January 11, 2017
By Darren Liddell

Tax season is almost here and many are prepping for their individual and family tax returns. Over the last 10 years, Catalyst Miami has been providing free tax preparation to the Miami-Dade community and offering trainings to teach volunteers how to prepare taxes for their community. This year, there is a big change impacting those that file taxes without Social Security Numbers (SSN). Tax filers using Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs) will now have to make sure their ITINS are not expiring.

This change will impact individuals who have previously received an ITIN number but have not filed a tax return at least once for tax years 2013, 2014, or 2015. Additionally, ITINs with middle digits 78 and 79 (Example: 9XX-78-XXXX) expired on December 31, 2016. Anyone, including dependents, meeting the conditions above will need to apply for a new ITIN. The IRS is emphasizing that no action is needed if ITIN holders do not need to file a tax return this upcoming tax season.

What to do if you need to renew your ITIN? You must submit a completed form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to the IRS.  You can review your ITIN application today by submitting your Form W-7, a copy of your IRS 5281 (if you received one), and all required identification documentation.  Anyone who receives a renewal letter from IRS can choose to review for all of the family members claimed on their tax return at the same time.

If you have never had an ITIN number but would like to receive one, we prepare ITIN applications all throughout the year and can help you to apply for the first time in addition to renewing your ITIN.

Need help completing your W-7 application or have questions? Schedule to meet with one of our tax team members by reaching out to Darren Liddell, Sr. Director of Community Wealth, at [email protected] or 786-527-2570.

Want to be a tax volunteer? Connect with Chris Moreno, Community Wealth Manager, at [email protected] or 786-414-1299.

Additional resources:  

ITIN Changes Fact Sheet (English/Spanish): https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5259.pdf
ITIN Changes Fact Sheet (Haitian Creole): https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5259ht.pdf?_ga=1.12924980.205894892.1472226932