Why ITIN Applications Get Rejected — and How to Read a CP567
A CP567 means the IRS rejected your Form W-7. The notice states the reason. Here are the patterns we see most often and what to do next.
An ITIN rejection arrives by mail as notice CP567. It’s discouraging, especially after weeks of waiting, but the notice tells you why — and most reasons can be fixed.
What do the IRS ITIN notices mean?
- CP565 — the IRS notice that confirms your ITIN has been assigned.
- CP566 — the IRS needs more information before it can process your application.
- CP567 — your ITIN application was rejected; the notice gives the reason.
- CP48 — your ITIN is about to expire.
Our guide to IRS ITIN notices explains each one in more detail.
Why are ITIN applications rejected?
These are the patterns that come up again and again:
1. The documents weren’t originals or properly certified copies
Copies must be certified by the agency that issued the document. Notarized copies are not accepted. A copy stamped by a local notary or lawyer is not enough.
2. No tax return, and no exception that fits
Form W-7 must be attached to a valid federal income tax return unless you qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the W-7 instructions. Claiming an exception without the supporting letter or document the instructions ask for is a common cause of rejection.
3. Details that don’t match the documents
Names, dates of birth and countries on the W-7 must match the passport exactly. A transposed date or a missing middle name is enough to stop an application.
4. Not enough documents to prove identity and foreign status
The IRS accepts 13 documents. A valid passport is the only one that proves both identity and foreign status on its own; otherwise you need at least two, one with a photo.
5. Dependent documents a CAA can’t certify
For dependents, a Certifying Acceptance Agent can authenticate only the passport and birth certificate; other dependent documents must be originals or certified copies sent to the IRS.
What should I do after a CP567?
Read the reason on the notice first, then fix exactly that issue and send a complete, corrected application. Don’t resend the same package hoping for a different result — it will be rejected for the same reason, and you’ll lose another 7–11 weeks. The Instructions for Form W-7 (Rev. December 2024) list what each document and exception requires.
Can a Certifying Acceptance Agent help?
Yes. Applications filed through a Certifying Acceptance Agent were rejected 12.3% of the time, against 27.3% when originals were mailed to the IRS and 18.4% through IRS offices (National Taxpayer Advocate, CY2023 to September 2024). If your application was rejected, our CP567 rejection rescue reviews the notice and prepares a corrected application with certified documents. If you’re still waiting and haven’t heard anything, see ITIN delay help.