taxpayers with Expiring Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) They can renew their ITINs more quickly and avoid refund delays next year by filing their renewal application early, the Internal Revenue Service said today.
By MiamiDiario Newsroom
An ITIN is a tax identification number used by taxpayers who do not qualify for a social security number. Any ITIN with middle digits 83, 84, 85, 86 or 87 expires at the end of this year. Also, any ITIN not used on a tax return in the last three years expires. As a reminder, ITINs with middle digits 70 to 82 that expired in 2016, 2017 or 2018 can also be renewed.
The IRS urges those affected to file a complete renewal application, Form W-7, IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Application, as soon as possible. Be sure to include all required identification and residency documents. Failure to include them will delay processing until the IRS receives them. With nearly two million taxpayer households affected, early application will help avoid the rush, as well as delays in refunds and processing in 2020.
Avoid common mistakes now and avoid delays next year
Several common mistakes can delay an ITIN renewal application. Errors generally center around missing information or insufficient supporting documentation. Common mistakes to avoid include:
- A W-7 application is not included. Taxpayers renewing their ITINs must submit a new completed W-7 application to the IRS along with original documents or copies of documents certified by the issuing agency.
- The reason for the request is not indicated. A reason for needing the ITIN must be selected on Form W-7.
- Incomplete foreign address. When renewing an ITIN, if Reason B (nonresident alien) is checked, the taxpayer must include a complete foreign address on their Form W-7.
- Sending incorrect identification documents. Taxpayers submitting their ITIN renewal applications must include original identification documents or copies certified by the issuing agency and any other required attachments. They must also include the assigned ITIN and the name under which it was issued on line 6e-f.
- Insufficient supporting documentation, such as US residency documentation or official documentation to support name changes. Dependents are required to provide residency documentation in most cases.
- A tax return is not included to validate a tax benefit. Spouses and dependents living outside the United States who may have been claimed by the personal exemption should not renew their ITINs this year, unless they file their own tax return, or qualify for a qualifying tax benefit. For example: a dependent parent who qualifies the primary taxpayer to claim the head of household filing status, the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), or the Premium Tax Credit. In these cases, the individual must be listed on an attached United States federal tax return with the appropriate schedule or form that qualifies for the allowable tax benefit and the federal tax return must be attached to the Form W-7 renewal application.
The IRS urges applicants to review their forms carefully before submitting them to the IRS. For more information, visit the information page of the ITIN at IRS.gov.
Source: Press Release