Most people find out their ITIN expired only when the IRS quietly rejects their tax credit or sends them a letter they didn’t expect: the CP48 notice. It’s the IRS’s way of saying, “Hey, your tax ID needs a quick refresh.”
Your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) doesn’t last forever. It expires if you don’t use it for three years or if it falls under one of the older number ranges that the IRS has phased out. The good news? You don’t need to panic or reapply from scratch. Really. As renewal is quite simple once you know what to check.
So, let’s talk about how to tell if your ITIN has expired, what that really means for you, and how to get it renewed the right way — especially if you’re managing everything from outside the U.S.
What Is ITIN Expiration and Why It Happens
Think of your ITIN as your financial passport for U.S. tax and financial purposes, it lets non-U.S. residents file returns, claim refunds, verify you as a compliant individual, or comply with IRS rules. But just like a real passport, it doesn’t last forever.
An ITIN expiration simply means your number has gone inactive in the IRS database. The number itself doesn’t change, but until you renew it, it’s as good as locked.
Now, let’s talk about why that ITIN expiration actually happens:
Pro Tip: You can open your PayPal business account with an EIN. But, PayPal requires individual verification via ITIN for non-U.S. citizens.
No use for three straight years.
The IRS automatically deactivates ITINs that haven’t been used on any U.S. tax return for three consecutive years. If your ITIN has been sitting quietly, it’s likely expired.
Older ITIN number ranges.
The IRS phased out older ITINs with middle digits between 70–88, 90–92, or 94–99. Even if you’ve used yours recently, if it falls in those ranges, you’ll need to renew your expired ITIN before filing again.
CP48 Notice reminder.
Sometimes, the IRS drops a CP48 notice in your mailbox; a polite heads-up that your ITIN’s ticking clock is almost up. But if you’ve moved homes, changed your address, or live overseas, that little reminder might never find its way to you. Which is exactly why it’s worth checking your ITIN status yourself before any surprise hits.
So folks, yes, ITIN numbers do expire. And when they do, it’s not the end of the world. It’s just the IRS asking you to confirm you’re still in the system.
Note: IRS sends notices through mail to the residents only.
How to Check If ITIN Is Expired
Checking whether your ITIN is still valid isn’t complicated, to be honest. You don’t need to call the IRS right away or hire someone just to find out. You can usually tell with a quick look at your ITIN number and your recent tax history.
Let’s discuss here, how to do it:
Step 1: Look at the middle digits.
Take your ITIN (it looks like a Social Security Number, formatted as 9XX-XX-XXXX).
The two middle digits are the key.
If they fall between 70–88, 90–92, 94–99, your ITIN has expired or soon will.
These are known as the expired ITIN number ranges phased out by the IRS.
Step 2: Ask yourself, “Have I used it lately?”
If you haven’t filed a U.S. tax return or used your ITIN for three consecutive years, it’s considered expired automatically.
That’s one of the most common reasons taxpayers find out their number is no longer active.
Step 3: Check your mail (or past IRS letters).
The IRS sends a CP48 notice to the address they have on file when your ITIN expiration date is approaching.
But if you live abroad or your address has changed, for example, many of our clients move cities frequently, you might not receive it.
Step 4: Call the IRS if you’re unsure.
If you can’t find your CP48 or are not quite sure, call the IRS International Taxpayer line: +1 267-941-1000.
They can confirm your ITIN’s status after verifying your identity.
So, when you wonder “how do I know if my ITIN is expired?” this is all it takes. A quick digit check, a look at your filing history, and a little attention to those IRS letters.
If your ITIN has indeed expired, don’t worry. You don’t need to start from scratch. The renewal process is simple, and I’ll walk you through that next.
What Happens When Your ITIN Expires
An expired ITIN doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. But it can quietly cause a few problems if you try to file taxes or claim credits with it. Think of it like trying to swipe a card that’s expired; the system just doesn’t accept it.
Go ahead to learn what really happens when your ITIN expiration kicks in:
Your tax return won’t process normally.
The IRS won’t reject it outright, but it will hold it for manual review. That means long delays, sometimes months, before your refund or confirmation shows up.
