Can an ITIN expire without IRS notification? Yes, it could probably happen that you didn’t receive a notification from the IRS, and your ITIN has expired.
Every year, many individuals have to face rejections or delays in filing taxes due to expired ITINs, and they pay taxes with penalties. If your ITIN has not been used for the last three years or falls under a certain PATH Act of 2015, it needs to be renewed.
Since this situation looks awkward, let's save our energy and time and keep your tax filing safe and secure this year.
You can easily renew your ITIN by filling out Form W-7 for ITIN renewal. What are the necessary steps and documents you need? We have covered it all in this guide.
Do ITINs Need To Be Renewed?#
Yes, of course, an ITIN needs to be renewed if it falls under any condition outlined in the PATH Act of 2015. If you try to file a tax return with an expired ITIN, the IRS will hold your refunds, delay processing, or even reject your refund. You can also be disqualified from the refund credits, like the child tax credit (CTC) or American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).
When Do You Need to Renew Your ITIN?#
CP48 Notice From IRS#
If you have not used your ITIN in the last 3 consecutive years, you may receive a notice from the IRS called the CP-48 Notice. It will inform you that your ITIN is at risk of expiration.
Your Plan To File Taxes This Year#
If you are planning to file taxes this year and it has not been used in the last 3 years, it will expire, so check its expiry status before proceeding.
Want To Check If ITIN is Expired?#
ITIN needs to be renewed if certain conditions apply. Like;
- For ITIN Before 2013
If you got your ITIN before 2013, it will expire after every 5 years, no matter if you have been using it every year or not. It happens under the PATH Act of 2015. Actually, the PATH Act introduced a digit list; if an ITIN has any of these digits (75, 80, 83, etc.), it will expire.
- Implementation: Only for ITINs with specific digits.
- Validation: 5 years, after every 5 years, needs to be renewed.
- 3 years Rule
If you have not used your ITIN for the last three consecutive years, it will expire and need to be renewed. No matter if it falls in the digit list or not.
- ITIN Got After 2013
If you applied for an ITIN after 2013, then relax, the 5-year expiration rule doesn’t affect you; only the 3-year rule will be applicable. Otherwise, it's a lifetime identity.
Contact IRS#
- Contact the IRS directly to check the ITIN status and further details
- You can call at customer service.
- 877-829-5500
- 1 267-941-1000
- If you prefer, you can write at
- Internal Revenue Service
- TE/GE Division, Customer Service
- P.O. box 2508
- Cincinnati, OH 45201
- You can call at customer service.
Documents Required for ITIN Renewal#
For a renewal, all the documents are the same as those you submitted when you applied for an ITIN for the first time. Complete Guide here
You will need to submit a filled form W-7, a government-issued ID or a passport; maybe original copies are required, but if you hire any CAA for applying ITIN, no need to send original documents.
ITIN Renewal Cost#
There is no renewal cost charged by the IRS on an ITIN. But if you ask any CAA (Certified Acceptance Agent), they will charge a bit for their services.
Most of the CAA’s charge $300-$400 for a renewal.
But TaxSym charges only $249 for your ITIN renewal.
How to Renew Your ITIN – Step-by-Step#
Here’s a brief guide for you;
- Fill W-7 renewal form;
Fill the Form W-7 as filled for the first time, with just a few changes
- Mark the ‘’Renewal’’ Section on the top right corner.
- In the section 6e mark ‘’Yes’’
- Fill the 6f section carefully, place your previous ITIN number and full name with exact spelling written on the previous ITIN ID.
- Complete the rest as you have done before.
Hence, your form is completed and ready to submit.
- Choose method:
- Mail to IRS
If you want to apply online, go to the official website of the IRS and mail your form W-7 along with the necessary documents, at
Mailing Address
- Internal Revenue Service
- TE/GE Division, Customer Service
- P.O. box 2508
- Cincinnati, OH 45201
- Through a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA)
If you choose any CAA for your help, then you just need to send your duplicate copies, your previous ITIN number, and a little bit of information; maybe they will provide you with a Form W-7, fill it out, and they will hold everything for you.
- In-person IRS centers (if available)
This is only if you are present in the US, visit personally to the IRS office, bring documents with you, and go through the process as before.
ITIN Renewal Timeline – How Long Does It Take?#
- ITIN renewal approximately takes 7 to 11 weeks after the IRS has received your application properly. But this is a normal time in any case of trouble or irrelevant information; any delays can happen.
- In case;
- There is tax season from January to April; it may take longer due to the IRS being overloaded with paperwork these days.
- If any mistake happens during the application process, it may result in a delay.
Track Your ITIN#
If you are worried about your ITIN's current status, you can easily track your ITIN online through the support system you used to apply through.
