Gokce Tandogdu
ITIN Specialist, itin.net
You can get your lost ITIN back by filing a new Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This process is identical to your initial application. You will need to submit the required documentation to prove your identity and foreign status. The IRS will then retrieve your existing ITIN from their records and mail it to you. This is the only official method to recover a lost ITIN. There is no expedited process or direct phone inquiry to obtain a lost ITIN. You must go through the formal application process again.
Retrieving Your Lost ITIN
To get your lost ITIN back, you must submit a new Form W-7 to the IRS. This form is the standard application for an ITIN. When you file it, you will include original or certified copies of your identification documents, such as your passport, and proof of your foreign status. The IRS will cross-reference this information with their existing records to find your previously assigned ITIN. Once located, they will issue you a notice containing your ITIN. This process is the same whether you apply directly to the IRS or through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA). When you ask yourself, "i lost my itin number how can i get it back?", understand that the answer is a new application.
Documents Required for Re-application
When you file Form W-7 to retrieve a lost ITIN, you must provide the same types of documentation as your original application. This includes proof of your identity and proof of foreign status. The most commonly accepted document for both is a valid, unexpired passport. If you do not have a passport, you will need to submit a combination of other documents that, when presented together, establish your identity and foreign status. These can include:
- Birth Certificate: Must be original or certified by the issuing agency, with an English translation if not in English.
- National Identification Card: Must be issued by a government agency and contain your photograph, name, date of birth, and expiration date.
- U.S. Driver's License: Must be current or expired within the last 10 years, and contain your photograph, name, date of birth, and issue date.
- Foreign Driver's License: Must be current or expired within the last 10 years, and contain your photograph, name, date of birth, and issue date.
- Foreign Voter's Registration Card: Must be current or expired within the last 10 years, and contain your photograph, name, date of birth, and issue date.
- Civilan Identification Card: Must be issued by a government agency and contain your photograph, name, date of birth, and issue date.
- Visa: Must be valid and contain your name, photograph, name, date of birth, and expiration date.
- U.S. Military Identification Card: Must be current or expired within the last 10 years, and contain your photograph, name, date of birth, and issue date.
- Medical Records: For individuals under 18, this can be used to prove identity if accompanied by a school enrollment record or similar document proving foreign status.
- School Records: For individuals under 18, this can be used to prove identity if accompanied by a medical record or similar document proving foreign status.
All documents must be presented in original form or as certified copies from the issuing agency. If documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The IRS will review these documents and return originals by mail within a specific timeframe.
Application Methods
There are three primary ways to submit your Form W-7 to the IRS to retrieve your lost ITIN:
- Through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA): This is often the most convenient method. CAAs are individuals or entities authorized by the IRS to help applicants complete and submit Form W-7. They can verify your original identification documents and forward your application to the IRS. This means you do not have to mail your original documents to the IRS, reducing the risk of them being lost or delayed in transit. The itin.net service acts as a CAA, assisting applicants in this process. Using a CAA can streamline the application and ensure accuracy.
- Directly to the IRS at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC): You can make an appointment at an IRS TAC that offers ITIN application services. You will need to bring your original or certified copies of identification documents with you for verification. Appointment availability can be limited, so planning ahead is essential.
- By Mail Directly to the IRS: You can mail your completed Form W-7 along with original or certified copies of your supporting documents to the IRS address specified in the Form W-7 instructions (currently, Austin, Texas). This method requires you to mail your original documents, which can take longer and carries a higher risk of loss or delay. The IRS generally returns original documents within 60 days.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages regarding processing time, convenience, and the handling of your original documents. For those concerned about mailing irreplaceable documents, the CAA route is highly recommended.
Processing Times and Costs
There is no fee charged by the IRS to apply for or to retrieve a lost ITIN. The Form W-7 application itself is free. However, if you use a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), they may charge a fee for their services, which can vary. itin.net, as a CAA, charges a fee for its services to cover the administrative costs and expertise involved in processing your application accurately.
The IRS processing times for Form W-7 applications can vary significantly depending on the volume of applications they receive. Generally, it can take anywhere from 7 to 11 weeks for the IRS to process an application and mail your ITIN. This timeframe starts from the date the IRS receives your complete application package. If your application is incomplete or missing required documentation, processing will be delayed. Applying through a CAA might offer a slightly faster turnaround in some cases due to their direct submission and pre-verification process, but the ultimate issuance of the ITIN is still dependent on the IRS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When reapplying for a lost ITIN, several common mistakes can cause delays or rejections. Being aware of these can help ensure a smoother process:
- Incomplete Application: Ensure all sections of Form W-7 are filled out accurately and completely. Missing information is a primary cause of delays.
- Incorrect or Missing Documentation: Failing to provide valid, original, or certified copies of identification and foreign status documents. Ensure any translations are certified.
- Not Proving Foreign Status: For some applicants, especially those who have resided in the U.S. for an extended period, it can be challenging to adequately prove their foreign status. This is especially true if they do not have a current passport.
- Outdated Identification: Using expired identification documents, unless they fall within the IRS's acceptable grace period (e.g., driver's licenses expired within the last 10 years).
- Incorrect Mailing Address: Providing an incomplete or incorrect mailing address can result in the IRS being unable to send you your ITIN notice.
- Applying for the Wrong Purpose: Ensure you are applying for an ITIN for a valid tax purpose. While retrieving a lost ITIN is a valid reason, ensure your circumstances align with IRS requirements.
Double-checking all these points before submission can significantly improve your chances of a prompt and successful application.
What to Do After You Get Your ITIN Back
Once you have successfully retrieved your ITIN, you can use it for its intended purposes. If you needed it for tax filing, ensure you file your return by the relevant deadline. If your ITIN was required for U.S. business activities, such as opening a U.S. bank account or forming a U.S. LLC, you can now proceed with those steps. For instance, many banks require an ITIN for non-resident account opening, and a U.S. LLC might need an ITIN for its owners if they are not U.S. citizens or residents, especially for reporting purposes like Form 5472.
It is crucial to keep your ITIN secure and in a safe place once you receive it. Losing it again can lead to the same lengthy process. Consider storing it digitally in a secure password manager or keeping a physical copy with other important tax documents. If you are planning to establish significant U.S. business operations, you might also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is separate from your ITIN. You can learn more about obtaining an EIN on our /ein page.
When to Seek Professional Help
While the process of retrieving a lost ITIN is straightforward, some situations may warrant professional assistance. If you have complex identification documents, are unsure about your foreign status proof, or have encountered issues with previous ITIN applications, consulting a qualified tax professional or a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) is advisable. CAAs, like those at itin.net, are trained to handle these complexities and can ensure your application is accurate and complete, minimizing the risk of rejection. If you are setting up a business in the U.S., understanding the interplay between your ITIN, a U.S. LLC formation, and an EIN is vital. Seeking guidance early can save time and prevent costly errors. For more information on ITIN services, you can visit our / page or contact us via our /contact page. For general tax-related questions, our /qa section provides further resources.