ITIN Number: 9 Digits in Format 9XX-XX-XXXX

An ITIN has exactly 9 digits, formatted as 9XX-XX-XXXX with dashes separating three groups: 3 digits, 2 digits, and 4 digits. This is the same format as a Social Security Number (SSN). The first digit is always 9. The 4th and 5th digits (middle group) range from 50-65, 70-88, or 90-99. The last 4 digits are a unique serial number assigned sequentially by the IRS.

The IRS designated 9 as the first digit of all ITINs to distinguish them from Social Security Numbers. SSNs never start with 9 (prior to 2011, SSNs were area-based; post-2011, they are randomized but still exclude 9XX). This ensures that any number starting with 9XX-XX-XXXX is immediately identifiable as an ITIN, preventing confusion between the two identification systems in IRS databases and financial systems.

The 4th and 5th digits (middle group) indicate when the ITIN was assigned and fall in specific ranges: 50-65, 70-88, or 90-99. These ranges are used by the IRS for systematic expiration and renewal scheduling. For example, ITINs with middle digits 70-72 were part of the first expiration wave in 2017. The middle digits help the IRS manage the ITIN population and identify which ITINs need renewal.

Check 2 things: the first digit and the middle digits. If the number starts with 9 AND the 4th and 5th digits are in the range 50-65, 70-88, or 90-99, it is an ITIN. SSNs never start with 9. Both ITINs and SSNs have 9 digits in XXX-XX-XXXX format. If you are unsure, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to verify which type of number you have.

No. An ITIN contains only numerical digits (0-9). There are no letters, spaces, or special characters in the ITIN itself. The dashes in the format 9XX-XX-XXXX are formatting separators, not part of the number. When entering your ITIN on electronic forms, some systems require dashes and others do not. The 9-digit number itself is always purely numerical.

Yes. Both ITINs and SSNs are exactly 9 digits long and use the same XXX-XX-XXXX format. This is intentional because the ITIN was designed to work in the same tax filing systems as the SSN. Financial institutions, employers, and the IRS use the same data fields for both numbers. The only structural difference is that ITINs always start with 9 and have specific middle digit ranges.

A valid ITIN format example is 9XX-7X-XXXX or 9XX-5X-XXXX. The IRS does not publish real ITIN numbers. The first 3 digits always start with 9. The 4th and 5th digits fall in ranges 50-65, 70-88, or 90-99. The last 4 digits are any combination of 0-9. A number like 912-73-4567 follows valid ITIN formatting. A number like 912-42-4567 would not be valid because 42 is outside the accepted middle digit ranges.

No. Each ITIN is assigned to one individual and is never reused, even after the original holder dies or the ITIN expires. Expired ITINs retain their assignment to the original holder indefinitely. When an expired ITIN is renewed, the same number is reactivated. The IRS does not reassign ITIN numbers to different people. This ensures tax records remain permanently linked to the correct individual.

Your ITIN appears on your CP565 assignment letter from the IRS, on every federal tax return you filed using it (in the SSN/ITIN field), on W-2 and 1099 forms from US payers, and on any bank or financial account opening documents where you provided it. The IRS does not issue an ITIN card. The CP565 letter is the primary official document showing your ITIN.

Not precisely, but the middle digits provide a general range. ITINs with middle digits 70-72 were typically issued before 2013. Middle digits 73-75 and 80-88 were issued in various later periods. The middle digit ranges are assigned sequentially as the IRS needs new number blocks. However, you cannot determine the exact year from the number alone. Your CP565 letter shows the exact assignment date.