to individuals who, for various reasons, cannot earn a Social Security Number.
Thus, if you are a foreign national or a non-resident alien or a dependent of a U.S. citizen, maybe you’ll need an ITIN. The ITIN is a nine-digit number, like this: 9XX-XX-XXXX. Now that you know what an ITIN is, let’s talk a little bit more about how to find it.
How Do I Find My ITIN Number?
You already have an ITIN but just cannot remember where you put it. Do not worry. There are a couple of fairly straightforward ways that you can locate your ITIN number.
Check Your Tax Returns
One of the easiest ways to locate your ITIN number is by looking at your prior years’ tax returns. Since you should have filed taxes in a previous year, you can locate your ITIN as entered on the tax form near the top.
Steps:
- Gather copies of past tax returns.
- Look at the top section of Forms 1040, 1040A, and/or 1040EZ.
- Your ITIN number should appear where your Social Security Number should be.
Look for Correspondence from the IRS
Do you have an IRS notice? If so, then your ITIN may be included in some of the notices or letters you’ve received. Typically, the IRS sends its customers letters for any of the following reasons:
- When your application for your ITIN is approved by the IRS.
- The IRS requires additional information from you.
Where to find your ITIN number:
- Gather all of the notices from the IRS.
- Go through each one of them and read through the letters about your application for your ITIN. This may include a notice that says CP565.
- Your ITIN will be on these papers.
Check Your W-2 or 1099 Forms
If you have been working in the United States and an ITIN is applied, your employer will most likely attach it to your W-2 Wage and Tax Statement or 1099 forms if you are a contractor.
Employees should already have received their tax-related documents at the end of the tax year so that they can file using these.
Tactics:
- Locate your W-2 or 1099 forms from previous years.
- Check for a replacement area where your Social Security Number would normally appear. Your ITIN might be printed there.
Contact the IRS
If you cannot find your ITIN using any of the procedures mentioned above, then you can get in touch with the IRS and ask for your ITIN. Please note that to receive help from them, you will first be required to confirm your identity.
Steps:
- Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (individuals).
- Prepare to provide identification verification questions, such as your name, birthday, and address.
- The IRS can mail you a letter with your ITIN after it verifies the identity.
What If I Forgot My ITIN and Want to File Taxes?
Don’t be worried if you are preparing to submit your taxes but can’t locate your ITIN. You have options!
- Locate Your ITIN – If you want to file your taxes, you can use one of the above methods to find your ITIN.
- Apply for an ITIN Again – If you can’t locate your ITIN and you think it has expired, you can submit a new application for an ITIN. You can mail a new application from the IRS by using Form W-7. A passport will be required for identification.
What Should I Do If My ITIN Has Expired?
Do you know that ITINs expire? An ITIN may become invalid if you haven’t applied for use for three consecutive years. Certain ITINs issued prior to 2013 are also no longer valid if you did not renew.
How Do I Apply for My ITIN Renewal?
If your ITIN has expired, you will have to submit a renewal application using Form W-7. Here is a quick guide to renew your ITIN:
- Form W-7 – The same form you filled out when you first applied for the ITIN.
- Identification – You must provide valid proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate.
- Submit your documents – Mail in your form and documents to the IRS or go into an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person.
- Wait for Processing – Normally, the IRS will take about 7 weeks to process an ITIN renewal. So, plan ahead!
Why Is Your ITIN Important?
Your ITIN is an important part of your financial life in the U.S. It lets you:
- File your taxes.
- Collect tax refunds, if eligible.
- Claim tax credits, including your Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.
Without your ITIN, you might face a few problems when the tax-filing or benefits time knocks on your door.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To apply for your ITIN, here are some common mistakes that you should avoid:
- Forgetting to look for it everywhere: You may find your ITIN appearing in various forms except a tax return.
- You wait too long: Expired ITIN might be the reason behind your taxing delay. Act now!
- Not renewing your ITIN: If your ITIN has a valid period, renew it prior to this tax season.
Conclusion
Do you have to find your ITIN number? Yes, you just have to be responsible and always look for a document where your ITIN number might be. You can look through your tax returns, check the IRS letters, or even contact the IRS.
Remember that your ITIN is a very useful tool that enables you to stay compliant with U.S. tax laws, so ensure it is always up to date. Do you have more questions on the ITIN? You may contact the IRS or consult your tax professional to help you.
The way of taking those three easy steps above will enable you to find your ITIN number and return to managing your taxes in an orderly manner. Good luck!
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.