Understanding your CP566 Notice
We need more information to process your application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You may have sent us an incomplete form. You may have sent us the wrong documents.
Effective June 22, 2012, the IRS has made interim changes that affect the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) application process. Some of the information below, including the documentation requirements for individuals seeking an ITIN, has been superseded by these changes. Taxpayers and their representatives should review these changes, which are further explained in these Frequently Asked Questions, before requesting an ITIN.
What you need to do
- Go over the instructions for your application.
- Make sure you don't qualify for a Social Security number (SSN) and you need an ITIN.
- Go over your application to make sure you’ve answered all the questions.
- Make sure your documents are correct.
- Send us the documents we've asked for when you reply.
- Make sure the documents are translated into English if we've requested a translation. Use a certified translator.
- Complete and sign the response form at the end of your notice. Mail it to us with any documents we've requested.
You may want to...
- Download copies of the following materials (if they were not included with your notice):
- Contact us by calling the toll free number on your notice. Call 267-941-1000 (not a toll-free number) if you're outside the U.S. You can contact our overseas offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, London, or Paris.
- Visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center in the U.S. or abroad.
- Get help at a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.
- Complete and send us a Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative to authorize someone (such as an accountant) to contact us on your behalf.
Answers to Common Questions
What is an ITIN?
It is a number for you to use on federal tax documents.
Who needs an ITIN?
A non-citizen who has to file a federal tax return or a tax reporting document and does not qualify for an SSN needs an ITIN.
What is correct documentation?
In general, correct documentation is unexpired and has your photograph. It has the same name on it as on your application and tax return. It is from an organization authorized to issue it. The following documents can meet these conditions:
- 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.
What are the special requirements for school and medical records?
They must be less than one year old. They must be for dependents younger than 18.
How much time do I have to reply?
You have 45 days from the date of your notice to reply.
What happens if I don't reply?
We will reject your application. You'll have to submit a new application for an ITIN.
Should I call you with my reply or mail it to you?
Mail your reply to us at the address on the notice.
What happens to my tax return if you reject my application?
We'll process your return without an ITIN. You'll need to reapply for an ITIN and attach a copy of the return to your application to get a refund.
I sent you documents when I applied for an ITIN. When will you return them?
We'll return your documents within 60 days after we've processed your application.
Whom can I talk to with my questions?
You can call the telephone number on the top right corner of the notice with your questions.
Tips for next year
Consider filing your taxes electronically. Filing online can help you avoid mistakes and find credits and deductions that you may qualify for. In many cases you can file for free. Learn more about e-file.
Understanding your notice
Reading your notice
Your notice may look different from the sample because the information contained in your notice is tailored to your situation.
Notice CP566, Page 1
Notice CP566, Page 2
Notice CP566, Page 3
Notice CP566, Page 4
Printable samples of this notice (PDF)
Tax publications you may find useful
- Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer
- Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Publication 1915, Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ITIN
- Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
- Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List
- Find a copy of any necessary tax forms and instructions
How to get help
Calling the 1-800 number listed on the top right corner of your notice is the fastest way to get your questions answered.
You can also authorize someone (such as an accountant) to contact the IRS on your behalf using this Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (Form 2848).
Or you may qualify for help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.
