How do I know if my ITIN is active or expired?
Short answer
An ITIN is active if it appeared on a US federal tax return in at least one of the last 3 tax years. An ITIN unused for 3 years in a row expires on December 31 of the third year, and one assigned before 2013 and never renewed has expired. Your IRS Online Account shows your tax records.
By Alex Thomas · Founder of ITIN Club
Updated
Check yours in three steps
There's no ITIN status website. You work it out from your tax returns, using the rule on the IRS renewal page.
- 1
Look at your last 3 returns
Find your federal returns for 2023, 2024 and 2025. The ITIN counts as used if it's on a return as a filer or as a dependent. If it's on none of them, the Form 1040-C instructions say it expires on December 31, 2026.
- 2
Check when you got it
Topic 857 says an ITIN assigned before 2013 that was never renewed is already expired, even if you used it recently.
- 3
Open your IRS Online Account
The IRS points ITIN holders to the tax records in their IRS Online Account. It helps if you don't have copies of past returns. Still unsure? The IRS takes ITIN questions at 800-829-1040 in the US or 267-941-1000 from abroad.
How to know your ITIN was renewed
If you already sent a renewal, the answer comes by mail: the IRS tells you the status of your application in writing. Topic 857 says to allow 7 weeks, or up to 11 weeks if you sent it between January 15 and April 30 or from abroad. Work out your date with the ITIN processing time calculator. If you mailed original documents and they aren't back within 60 days, call the IRS at the numbers above.
What your answer means
| Your situation | Status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| On a federal return in one of the last 3 tax years | Active | Keep using it on your returns |
| Not on a return for 3 tax years in a row | Expired on December 31 of the third year | Renew with Form W-7 when you need it on a return |
| Assigned before 2013 and never renewed | Expired | Renew with Form W-7 when you need it on a return |
| Only on information returns such as Form 1099 | May be expired, still usable there | No renewal needed until you file a return |
| You now have an SSN | Replaced by the SSN | Don't renew. Tell the IRS so it combines your records |
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ITIN renewal: how to renew an expired ITIN
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