Gokce Tandogdu
ITIN Specialist, itin.net
You can retrieve your lost or forgotten ITIN by requesting a status confirmation from the IRS. The IRS does not reissue ITINs; they will provide you with your existing number if it is found in their system. This process is distinct from applying for a new ITIN. If you never received your ITIN after applying, you must follow up with the IRS to determine the status of your application. This guide explains how to retrieve your ITIN number, what documentation is required, and the typical processing times.
Understanding Your ITIN Status
Your ITIN is a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number (SSN). These individuals include non-resident aliens who need to file U.S. tax returns, individuals claiming tax treaty benefits, or dependents or spouses of U.S. citizens/resident aliens. The ITIN is used solely for tax purposes and does not grant eligibility for work authorization or other benefits.
If you have previously been issued an ITIN and have lost the documentation or forgotten the number, you can request this information from the IRS. The IRS maintains a database of all issued ITINs. They will search for your record and provide you with your assigned number. It is important to note that the IRS will not issue a new ITIN if you already have one. They will simply confirm your existing number. This process is typically faster than applying for a new ITIN, assuming your original application was processed and your information is in their system.
If you applied for an ITIN and never received it, or if you believe your application was lost or mishandled by the IRS, you will need to follow up. This may involve contacting the IRS directly to inquire about the status of your application and to understand why it has not been processed. You may need to resubmit certain documentation if the IRS cannot locate your original submission.
How to Request Your ITIN from the IRS
To retrieve your ITIN, you must submit a written request to the IRS. The IRS requires specific information to locate your ITIN in their system. Your request must include your full legal name as it appeared on the original Form W-7 application, any previous names used, your current mailing address, and your foreign address. You also need to provide your date of birth and the tax year(s) for which you applied for or were issued an ITIN. Including a copy of your original Form W-7 application, if available, can help expedite the process.
Additionally, you must provide proof of identity. The IRS requires either an original or a certified copy of a government-issued identification document. Acceptable documents include a passport, national identity card, driver's license, or birth certificate (for dependents under age 18). If you are requesting your ITIN for tax filing purposes, you may also need to include a copy of the relevant tax return (e.g., Form 1040-NR). This is particularly important if you are trying to retrieve your ITIN to file a tax return that is currently due or past due.
The written request, along with copies of your identification and any supporting tax documents, should be mailed to:
Internal Revenue Service Austin, TX 73301-0009 Attn: ITIN Operation
Processing Timeline for ITIN Retrieval:
The IRS generally takes 60 days to respond to requests for ITIN status confirmation. This timeline can vary depending on the volume of requests the IRS is currently handling. It is advisable to wait the full 60 days before following up with the IRS. If you do not receive a response within this period, you can call the IRS toll-free number at 800-829-1040 (from within the U.S.) or 267-941-1000 (from outside the U.S.) to inquire about the status of your request.
What to Do If Your ITIN Application Was Never Processed
If you applied for an ITIN and have not received any communication from the IRS after 10-12 weeks (the standard processing time for initial applications), you should follow up. Your first step is to call the IRS at the numbers provided above. Be prepared to provide your personal information and details about your application, such as the date you submitted it and the service center where you sent it.
If the IRS cannot locate your application or if there was an issue that prevented its processing, they may instruct you to reapply. In this case, you would need to complete a new Form W-7, gather all required original or certified identification documents, and submit them again. You can apply for an ITIN directly by mail or through an authorized IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA). Using a CAA, like itin.net, can streamline the application process as they are trained to assist applicants and can verify your original identification documents, eliminating the need to mail them to the IRS. This can significantly reduce the risk of losing your important documents.
When reapplying, ensure you are using the most current version of Form W-7 and that all sections are completed accurately. Incomplete or inaccurate applications are a common reason for delays or rejections. Double-check that your supporting identification documents meet the IRS requirements for certification or authentication.
Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) and ITIN Assistance
Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) are individuals or entities authorized by the IRS to assist taxpayers in obtaining ITINs. They can help you complete your Form W-7 application and, crucially, can verify your original identification documents. This means you do not have to send your original passport or other vital documents to the IRS, which offers significant peace of mind and security. The CAA will submit your application along with certified copies of your identification to the IRS on your behalf.
If you are trying to retrieve a lost ITIN or need assistance with a new application, a CAA can be a valuable resource. While CAAs cannot directly retrieve your existing ITIN number for you (only the IRS can do that), they can assist you in submitting a formal request to the IRS for confirmation. They can also help you reapply if your original application was lost or never processed. By working with a reputable CAA, you can ensure that your application is complete and meets all IRS requirements, increasing the likelihood of a smooth and timely processing.
At itin.net, we specialize in assisting individuals with their ITIN applications and related queries. If you need to request confirmation of your ITIN from the IRS or are facing issues with a previously submitted application, we can guide you through the process of submitting the necessary written request to the IRS. Our expertise ensures that your request is properly formatted and includes all the required information, minimizing potential delays. We also offer services to help you apply for a new ITIN if it's determined that your previous one was never issued or is no longer valid.
