How to Get an ITIN Number (Everything You Need to Know)

You may be asking yourself, what is an ITIN number?

An ITIN (individual taxpayer identification number) is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS to you, the taxpayer, who does not have or is not eligible for Social Security Number.

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Lady looking a letter for IRS for what is an ITIN number

How to recognize an ITIN?

ITIN is a 9-digit number that begins with the number 9
Has a range of 70 – 88, 90 – 92, and 99 – 94 in the fourth and fifth digits

When should I use an ITIN?

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is used to report your federal tax return. It should not be used for any other purpose. The ITIN does not authorize you to work in the United States or provide you eligibility for Social Security benefits.

An ITIN’s purpose is to help you comply with U.S. tax laws regardless of your immigration status.

How do I apply for an ITIN Number?

In order for you to apply for an ITIN, you must complete form W-7 which is the application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

This form is attached and mailed along with your federal tax return to the IRS. Once received, it usually takes the IRS 6 to 8 weeks to complete the qualification process and issue your ITIN.

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Does an ITIN expire?

Yes it does expire.

According to the IRS, ITINs that have not been used on a tax return for tax years 2017, 2018 or 2019 will expire December 31, 2020. Additionally, ITINs with middle digits 88 (For example: 9NN-88-NNNN) will expire December 31, 2020. Those with middle digits 90, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99, that were assigned before 2013 and have not already been renewed, will also expire at the end of 2020.

If your ITIN is expiring, you will be mailed a notification from the IRS.

If you fail to renew your expiring ITIN before filing a tax return, this could result in a delayed refund.

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Final Thoughts

I hope this article helped you gain some control of your tax plan this year. Remember not to stress out. Don’t forget to check out Tax Forms page for any additional online tax checklists and forms you may need this year.

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Disclaimer Statement: All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Handy Tax Guy makes no absolute representation of the correctness, mistakes, omissions, delays, appropriateness, or legitimacy of any information on this site. **Note: Each client circumstance will vary on a case-by-case basis**

(Original Article Date: July 25, 2017/Updated January 7, 2021)