How do I know if my ITIN has been deactivated?

Submitting a tax return with a deactivated ITIN triggers an IRS notice (typically a CP48 or CP567) or causes the return to be rejected with an explanation. Some taxpayers learn of deactivation when applying for a bank account or credit product that requires a verified ITIN.

Do I get a new ITIN number after reactivation?

No. ITIN reactivation restores the original 9-digit number. The IRS does not reassign ITINs. The CP565A notice confirms reactivation under the same number.

What documents do I need to reactivate an inactive ITIN?

Submit a completed Form W-7 marked as a renewal, the original passport or issuer-certified copy, and the federal tax return for the current year. The same documents required for a new application apply to a reactivation.

Updated June 25, 2026

ITIN Deactivated Due to Inactivity: How to Reactivate in 2026

Q: How long does ITIN reactivation take in 2026?

IRS processing of a renewal/reactivation Form W-7 takes 7 to 11 weeks year-round and 9 to 13+ weeks during peak season (January-April). A Certifying Acceptance Agent verification with itin-number.com is completed in 7 days before submission.

Why Does the IRS Deactivate an ITIN for Inactivity?

The IRS deactivates ITINs that have not appeared on a federal tax return for 3 consecutive years. The 3-year inactivity rule is part of the IRS's effort to maintain accurate taxpayer records. Deactivation does not erase the ITIN — the number remains in the IRS database and is restored when the taxpayer files a renewal Form W-7 with the next return.

How Do You Know If Your ITIN Has Been Deactivated?

IRS notice CP48 or CP567. Mailed to the address on the most recent return.
Rejected tax return.The return is processed but flagged with an “ITIN must be renewed” status.
Bank or credit application denial. Financial institutions running IRS verification may flag the ITIN as inactive.
Refund delay. Returns claiming refunds are held until the ITIN is reactivated.

For the official reactivation hub, see the ITIN reactivation page.

How Do You Reactivate an Inactive ITIN in 2026?

Download the current Form W-7 (October 2024 revision or later).
Check the “Renew an existing ITIN” box at the top of the form.
Enter the existing 9-digit ITIN on the appropriate line.
Gather supporting documents: passport or issuer-certified copy, federal tax return for the current year.
Mail the packet to IRS Austin or submit through a Certifying Acceptance Agent.
Wait 7 to 11 weeks for the IRS CP565A reactivation notice.

ITIN Reactivation vs ITIN Renewal: What Is the Difference?

The IRS treats reactivation (after 3 years of inactivity) and renewal(after an expiration cycle) identically from a paperwork standpoint. Both use Form W-7 with the “Renew an existing ITIN” box checked, both require the same documents, and both restore the original ITIN.

For renewal-specific guidance, see the ITIN renewal page.

What Documents Are Required for ITIN Reactivation?

Signed Form W-7 marked as a renewal.
Original passport or issuer-certified copy.
Federal tax return for the current year (Form 1040 or 1040-NR).
Reason code on line 6 matching the original ITIN basis.
Reactivation cover letter (optional) noting the original ITIN and last filing year.

How Long Does ITIN Reactivation Take in 2026?

IRS processing of a reactivation Form W-7 takes 7 to 11 weeks year-round and 9 to 13+ weeks during the January-April peak season. A Certifying Acceptance Agent reduces the front-end verification time to 7 days, after which the file enters the standard IRS queue.

Frequently Asked Questions About ITIN Reactivation

Under IRS rules, an ITIN that has not been used on a federal tax return for 3 consecutive years is automatically deactivated. The IRS does this to keep its tax records clean. The same number can be reactivated by filing a renewal Form W-7 with the next tax return.

Need to reactivate an inactive ITIN? Reactivate with a Certifying Acceptance Agent — $297 flat, ready in 7 days.