How to Check if ITIN Is Expired [2024]
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Wondering how to check if your ITIN is expired? No problem! Since your return and any refunds you’re owed won’t be accepted with an invalid number, it’s important to be sure. Luckily, it’s easy to check. Here’s how.
Key Takeaways
- Check Your ITIN Code: Identification numbers are formatted as 9XX-XX-XXXX. If digits 70-88 appear in positions four and five, it has expired and needs to be renewed.
- Pre-2013 ITINs: If you received your ITIN before 2013 and digits 90-92 or 94-99 appear in positions four and five, it has expired.
- Three-Year Rule: In addition to the above, ITIN numbers must be renewed if they haven’t been used for three years. As of 2024, if you’ve filed a tax return or been claimed as a dependent as recently as 2021, it’s still active.
- IRS Notifications: Before your ITIN expires, you’ll get a letter in the mail. Sometimes things can get lost, so for your peace of mind, you can log into your IRS account and look for a copy. If there’s no notice, your number is likely valid.
Ways to Check if Your ITIN Is Expired
The IRS issues the Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) to people who need to file taxes in the US but aren’t eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). It’s used exclusively for tax reporting purposes and maintaining it is crucial to ensure smooth tax return processing. Here are the best ways to check if your ITIN is active.
Look at Your ITIN for Expired Codes
ITINs are nine-digit codes containing three unique sections and are assigned according to internal IRS needs. Each year, a new batch of group numbers expires.
To begin, you’ll need your ITIN and the date it was issued. You can find the identification number on a previous year’s tax return. If you don’t have one, you can order a copy directly from the IRS here. To check your assignment date, look for your CP565 ITIN Assignment Notice. If you can’t find it, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.
The following group numbers have expired: 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, and 88. Additionally, if you received your identification number before 2013, these digits are also expired: 90, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, and 99. Lastly, if you’ve already renewed your ITIN due to an expired group number, you don’t need to do so again.
Review Your IRS Account for an Expiration Notice
The IRS mails a CP48 Notice to all taxpayers whose ITIN is set to expire during that year. However, the absence of a letter isn’t enough to be sure your identification number is active. Expats can move frequently, the IRS may have an incorrect mailing address on file, and it’s possible it was lost in the mail.
The easiest way to look for a notice is to log into your account and look. Your dashboard will look like this, and at the bottom, you’ll find an option to view notices and letters. Any correspondence the IRS has initiated with you corresponding to your ITIN will appear here.
If you’ve never created an online account with the IRS, you can do so here. ITIN holders go through an identity verification process via video chat. You’ll need an email address, proof of ITIN, one primary document, and one secondary document.
Check That You’ve Filed Taxes in the Last Three Years
Assuming that your group number hasn’t expired and you haven’t received an expiration notice from the IRS, there’s one more thing you should check: when did you last file your taxes? ITINs that haven’t been included on a tax return at least once in the last three years will expire on December 31st of the third consecutive non-filing year.
Contact the IRS Directly
To be absolutely confident your ITIN is active, you can call the IRS directly. Navigating automated phone messaging trees isn’t fun, but there’s an option specifically for checking the status of ITIN applications. Additionally, since the IRS received considerable funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, taxpayers have been reporting considerably shorter wait times to speak with customer service. The toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040 and is available from 7 am to 7 pm local time.
How to Renew an Expired ITIN
Unfortunately, you may have discovered that your ITIN has or will be expiring this year. The good news is you’ve already gone through this process before; renewing an ITIN is exactly the same as applying for a new one. First, you’ll fill out a Form W-7, which is used to apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number. Then, you’ll attach this form and supporting documents to your US tax return and mail them to the IRS ITIN Operations Center.
Since supporting documents have to be either original or certified by their issuing agencies, it’s worthwhile to consider using an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent. Rather than waiting several months to have your passport returned, you will have it back within a week or two. Greenback has Certified Acceptance Agents ready to help. Contact us for a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
After handling 60,000 tax returns for 18,000 expats, we’ve learned how to do expat taxes right. Since we were founded in 2009, we’ve also gotten pretty familiar with the kinds of questions people ask about filing taxes abroad. In addition to how to check if an ITIN is expired, here are some questions we often get.
Who Needs an ITIN?
People who are required to have a US taxpayer number but are ineligible for a Social Security Number. Examples include non-resident aliens, their non-resident dependents or spouses, or nonresident professors filing a US tax return claiming an exception to owing US taxes.
How Long Does It Take to Renew an ITIN?
Assuming you qualify and the application was done right, people usually receive a response from the IRS within seven to eleven weeks.
Do I Need to Renew My ITIN if I Won’t Be Filing a Tax Return or Claim a Refund?
No, however, if you do in the future, you’ll need to renew it then.
Have More Questions? We’ve Got Answers
Whether you are a soon-to-be expat or have lived abroad for years, Greenback will take the time to understand your unique situation. Our team’s comprehensive knowledge of tax laws and careful attention to detail enable us to prepare your return right in full compliance with the complex US tax system and your country’s specific tax rules.
Contact us, and one of our customer champions will gladly help. If you need very specific advice on your specific tax situation, you can also click below to get a consultation with one of our expat tax experts.