You’ll lose access to certain tax credits.
If your ITIN expired and you file without renewing, you could temporarily lose eligibility for credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) or American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). Once you renew, the IRS might fix it. But it’s a hassle you can avoid.
Your refund could be delayed.
Even a small issue like an expired ITIN number can hold your refund until renewal is complete. It’s one of the top reasons refunds get “stuck” without explanation.
Your tax records can get messy.
Using an expired ITIN on returns or business filings can cause inconsistencies in the IRS system. Later, when you renew, it might take time for your new record to sync.
So yes, ITIN numbers do expire, and the effects are real. But none of these are permanent problems. Really. Once you renew, everything returns to normal, and you can continue filing, claiming credits, and receiving refunds as usual.
If you’ve realized yours might already be expired, here’s how to handle it, step by step.
How to Renew an Expired ITIN
If your ITIN has expired, you don’t need to panic, the renewal process is straightforward and very similar to when you first applied. The key is to do it early, ideally before filing your next tax return, so there are no delays.
Here’s how to renew your ITIN properly:
- Step 1: Download the latest Form W-7 from IRS.gov. And properly fill out it.
- Step 2: Fill it out, choosing “Renew an Existing ITIN,” and make sure all details match your tax record.
- Step 3: Attach valid ID. Usually, your passport or certified copies of approved documents.
- Step 4: Submit by mail, at an IRS center, or through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) for safer, faster processing.
- Step 5: Wait for your IRS confirmation letter (typically 7–11 weeks).
For a full walk-through, see our detailed guide: How to Renew ITIN Number.
Business Globalizer: Your Trusted CAA Partner
If your ITIN has expired or you’re unsure how to renew it, getting it done right the first time saves weeks of stress. At Business Globalizer, we’re proud to be the first IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) in Bangladesh; helping individuals, students, spouses, and dependents apply for ITIN or handle IRS ITIN renewal without mailing passports overseas.
We verify your documents, file everything correctly, and stay in touch until your ITIN is active again. It’s the simplest way to fix an expired ITIN. Safely and confidently.
Closing It Out
If you’ve been wondering how to check if ITIN is expired, the truth is, it’s easier than it seems. A quick look at the middle digits or your last tax filing usually tells the story. And if it’s expired, renewal isn’t something to fear; it’s just another part of staying tax-ready.
Whether you’re filing from the U.S. or abroad, keeping your ITIN active means keeping your financial record clean. And if you’d rather not handle the paperwork alone, Business Globalizer’s expert team is always here to help you renew it safely and correctly. Without losing a single night’s sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions on ITIN Expiration
Can I use my expired ITIN number?
Answer: Yes. You can still file your tax return with an expired ITIN. But heads up, the IRS will pause any credits or refunds until you renew it.
What happens if I file with an expired ITIN?
Answer: Well, the IRS will still accept and process your return. But, know this, your refund or tax credits will stay on hold until your renewal is approved.
How long does it take to renew an expired ITIN number?
Answer: It usually takes about 7 to 11 weeks to renew an expired ITIN. Though it might take longer during peak tax season.
Do ITIN numbers expire automatically?
Answer: They do actually. If you do not use your ITIN on any U.S. tax return for 3 consecutive years, it automatically expires.
How can I check if my spouse’s ITIN has expired and what to do next?
Answer: Well, for that, check the middle digits of the ITIN. If they fall between 70–88, 90–92, or 94–99, it’s expired. Also, was the ITIN used or left unused in the last three years? Think. You can renew through a CAA or by filing a renewal Form W-7 for your spouse.
What documents are required for expired ITIN renewal?
Answer: Your valid passport (or certified copy), latest Form W-7 (for renewal), and a recent tax return if you’re filing jointly.
How do I know if my ITIN is expired?
Answer: Check your IRS notices (like CP48) or look at your ITIN digits, the middle two tell you. If you have not used it in three years, it’s expired.
Where can I renew my ITIN from Bangladesh?
Answer: You can renew directly through Business Globalizer, Bangladesh’s first IRS-authorized CAA, without sending your passport abroad.
