ITIN Guide
ITIN Renewal Guide
An ITIN expires after 3 years of non-use. Renew by filing Form W-7 with the Renew box checked. No tax return is needed for renewal-only submissions. Processing takes 7-11 weeks.
An ITIN expires after 3 consecutive years of non-use on a federal tax return. You renew it by filing Form W-7 with the renewal box checked and attaching identity documents. A renewal-only Form W-7 does not require a tax return. The IRS also expired all ITINs with middle digits 70 through 88. Renewal is free from the IRS and takes 7-11 weeks. ein.so prepares and files ITIN applications for $197 Standard or $297 Express.
An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a 9-digit number the IRS issues to people who must file US taxes but cannot get a Social Security Number. The format is 9XX-XX-XXXX, and every ITIN starts with the digit 9. An ITIN is not permanent. The IRS expires ITINs that go unused for 3 years and has expired entire batches by their middle digits. This guide explains exactly when your ITIN expires, how to renew it with Form W-7, and how the ITIN differs from the EIN that non-resident business owners actually need. ein.so files both. An EIN costs $49 and an ITIN costs $197.
| Detail | ITIN Renewal Fact |
|---|---|
| Form used | Form W-7 (renewal box checked) |
| Number format | 9XX-XX-XXXX (always starts with 9) |
| Expires after | 3 years of non-use on a tax return |
| Also expired | Middle digits 70-88 (prior IRS batches) |
| Tax return needed? | No, for renewal-only submissions |
| IRS cost | $0 |
| Processing time | 7-11 weeks |
| Mail to | IRS ITIN Operation, Austin, TX 78714 |
| ein.so ITIN service | $197 Standard / $297 Express |
When to Renew
When Does Your ITIN Expire?
Your ITIN expires after 3 consecutive years without use on a federal tax return. The IRS also expired all ITINs with middle digits 70 through 88 in prior annual batches. Both rules apply independently, so check your number against each one before your next filing.
The IRS retires ITINs to keep its records current. Two separate rules trigger expiration, and either one can deactivate your number.
The Two Expiration Rules
Three-Year Non-Use Rule
Middle-Digit Rule
How to Check Your Number
What Happens If You File With an Expired ITIN
Renew before peak season
- The IRS warns that processing extends to 9-11 weeks during peak season, January 15 through April 30.
- Submit your renewal in the fall or early winter so your ITIN is active before the April deadline.
- Filing a return with an expired ITIN delays any refund until the renewal completes.
How to Renew
How Do You Renew Your ITIN?
You renew your ITIN by completing Form W-7, checking the renewal box, attaching identity documents, and mailing the package to the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas. A renewal-only Form W-7 does not require a federal tax return. Processing takes 7-11 weeks.
The renewal process mirrors a new application with one major difference: no tax return is attached.
Complete Form W-7
Check the Renewal Box
Attach Identity Documents
Skip the Tax Return
Mail to Austin
Wait 7-11 Weeks
Family Renewal in One Submission
You renew ITINs for your spouse and dependents in a single mailing. Include one Form W-7 and a complete set of identity documents for each family member. The IRS recommends renewing all household ITINs together when any one member's number has expired. This avoids partial processing and reduces the risk of lost documents across separate mailings.
Cost
How Much Does ITIN Renewal Cost?
ITIN renewal costs $0 from the IRS. The IRS never charges for Form W-7, whether it is a new application or a renewal. You pay only optional service fees, such as a Certified Acceptance Agent fee or a preparation service.
The federal cost is zero. The optional costs depend on how you handle document verification and form preparation.
| Cost Item | Amount | Charged By |
|---|---|---|
| Form W-7 filing | $0 | IRS |
| Certified Acceptance Agent | Separate fee | CAA (varies) |
| ein.so ITIN service (Standard) | $197 | ein.so |
| ein.so ITIN service (Express) | $297 | ein.so |
| Certified mail postage | A few dollars | Postal carrier |
A Certified Acceptance Agent verifies your documents so you keep your originals instead of mailing your passport to Austin. The CAA charges its own fee, which the IRS does not set or collect. ein.so prepares the Form W-7, reviews your documents, and files the application for $197 Standard or $297 Express. Confirm any tax-related fees with a CPA, because ein.so does not provide tax advice. See the full breakdown on ITIN cost.
