How to Recover a Lost ITIN

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) stands as a crucial identifier for immigrants in the United States. Essentially, the ITIN is a unique number assigned by the IRS to taxpayers who are ineligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). This number is indispensable for fulfilling tax obligations and steering clear of penalties for non-compliance. Whether you’re a foreigner living in the U.S., with or without permanent residency, the ITIN is vital for submitting your federal income tax return.

Misplacing your ITIN can trigger a whirlwind of stress. Yet, this situation is more common than one might think, and thankfully, it’s a solvable dilemma. This guide elucidates the steps to reclaim your ITIN directly from the IRS.

Lost your ITIN? Here’s a golden rule: resist the urge to submit a new W-7 ITIN application form to the IRS. Though it might seem like a logical first step, it often complicates matters later on.

The initial action in reclaiming your ITIN is to contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Prepare to navigate through a series of security questions designed to confirm your identity and safeguard your sensitive data from prying eyes.

Encountering hurdles in receiving your ITIN from the IRS? An expired ITIN could be the culprit. ITINs expire after a three-year hiatus from appearing on federal tax returns. For instance, an ITIN unused for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 tax years would expire as the calendar flips to December 31, 2020.

Facing an expired ITIN? The renewal process awaits, and it’s simpler than you think. The professionals at XCorp Business Solutions have guided thousands through both ITIN applications and renewals. Embark on this journey with a complimentary consultation to navigate the renewal landscape.

When applying for or renewing your ITIN, the IRS demands evidence of identity and foreign status, accepting a curated list of 13 documents. These documents must be up-to-date, featuring an expiration date. Absent an expiration date, the IRS will consider documents issued within the 12 months preceding your application. Essential criteria for these documents include your name, photo, and confirmation of your non-U.S. citizen status.

The IRS greenlights the following documents:

• Passport (a comprehensive proof of identity and foreign status)
• National identification card (displaying photo, name, address, birth date, and expiration)
• Driver’s license
• Civil birth certificate (for dependents under 18)
• Foreign driver’s license
• State identification card
• Foreign voter’s registration card
• Military identification card
• Foreign military identification card
• Visa
• USCIS photo identification
• Medical records (for dependents under 6)
• School records (for dependents under 14, or under 18 if a student)