I Lost My ITIN Number. What Should I Do Next?

Misplacing your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be stressful, especially during tax season or when dealing with financial documents. The ITIN is crucial for individuals not eligible for a Social Security number but required to comply with U.S. tax laws.

Searching Past Records for Your ITIN

To find a misplaced ITIN, review your personal records. It is commonly listed on past tax returns, such as Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ, which may be stored in personal files or with your tax preparer. IRS correspondence, including notices or letters, often includes the ITIN as well.

Other financial documents, such as bank statements or investment account records, might also contain your ITIN if it was used for identification purposes. Loan or credit applications and any financial documentation that required a tax identification number are worth checking.

Reissuing a Lost ITIN

If your ITIN is not found in past records, you will need to reapply. Complete Form W-7, the IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, which serves for both initial applications and replacements. Select the appropriate reason for submitting the form and provide original documentation or certified copies from the issuing agency to verify your identity and foreign status. Acceptable documents include passports, national identification cards, and U.S. driver’s licenses.

Submit Form W-7 and the required documents to the IRS Austin Service Center by mail, or apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA). CAAs can verify documents, potentially speeding up the process. Track your submission to ensure receipt and monitor the progress, which typically takes about seven weeks.

Contacting the IRS

Contacting the IRS directly can help resolve issues with a lost ITIN. Before reaching out, gather relevant documentation, such as prior IRS correspondence or financial records, to streamline the process.

The IRS helpline at 1-800-829-1040 connects you to representatives trained to assist with ITIN-related issues. Call during early mornings or late afternoons to reduce wait times. The IRS website also provides resources and a ‘Contact Your Local Office’ tool for locating nearby offices.

For complex cases, schedule an appointment at a local Taxpayer Assistance Center for in-person guidance. The IRS also offers online tools, such as the Interactive Tax Assistant, to address specific questions and provide next steps.

Filing Without an ITIN

Filing taxes without an ITIN can be challenging, as the IRS requires identification numbers on tax returns. If you don’t have an ITIN, you may qualify for an automatic extension to file your tax return, giving you additional time to secure the number. Use Form 4868 to request a six-month extension, though this does not extend the deadline for paying any taxes owed. Ensure timely payment to avoid interest and penalties on unpaid taxes.

Another option is submitting your return with an attached Form W-7 application if you are concurrently applying for an ITIN. This allows the IRS to process your return once the ITIN is issued, though it may delay processing. Some tax benefits, such as the Child Tax Credit, require an ITIN or SSN for eligibility, which could impact your filing strategy and refund expectations.