A CP566 notice means the IRS received your application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) but can't finish processing it. Something is missing or doesn't meet the rules. You may have left a question blank on Form W-7, or sent documents the IRS can't accept. This is fixable. You have 45 days from the date of the notice to send what the IRS asks for.
Why you got a CP566
An ITIN is a 9-digit number the IRS issues for federal tax purposes to people who aren't eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). You apply with Form W-7, usually with a tax return, plus documents that prove your identity and foreign status. The IRS sends a CP566 when:
- The form is incomplete. A required question wasn't answered or the form wasn't signed.
- The documents are wrong or insufficient. For example, a document is expired, doesn't show the same name as your application, or isn't one the IRS accepts.
- A translation is needed. The IRS may ask for a certified English translation.
- It's unclear you need an ITIN. The IRS asks you to confirm you don't qualify for an SSN.
What the CP566 says
Look for:
- What the IRS needs. The notice lists the specific information or documents missing.
- The notice date. Your 45 days start here.
- A response form at the end of the notice and the mailing address.
- A phone number for questions.
Example: counting 45 days. If your CP566 is dated September 28, 2026, 45 days later is November 12, 2026. Mail early enough that the IRS receives it in time, and use a trackable mail service if you can.
What to do
- Reread the Form W-7 instructions and compare them with what you sent.
- Make sure you really need an ITIN. If you're eligible for an SSN, you should get an SSN instead.
- Check every answer on your application. Fill in anything missing.
- Check your documents. They must match what the IRS requested (see below).
- Get certified translations if the IRS asked for them.
- Complete and sign the response form at the end of the notice.
- Mail the response form and documents to the address on the notice. The IRS says to reply by mail, not by phone.
What counts as correct documentation
The IRS says acceptable documents are generally unexpired, include your photograph, show the same name as your application and tax return, and come from an organization authorized to issue them. Documents that can meet these conditions include:
- a passport
- a visa issued by the U.S. Department of State
- a civil birth certificate
- a national, U.S. state or military identification document
- a U.S. or foreign driver's license
- a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services photo ID
- a foreign voter registration document or military card
- U.S. school records (for dependents only)
- U.S. medical records (for dependents only)
Foreign records must be from a country recognized by the U.S. State Department.
Medical records for dependents. The IRS accepts these for dependents under age 6. They must be dated no more than 12 months from the date of the Form W-7 application.
School records for dependents. The IRS accepts these for dependents under age 18. They must be for a school term ending no more than 12 months from the date of the Form W-7 application.
Publication 1915 lists the full required elements for medical and school records.
The IRS only accepts original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. It says mailed documents are returned within 60 days after it processes your application. If you need your documents sooner, Publication 1915 says you can make an appointment at a designated Taxpayer Assistance Center, where originals or certified copies are reviewed and handed back right away. The IRS also has options for applying from abroad.
What happens if you ignore it
If you don't reply within 45 days, the IRS rejects your application, and you'll have to submit a new one. The IRS says it will process your tax return without an ITIN. To get any refund on that return, you'll need to reapply for an ITIN and attach a copy of the return to the new application. Missing the deadline can also matter for some credits, since the IRS says certain credits require an ITIN to be assigned by the return's due date, including extensions.
When your ITIN is approved
Once the IRS accepts your application, it sends a CP565 with your new ITIN. The IRS says to allow 7 weeks to hear about your application status, or 9 to 11 weeks during tax season (January 15 to April 30) or if you applied from overseas.
Is this notice real?
A real CP566 comes by U.S. mail after you've sent a Form W-7, and it asks you to mail documents to an IRS address. It doesn't ask for payment. Be cautious of anyone who calls or messages asking for your passport details or a fee to "fix" your ITIN. You can confirm by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (U.S.) or 267-941-1000 (outside the U.S.). See our IRS scams guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to reply to a CP566?
The IRS says you have 45 days from the date of your notice.
Can I reply by phone?
No. The IRS says to mail your reply to the address on the notice. You can call with questions.
What if my documents aren't in English?
Send certified English translations if the IRS asked for them. The IRS says to use a certified translator.
Will I lose my refund?
Not necessarily. If your application is rejected, the IRS processes your return without an ITIN. You can reapply and attach a copy of the return to get the refund. Time limits for refunds still apply, so act promptly.
Where can I get free help?
A Low Income Taxpayer Clinic may help with tax issues if you qualify. If you have tried to resolve a problem through normal channels without success, the Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to help.
Sources
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS), "Understanding your CP566 notice". irs.gov
- IRS, "Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)". irs.gov
- IRS, "Understanding your CP565 notice". irs.gov
- IRS, Publication 1915, "Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)" (Rev. 12-2024). irs.gov
IRSV.com is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the IRS. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change; confirm details on IRS.gov or with a tax professional. Found an error? Tell us.