ITIN Renewal Guide for Texas Residents: Do You Need to Renew Your ITIN?

Your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is your key to filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and building credit in the United States — even without a Social Security Number. But ITINs expire, and millions of Texas residents are unknowingly filing with an expired ITIN every year.

Filing with an expired ITIN means the IRS will process your return but disallow all credits and deductions — including the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, and education credits — until your ITIN is renewed. That can cost you thousands of dollars in refunds you're entitled to.

Which ITINs Are Expired?

The IRS has been systematically expiring ITINs in batches since 2016. Your ITIN may be expired if:

Expired based on middle digits (the 4th and 5th digits of your ITIN):

• Middle digits 70–74 — expired December 31, 2020


• Middle digits 75–79 — expired December 31, 2021


• Middle digits 80–88 — expired December 31, 2022


• Middle digits 90–99 (except 93) — expired December 31, 2023

Example: If your ITIN is 9XX-78-XXXX, it expired on December 31, 2021.

Expired due to non-use: Any ITIN not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years is automatically expired.

What Happens If You File With an Expired ITIN?

The IRS will still accept and process your return, but they will:

1. Disallow all credits — including Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, American Opportunity Credit


2. Issue a notice asking you to renew your ITIN


3. Delay your refund until the renewal is processed

This means you could be missing out on thousands of dollars in credits you're legally entitled to.

How to Renew Your ITIN Through a CAA

A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) is authorized by the IRS to verify identity documents for ITIN renewals. The major advantage: you do not need to mail your original passport to the IRS.

Instead, the CAA reviews your documents via a secure video call, certifies them, and submits the application on your behalf. Your passport never leaves your hands.

Texas ClearTax Solutions is an IRS-authorized CAA serving clients throughout Texas — McAllen, Brownsville, Laredo, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, and every city in the state — 100% online.

Documents Required for ITIN Renewal

You must provide documentation that proves foreign status and identity. The most commonly accepted document is a valid foreign passport. If you don't have a passport, the IRS accepts combinations of other documents including:

• National ID card (with photo, name, address, date of birth, and expiration date)


• Foreign driver's license


• Civil birth certificate


• Foreign voter registration card


• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo ID

ITIN Renewal Timeline

Processing time: The IRS typically processes ITIN renewals in 7–11 weeks during non-peak periods.

Best time to renew: Submit your renewal application in the fall (October–December) so your ITIN is active before tax season begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my ITIN even if I'm not filing a tax return this year?

Yes. You can submit a standalone ITIN renewal application (Form W-7) without attaching a tax return.

Does renewing my ITIN change my ITIN number?

No. Your ITIN number stays the same after renewal.

Can I use my renewed ITIN to open a bank account?

Yes. Many banks accept ITINs for account opening.

Get Your ITIN Renewed Without Mailing Your Passport

Texas ClearTax Solutions is an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent serving ITIN applicants throughout Texas — 100% online. We verify your documents via secure video call. Your passport never leaves your home.

Book a free ITIN consultation or call (469) 897-6175 to get started today.