ITIN vs EIN
What Is the Difference Between an ITIN and an EIN?
An ITIN identifies an individual for US tax purposes, while an EIN identifies a business entity. You renew an ITIN with Form W-7, but an EIN never expires and uses Form SS-4. A non-resident who owns a US LLC needs an EIN for the company, not an ITIN.
Many non-residents confuse the two numbers. The distinction determines which form you file and whether renewal applies at all.
| Factor | ITIN | EIN |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies | An individual taxpayer | A business entity |
| Format | 9XX-XX-XXXX | XX-XXXXXXX |
| Application form | Form W-7 | Form SS-4 |
| Expires? | Yes, after 3 years of non-use | No, never expires |
| Renewal needed? | Yes | No |
| SSN required? | No | No |
| IRS cost | $0 | $0 |
| ein.so price | $197 / $297 | $49 / $97 |
A non-resident who owns a US LLC almost always needs an EIN, not an ITIN. The EIN opens a US business bank account, runs payroll, and files business tax returns. You get an EIN with Form SS-4 using your passport number on Line 7b; no SSN or ITIN is required. The IRS online tool demands an SSN, so non-residents file by fax to 855-215-1627. ein.so handles that fax for $49 Standard or $97 Express. Learn the full process on how to get an EIN and EIN without an SSN.
Documents
What Documents Do You Need to Renew an ITIN?
You need either a valid, unexpired passport or 2 documents from the IRS approved list to renew an ITIN. A passport is the only document that proves both identity and foreign status by itself. The IRS returns originals within 60 days.
The IRS accepts 13 document types. Most renewals use a passport because it satisfies both requirements with one document.
Passport (Stand-Alone)
Two-Document Combination
Certified Acceptance Agent
Original Document Return
Renewal document checklist
- Form W-7 with the renewal box checked and your existing ITIN entered
- Valid passport, or 2 approved IRS documents proving identity and foreign status
- No tax return for a renewal-only submission
- A separate W-7 and document set for each family member you renew
Business Owners
Do Non-Resident Business Owners Need an ITIN or an EIN?
Non-resident business owners almost always need an EIN, not an ITIN. The EIN is the business tax ID that opens bank accounts and files company returns. An ITIN identifies you as an individual and applies only when you must file a personal US return.
The ITIN and the EIN serve different roles in a US business structure. Mixing them up delays banking and compliance.
Your LLC Needs an EIN
When You Personally Need an ITIN
Form 5472 for Foreign-Owned LLCs
Banking With the EIN
ein.so files the EIN application for $49 Standard or $97 Express and the ITIN application for $197 Standard or $297 Express. Most non-resident founders need only the EIN. ein.so does not provide tax advice; confirm whether you personally require an ITIN with a US CPA. Review EIN cost and EIN processing time before you apply.
Timeline
How Long Does ITIN Renewal Take?
ITIN renewal takes 7-11 weeks, the same timeline as a new ITIN application. The IRS extends processing to 9-11 weeks during peak filing season, from January 15 to April 30. Submit your renewal early so your number is active before you file.
The timeline depends mostly on when you mail the package. Off-season submissions clear faster.
| Timeline Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 7 weeks |
| Peak season (Jan 15-Apr 30) | 9-11 weeks |
| Original document return | Within 60 days |
| Confirmation notice | CP565, same ITIN remains |
| Status check | Call IRS ITIN line after 7 weeks |
Renewing in the fall or early winter means your ITIN is active before the April filing deadline. Filing a return with an expired ITIN holds your refund until the renewal completes, which compounds the delay. The EIN process is faster: ein.so delivers EINs in 4-7 business days Standard and 2-3 business days Express, because the SS-4 is faxed to the IRS rather than mailed. Compare with EIN processing time.
