Taxpayers with expiring ITINs should renew them now

Taxpayers with expiring individual taxpayer-identification numbers should renew their numbers ASAP. There are nearly 2 million ITINs set to expire at the end of 2019. Taxpayers with an expiring number should renew before the end of this year. This will help avoid unnecessary delays related to their tax refunds next year.

ITINs are used by taxpayers required to file or pay taxes, but who aren’t eligible for a Social Security number.

Here’s info about which ITINs will expire and how taxpayers can renew them.

• These ITINs expire on Dec. 31, 2019:

• Those not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three consecutive years.

• ITINs with the middle digits 83, 84, 85 or 86, 87 need to be renewed, even if the taxpayer used it in the last three years.

• Numbers with middle digits 83, 84, 85, 86 or 87 not already renewed.

• Taxpayers whose ITIN is expiring and who expect to have a filing requirement in 2020 must renew their number. Others don’t need to take any action.

• The IRS is sending notices to affected taxpayers. This is a CP48 Notice. It explains the steps to renew the ITIN.

• Taxpayers who receive the notice after renewing their ITIN don’t need to take further action unless another family member is affected.

• ITINs with middle digits of 70 through 82 have previously expired. Taxpayers with these ITINs can still renew at any time if they haven’t already.

• Those who receive a renewal letter from the IRS can renew the family’s ITINs together. They can do so even if family members have an ITIN with middle digits that aren’t expiring. Family members include the tax filer, spouse and any dependents.

• To renew an ITIN, a taxpayer must complete a Form W-7 and submit all required documentation. They don’t need to attach a tax return. However, taxpayers must note why they need an ITIN on the W-7.

There are three ways taxpayers submit the renewal application:

• Mail the form to the IRS address listed on the Form W-7 instructions.

• Work with a Certified Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS to help taxpayers.

• Make an appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center to have each applicant’s identity authenticated in person.