- IRS: If you have applied for an ITIN, then call the IRS support team to ask your current ITIN status. Keep your application receipt, passport ID, and previous ITIN with you while calling; they may ask for some details for finding your file.
- Through A CAA, if you had hired any CAA for your ITIN renewal, then call their customer service and ask for the current status of your ID.
What Possibilities Can Affect the Timeline?#
Here are some possibilities that can affect the ITIN procedure.
- If you change your Name
If your name is changed after you have applied ITIN, contact the IRS, and they will update your information. Submit your reason in a letter with the necessary documents, like
- Marriage Certificate/ Divorce Decree
- Legal Update/ Court Record
Mail your documents to the IRS address mentioned above.
- Spouses And Dependents
If you are renewing the ITIN of any family member or spouse, it need more documentation, like proof of residency or relationship status. In case it is for the one who is filing a tax return, it needs more verification.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew?#
Having an expired ITIN may cause delays in refunds and many other issues.
Filing Delays, Refund Issues#
If any individual files a tax return with an expired ITIN, the IRS will process the return but hold the refunds, and the taxpayer will receive an IRS notice requesting the ITIN renewal for further proceedings.
Tax Credit Benefits Affected#
An expired ITIN makes the candidate ineligible for the tax credits. Like;
- AOTC (American Opportunity Tax Credit); It provides up to $2500 concession in tax for eligible individuals with a valid ITIN.
- CTC (Child Tax Credit): Any individual can claim up to $2000 per child, with a refundable portion of $1600, but with a valid ITIN.
- Other Credits: All rest credits are also disabled until you renew your ITIN.
Penalties If Not Updated Before Tax Filing#
If you didn’t renew your ITIN before tax season, you will lose the tax credits (e.g., CTC, AOTC), and if you have been late, the IRS will apply a penalty and interest, and you could face additional charges.
Here’s a short example to understand it better;
Let's say,
The total amount of tax is = $10000
AOTC Credit = $ 2500
CTC Credit = $ 1600
Payable tax (within Valid ITIN) = $10000 - $(2500 + 1600) = $5900
In other cases, let's say, ITIN Expiry Date = 12- July 2025
Tax Filing Last Date = 30- JUly 2025
So, your payable tax is $5900 until 12 July.
But from 13 July onwards, you lose the tax credits, and the payable tax is again $10000.
But if you didn't pay until July 30, the IRS will apply some penalties and interest (let's say $2000)
IRS penalty & interest = $2000
Now,
Payable tax = $1000 + $2000 = $12000 (More than the actual tax amount).
This is $6100 more than if you had renewed the ITIN in time.
- PRO TIP: Renew your ITIN before the tax season to keep credits safe and avoid overpaying.
Extra Benefits of ITIN#
Here are some extra benefits you can avail with an ITIN
- Open a Bank Account
- Apply for a mortgage loan
- Get a credit card
- Travel liabilities
- Emergency Card Replacement
- Extended Warranty On Items
- Officially verified (Zero liability on fraud)
Let Taxsym Renew Your ITIN#
Don’t waste your precious time in finding CAA and facing rejections with mistakes. Let our expert team handle your renewal with 100% accuracy.
- Reasonable price of renewal, i.e., $249
- Fastest service, get your renewed ITIN in just 5-7 weeks.
- Our expert team is 24/7 available for you.
- No need to mess with confusing IRS forms.
- No chance of rejection.
- Priority filing included.
FAQs#
Can I renew my ITIN without a tax return?
Yes, you can renew your ITIN without filing any tax return if you want to keep it active and fresh. Fill the form W-7, mark the option of renewal, and submit.
- Do dependents also need to renew ITINs?
Yes, if your family members or spouses have an ITIN expired and you want to claim their tax return credit, you need to renew their ITIN.
- Is there any renewal fee for an ITIN?
No, there is no fee for renewal of ITIN, but if you need to certify or transfer some documents, you have to pay $50-$70. OR if you choose any CAA to apply for your renewal, then you have to pay almost $300 as service charges.
- What if I lost my ITIN number?
Don’t worry, you can find it on any old tax document (e.g., receipt) if you didn't find it, you can call the IRS; they can help you. But if you are still stuck, Taxsym can help you.
- What would happen if I became a US citizen?
If you become a US citizen and receive your SSN. You’ll no longer need an ITIN; stop using it and call the IRS. They will transfer all your tax filing data to your SSN, and you can use your SSN for tax filing purposes.
- How often does an ITIN need to be renewed?
If you continue using your ITIN, you no longer need to renew it. It’s a lifetime identity.
- Can I renew my ITIN online?
You can apply for renewal ITIN online, a filled-out form W-7, and some documents need to be submitted to get your ITIN renewed. It can’t be done on your own.