Can an ITIN Expire?

Can an ITIN Expire?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is an important tool that allows foreign nationals who don’t qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN) to file a federal income tax return. If you’ve gone through the ITIN application process, you might be wondering if your number will ever expire. The short answer is yes, but one of two circumstances must take place for expiration to occur:

Your ITIN hasn’t been used on a federal tax return at least once in three consecutive years
The middle two digits of your ITIN are 70, 71, 72, 78, 79 or 80

Should your number meet either of these criteria, you’re facing the expiration of your ITIN, which means it’s important to start the renewal process as soon as possible if you’d like to avoid a delay in your tax refund.

How To Renew an Expired ITIN

If your number has expired, you might ask yourself “what do I need to get an ITIN number again,” and the renewal process works the same way as your initial application, although you don’t need to include a federal tax return. You’ll have to fill out another W-7 form and submit it to the IRS along with an original, valid passport or two of the other ITIN needed documents used to establish your identity and foreign status. You can also choose to renew the ITINs of your entire family, even if they don’t include the affected numbers.

Avoid Delays by Renewing Today

As a taxpayer, you’re legally entitled to a refund of any extra money you’ve paid, but you need a valid ITIN to file your yearly return. If the IRS sends you a letter notifying you of your number’s expiration, it’s in your best interest to start your renewal as soon as possible. If you need help determining where to send W7 form documentation or you’re having difficulty filling out the necessary paperwork, let the professionals at ITIN W-7 Application help.