Next Steps
After You Renew Your ITIN
- Check ITIN cost — the IRS charges $0; ein.so files ITINs for $197 Standard or $297 Express
- Get an EIN for your LLC — most non-resident founders need an EIN, not an ITIN
- Apply with Form SS-4 — use your passport number on Line 7b; no SSN required
- Open a US bank account — Mercury, Relay, and Wise accept EIN and passport
- File Form 5472 — required yearly for foreign-owned LLCs, $25,000 penalty for non-filing
- File your BOI report — required for most US LLCs
Related guides: ITIN number | How to get an ITIN | EIN without an SSN | How to get an EIN | EIN cost | EIN processing time
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my ITIN in 2026?
File Form W-7 with the renewal box checked. Attach original identity documents or certified copies, such as a passport. A renewal-only Form W-7 does not require a tax return attachment. Mail it to the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas 78714. Processing takes 7-11 weeks. The IRS charges $0 for renewal.
When does my ITIN expire?
An ITIN expires after 3 consecutive years without use on a federal tax return. The IRS also expired all ITINs with middle digits 70 through 88 in earlier annual batches. Check your number: if the middle two digits fall in that range, or if you have not filed in 3 years, renew before you file your next return.
Is ITIN renewal free?
Yes. The IRS charges $0 for ITIN renewal, the same as a new ITIN application. You pay only optional service fees. A Certified Acceptance Agent charges a separate fee to verify documents. ein.so prepares and files ITIN applications for $197 Standard or $297 Express. The IRS itself never charges for the W-7.
Do I need a tax return to renew my ITIN?
No. A renewal-only Form W-7 does not require a federal tax return attachment. This is the key difference from a first-time ITIN application, which usually requires a return. You renew before filing season so your ITIN is active when you submit your return. Renewing early avoids refund delays and processing holds.
How long does ITIN renewal take?
ITIN renewal takes 7-11 weeks. This matches the timeline for new ITIN applications. The IRS warns processing extends to 9-11 weeks during peak filing season, from January 15 to April 30. Submit your renewal early in the year. Renewal does not speed up if you file later; the queue is longest near the April deadline.
What is the difference between an ITIN and an EIN?
An ITIN identifies an individual for US tax purposes; an EIN identifies a business entity. You apply for an ITIN with Form W-7 and renew it. You apply for an EIN with Form SS-4, and an EIN never expires. A non-resident who owns a US LLC needs an EIN for the company, not an ITIN.
Can I renew ITINs for my whole family at once?
Yes. You can renew ITINs for your spouse and dependents on a single submission. Include a separate Form W-7 and identity documents for each family member. The IRS recommends renewing all household ITINs together if any member's ITIN has expired. This prevents partial processing and reduces total mailing and document risk.
What documents prove identity for ITIN renewal?
A valid, unexpired passport is the single document that proves both identity and foreign status. Without a passport, you submit 2 documents from the IRS list, such as a national ID card and a birth certificate. The IRS returns original documents within 60 days. A Certified Acceptance Agent lets you keep originals.
Does renewing my ITIN affect my US LLC or EIN?
No. An ITIN renewal does not change your EIN or your US LLC. The EIN belongs to the business and never expires. The ITIN belongs to you as an individual taxpayer. If you own a foreign-owned single-member LLC, you still file Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year, with a $25,000 penalty for non-filing.
Do non-residents who own a US LLC need an ITIN or an EIN?
Most non-residents who own a US LLC need an EIN, not an ITIN. The EIN is the business tax ID. You get it with Form SS-4 using your passport number on Line 7b; no SSN or ITIN is required. ein.so files the SS-4 for $49 Standard or $97 Express and delivers the EIN by email.
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