Documentation Needed for ITIN Retrieval
When requesting your ITIN status from the IRS, you will need to provide specific documentation to verify your identity and your previous ITIN application. The primary requirement is a written request containing your full legal name, any previous names, current and foreign addresses, date of birth, and the relevant tax year(s). Most importantly, you must include a copy of your government-issued identification. The IRS prefers original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. Acceptable identification includes:
- U.S. Passport: If your passport has been stamped by the U.S. agency that issued it, it is considered certified.
- National Identity Card: Must contain your name, photograph, address, date of birth, and expiration date.
- U.S. Driver's License: Must be current and contain all the required information.
- Foreign Driver's License: Must be current and contain all the required information.
- Birth Certificate: Only acceptable for dependents under age 18. Must be original or certified copy from the issuing agency.
- Foreign Military Identification Card: Must contain name, photograph, address, date of birth, and expiration date.
- Visa: Must be current and contain all required information.
If you are submitting a tax return with your request, ensure it is complete and signed. The IRS will use this information to locate your record. If you are unsure about the specific documents required for your situation, it is best to consult the IRS guidelines or seek assistance from a qualified tax professional or a Certified Acceptance Agent.
ITIN Renewal and Expiration
It is important to be aware that ITINs do not automatically expire, but they do become invalid if not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive tax years. If your ITIN has expired due to non-use, you will need to reapply for a new one by submitting Form W-7 along with a valid U.S. federal income tax return. The IRS will not simply reactivate an expired ITIN.
Additionally, the IRS has a policy to periodically require ITIN renewals for certain ITINs that have not been used for a significant period. You will receive a notice from the IRS if your ITIN is among those that need to be renewed. The notice will provide instructions on how to renew your ITIN, which typically involves submitting a new Form W-7 and a tax return for the year you are claiming benefits or need the ITIN.
If you are trying to retrieve your ITIN number and discover it has expired due to non-use or is part of a renewal cycle, the process involves reapplying. The IRS will issue you a new ITIN. This is a critical distinction: if your ITIN is invalid due to non-use or an IRS renewal requirement, you do not retrieve the old number; you obtain a new one by reapplying.
Next Steps After Retrieving or Reapplying for Your ITIN
Once you have successfully retrieved your ITIN or obtained a new one, you can proceed with your tax obligations. If you were retrieving your ITIN to file a past-due tax return, ensure you submit the return promptly. If you are a non-resident planning to establish a U.S. business, having an ITIN is often a precursor to obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your business, which is required for many business operations, including opening a U.S. bank account. An ITIN can also be necessary for personal U.S. tax filings, such as reporting rental income or other U.S.-sourced income.
For those establishing a U.S. business, after securing an EIN, you may need to form a U.S. LLC. This process involves registering your business entity and often requires a registered agent. Once your LLC is formed and you have your EIN, opening a U.S. bank account becomes a critical next step for managing your business finances. Services like Mercury, Relay, or Brex are popular options for non-residents, but require both an EIN and often proof of business registration.
If you are unsure about any part of the ITIN application process, retrieval, or subsequent tax filing requirements, consulting with a tax professional or a Certified Acceptance Agent is highly recommended. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances and ensure compliance with all IRS regulations. For general inquiries about ITINs, you can also explore the Q&A section on itin.net.
How to Get Professional Help
Navigating the complexities of U.S. tax identification numbers can be challenging, especially for individuals unfamiliar with the U.S. tax system. If you find yourself needing to retrieve your ITIN, are facing delays with your application, or require assistance with any part of the ITIN process, professional help is available. Certified Acceptance Agents (CAAs) are IRS-authorized individuals or entities who can significantly simplify the process. As mentioned, they can verify your original identification documents, which means you don't have to mail them to the IRS. This service is invaluable for protecting your sensitive personal documents.
CAAs can assist you with completing Form W-7, ensuring accuracy and completeness, which helps prevent common errors that lead to delays. They can also help you submit your application directly to the IRS. If you need to request confirmation of your existing ITIN from the IRS, a CAA can guide you through preparing the necessary written request and ensuring all required information and documentation are included. While CAAs cannot directly retrieve your ITIN for you, they can facilitate the process of obtaining the information from the IRS.
For more complex situations, such as those involving international tax treaties, U.S. business setup, or significant tax liabilities, consulting with a qualified tax advisor or attorney is advisable. They can provide expert advice tailored to your unique situation. If you are seeking assistance with your ITIN application or retrieval, consider reaching out to experienced specialists. You can learn more about the expertise behind our services on our author page /about or contact us directly /contact for personalized support.
Retrieving your ITIN number is a straightforward process when you know exactly what steps to take and what documentation is required by the IRS. By following the guidelines provided, you can successfully obtain your ITIN information or reapply if necessary, ensuring you remain compliant with U.S. tax laws.