Can I File Taxes with an Expired ID?

Taxes are a required element of adulthood in the United States. But what happens if your ID has expired? Can you still file your taxes? The simple answer is yes; in most cases, you can still file your taxes even when your ID has expired although there are some significant caveats you should take into consideration.

This article will guide you through all you need to know about filing your taxes with an expired ID, the documents you might require, and how you can prevent delays or rejection of your filing.

Why Your ID Matters When Filing Taxes

The IRS and tax preparation services must ensure that you are who you say you are when you are filing your taxes whether online or in person. This assists in preventing fraud in taxes, and it makes sure that the right individual is getting the refund or being accountable for the tax obligation.

What Kind of ID is Required?

Most tax returns (particularly when using a tax preparer or a tax prep software, such as TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct) will require you to provide:

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver license, state ID, passport)
• Your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or your Social Security Number (SSN)

Can You File Taxes with an Expired ID?

Yes, but it depends on how you file.

The answer to whether you can file your taxes with an expired ID will depend mostly on the type of filing:

1. Filing Electronically (e-file)

When you are filing your taxes electronically with the help of an online software, then an expired ID will typically not stop you from filing. The majority of the tax software will require your driver license or state ID information to verify your identity, yet it commonly does not verify the expiration date.

Good to know: If your ID is out of date, you can still enter the information as it is requested. The IRS normally does not decline e-filed returns based on expired ID.

2. Using a Tax Preparer or In-Person Service

If you are dealing with a tax professional or a tax preparation service, they must provide the IRS with a procedure to verify your identity. This often includes checking your photo ID.

Caution: If your ID has expired, the tax preparer might deny you the opportunity to file your taxes until you provide an unexpired form of identification.

3. Mailing a Paper Tax Return

No ID is physically attached when submitting your taxes directly to the IRS via mail. You will not have to attach a copy of your driver license. Your SSN or ITIN and signature on the tax form is your form of identification.

Bottom Line: If you are sending your return by mail, an expired ID will not halt the procedure.

What If You’re Using an ITIN?

If you are not eligible to receive a Social Security Number and you apply with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you might be asked to provide your ID to verify it, particularly when filling in an ITIN or extending one.

Your ID in this case must be valid and not expired with the following forms being accepted:

• Passport
• National ID card
• S. driver’s license
• Birth certificate (for dependents under 18)

Expired IDs will delay or deny your ITIN application or renewal, and this may interfere with your tax returns.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: You Forgot to Renew Your Driver’s License

You are using online software such as TurboTax, and your license lapsed a month ago. The software requires your license number and issue/expiration dates. You enter the expired information anyway.

Outcome: The software is most likely to process your return, and the IRS is not going to reject it.

Scenario 2: You Go to H&R Block and Your ID Is Expired

The tax professional needs to verify your identity. Your ID is outdated by 6 months, and you do not have any other unexpired identification.

Outcome: They can tell you to go and bring a new ID, particularly, if it is your first time using their service.

Scenario 3: You Mail in a Paper Return without an ID

Your license is two years expired but you send your return with your correct SSN and signature.

Conclusion: Your return will probably go through the IRS without any complications,  provided that all other information is accurate.

Tips to File Taxes Without Delays

Although having an expired ID will not necessarily keep you from filing, here are some tips to keep you out of trouble:

1. Renew Your ID If Possible

If your license or state ID is expired, you may want to renew it prior to tax season. This is useful in case you have to use a preparer or address the requests of the IRS.

2. Keep Other Forms of ID Ready

It may otherwise be replaced by a valid passport or other government issued ID.

3. File Early

The sooner that you file, the longer you have to correct possible identity verification problems that occur.

4. Use Your Prior Year’s AGI

When e-filing, the IRS verifies your identity by your Adjusted Gross income (AGI) of the prior year. Make sure you have that number handy.

What About State Taxes?

The ID verification requirements of some state tax agencies could be more stringent than that of the IRS.

For example:

• California may request proof of identity for certain refunds.
• New York and Texas can demand a proper ID to file in person.

The Department of Revenue or Franchise Tax Board in your state may have special requirements; check with them.

What Happens If There’s an Identity Issue?

If the IRS is unable to identify you, you can get a letter requesting additional information or requesting that you confirm your identity through the Identity Verification Service (IDVerify.irs.gov).

Then, you might have to upload or send by mail a valid photo identification. This may not be accepted with an expired ID.