If you've applied for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through a certified acceptance agent and are now questioning whether your ITIN letter is legitimate, you're not alone. There is a clever way to validate your ITIN online using the IRS's system - and it's completely free and hidden, and no one knows about it. This method uses the IRS EIN Assistant tool in an unexpected way to cross-check your ITIN against the IRS database.
Why You Might Need to Validate Your ITIN?#
There are several legitimate reasons why someone would want to verify their ITIN number online.
- Fraud Agencies: Unfortunately, not all ITIN services are IRS-verified and registered. Some people have received fake or altered ITIN letters from doubtful services.
- Duplicate documents: With today's technology, it's easier than ever to create convincing fake documents, like photoshopped.
- Peace of mind: After waiting weeks for your ITIN, you want to ensure the document you received is valid and your number is actually in the IRS system.
IRS Approved ITIN Format;#
Before we dive into the validation method, it's important to know what an IRS-approved ITIN looks like. All valid ITINs follow a specific format.
- 9-digit format: 9XX-XX-XXXX (mostly similar to Social Security Numbers but always starting with 9).
- The IRS has assigned a few ranges for the fourth and fifth digits of ITINs. If the digit falls in the given ranges, it is valid and IRS-assigned, but if not simply it's invalid or maybe mistyped. Ranges are from 50-65, 70-88, 90-92, and 94-99.
- If your ITIN doesn’t fall in these ranges or never starts with 9, maybe it's fraud.
The Hidden ITIN Validation Method: Using the EIN Assistant#
The IRS doesn't provide a direct online tool to validate ITIN numbers, and here verification seems a bit difficult for applicants. But I am going to show you a secret method to check if your ITIN is recognized in the IRS database.
We will start an EIN application with the IRS. It requires an ITIN number, we will submit the ITIN, and in the next moment you will know the result about your tax ID.
Here's the step-by-step process to validate your ITIN using the IRS EIN Assistant tool. Remember, we're not applying for an EIN - we're simply using this tool to verify that your ITIN is recognized in the IRS database.
Step 1: Access the IRS EIN Assistant#
- Visit: Go to the official IRS website for filing EIN.
- Availability: This tool is only available on Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.
- Start: Click the "Apply for EIN" button to start the process.
Step 2: Navigate to the Identity Section#
- Once you click "Apply for EIN," you'll reach the first step, which asks: "What type of legal structure are you applying for an EIN?"
- For our ITIN validation purposes, you can select any option. I recommend choosing "Sole Proprietorship" as it's the simplest option
- After selecting sole proprietorship, you'll be asked why the sole proprietorship is requesting an EIN. Again, you can choose any option - "Started a new business" works fine. Click continue.
Step 3: Provide Basic Info#
- This is where the ITIN validation occurs. You'll now be on the "Authenticate" step, which asks you to provide personal details about the sole proprietor
- In this section, you'll need to enter:
- First name (exactly as it appears on your ITIN letter or passport).
- Middle name (optional).
- Last name (exactly as it appears on your ITIN letter or passport).
- Your ITIN number
- Make sure you select "I am the sole proprietor" rather than "I am a third party applying."
Step 4: The Moment of Truth#
After entering your information correctly, click the "Continue" button. Here's what happens next:
If your ITIN is valid and active:#
- The system will allow you to proceed to the next step (Address section).
- This means the EIN Assistant successfully cross-checked your ITIN with the IRS database.
- Your ITIN is legitimate and active.
If your ITIN is invalid or there's a problem:#
- You'll receive an error message saying the system "The information you have entered does not match IRS records."
- This could indicate a fake ITIN, an expired ITIN, or data entry errors
Step 5: What to Do After Validation
- If the validation is successful: Congratulations! Your ITIN is legitimate. Do not continue with the EIN application - simply close the browser or navigate away. You've accomplished your goal of validating your ITIN
- If validation fails: Double-check that you've entered your personal information exactly as it appears on your official documents. Try different combinations of your name (with/without middle name, etc.). If everything is correct and it still fails, you may need to contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to verify your ITIN status
Important Warnings and Considerations#
Please follow the instructions as given to ensure a smooth experience.
Don't Complete the EIN Application#
This method is just for ITIN validation purposes. Do not continue through all the steps of the EIN application, as you'll end up receiving an actual EIN that you may not need.
Accuracy Matters#
The validation will only work if you enter your information exactly as it appears in the IRS database. This means:
- Names must match your official documents precisely
- ITIN must be entered correctly without typos
- Any discrepancies will result in validation failure
System Limitations#
- The tool is only available during business hours (Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 10 PM ET).
- Sessions timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity.
Red Flags of Fake ITIN Letters#
While using this validation method, it's also helpful to know the warning signs of fraudulent ITIN documentation.
- Missing IRS seal or incorrect formatting.
- Spelling or grammatical errors.
- Unusual payment demands (real ITINs are issued free).
- Suspicious contact information or non-official addresses.
- Pressure for immediate action.
Alternative Verification Methods#
If the EIN Assistant method doesn't work for you, here are other ways to verify your ITIN
- Call the IRS directly:
- 1-800-829-1040 (domestic) or
- 267-941-1000 (international)
- Check your IRS online account: If you have one, legitimate ITINs should appear there
- Contact your certified acceptance agent: If you used a legitimate CAA, they can help verify the status.
- Try to use an official IRS certified acceptance agent that is registered with the IRS, like Taxsym, for your ITIN application to have a 100% smooth experience. Get valid and legitimate documents with Taxsym with full cooperation.
Why Does This Method Work?#
The EIN Assistant requires valid taxpayer identification numbers (SSN, ITIN, or EIN) for the responsible party. When you enter your ITIN, the system automatically detects it against the IRS database to ensure it's legitimate before allowing you to proceed. This real-time validation is exactly what we need to verify ITIN authenticity.
Conclusion
This method of ITIN verification using the IRS EIN Assistant is a reliable way to confirm your ITIN legitimacy. It can be used only in official hours; it's the only way to check your ITIN online directly through the IRS database. If you discover that your ITIN is invalid, contact the IRS directly or consult with a registered certified acceptance agent (like Taxsym) to resolve the issue.
Taxsym is an IRS-registered acceptance agent to guide and support you throughout your ITIN process, whether you are applying, renewing, or verifying your Tax ID. Taxsym provides you with the accurate and valid documents issued by the IRS. The most important thing is ensuring you have a valid ITIN for your tax filing obligations