US ITIN Format Validator

US ITIN: the tax ID for people who can't get an SSN

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to people who must file or be reported on a US tax return but are not eligible for an SSN — typically non-resident aliens, foreign nationals, and their dependents/spouses. It looks like an SSN (9XX-XX-XXXX, 9 digits) but follows distinct rules.

Structural rules a valid ITIN must satisfy:

• The first digit is always 9.
• The 4th–5th digits (the "group") fall in the IRS-published ranges — historically 70–88, later expanded to include 90–92 and 94–99. The values 89 and 93 are not used.
• Like the SSN, it has no arithmetic check digit — validation is range-based plus IRS records.

ITIN ≠ work authorization

An ITIN is strictly a tax-processing number. It does not grant the right to work in the US, does not provide Social Security benefits, and does not confer immigration status. Its only purpose is to let the IRS process returns and payments for people outside the SSN system.

Expiration — a frequent surprise

Under the PATH Act, ITINs expire: any ITIN not used on a federal return for three consecutive years expires, and older issuance batches were retired on a rolling schedule. An expired ITIN is still structurally valid but must be renewed before filing — something a format checker cannot detect.

Common pitfalls

• Confusing it with an SSN: both are 9 digits, but only the ITIN starts with 9 and uses the 70–99 group ranges.
• Assuming a valid format means active: the IRS may have expired it; only the IRS confirms current status.
• Using it as an SSN substitute for employment: it is not — that's an SSN's role.

FAQ

How do I tell an ITIN from an SSN? An ITIN always starts with 9 and its 4th–5th digits fall in 70–88 / 90–92 / 94–99.

Can I work with an ITIN? No. It is a tax-filing number only, with no work or immigration rights.

Do ITINs expire? Yes — after three years of non-use on a return, or per IRS retirement schedules. Renew before filing.