If you’ve been waiting weeks for your ITIN approval and instead see an IRS letter stamped “CP566 Notice,” take a breath. It’s not a rejection. It’s the IRS basically saying, “Hey, we need a bit more from you.”
A CP566 Notice simply means the IRS couldn’t finish processing your Form W-7 because something’s missing or doesn’t match: maybe an ID document, passport copy, or the reason code on your form.
The good news? It’s totally fixable. Once you comprehend what this notice really means and respond quickly with the right and proper paperwork, you are very much good to go! You can save weeks of waiting time, and stop your ITIN from getting stranded in limbo.
Now, let’s talk about what the CP566 actually means, what documents the IRS might be asking for, and exactly how to handle it.
What Is a CP566 Notice?
A CP566 Notice is an official letter from the IRS that tells you your ITIN application is incomplete or missing key documentation. It doesn’t mean you were denied. It simply means the IRS has paused your application until you fix what’s missing.
Common reasons you might receive a Notice CP566 include:
- Missing or invalid passport copy or identification document.
- No federal tax return attached (when required for your application).
- An incorrect or unclear reason code on Form W-7.
- Mismatched information, like your name, birth date, or address.
- Documents not certified or verified properly by a recognized authority.
Once you correct and return the requested details, your ITIN CP566 case continues from where it left off.
Why You Received a CP566 Notice
The CP566 Notice shows up when the IRS hits pause on your ITIN application; usually because something in your paperwork didn’t fully check out. It’s not that you messed up, no, it’s just they need a bit more proof to confirm you actually qualify.
Here’s what it usually means in real terms:
- The IRS couldn’t clearly confirm your identity or foreign status, often due to missing verification or unclear documentation.
- The purpose for your ITIN request wasn’t fully supported; for instance, you claimed a tax treaty benefit or dependent status but didn’t include the matching evidence.
- Your application package (Form W-7 and attachments) didn’t meet all the filing requirements, such as proper certification or document format.
Shortly put, the IRS Notice CP566 is their way of pausing the process and asking for confirmation. Not rejection, just clarification. Once you respond with the requested proof, your ITIN application continues through normal review.
What To Do When You Receive a CP566 Notice
Getting a CP566 Notice can feel nerve-racking, I know. But it’s really your shot to fix the paperwork and move your ITIN application forward. Let’s talk about how to work through it. Step by step, calmly and correctly.
Read the letter closely.
The IRS clearly explains what’s missing or unclear; whether it’s your passport copy, proof of foreign status, or your federal tax return.
Gather the required documents.
Make sure every page of your documents is valid, clear, and officially certified. If you’re not in the US, skip mailing your originals. Instead get them verified through an IRS CAA (Certified Acceptance Agent) or at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate instead.
Include a short note (optional but smart).
A one-line explanation, like “I’ve attached my certified passport copy as requested in Notice CP566,” helps the IRS match your response quickly.
Send it to the correct address.
Always mail your documents to the address listed on your IRS letter 566, not the standard Form W-7 address.
Wait for your confirmation.
Once everything’s verified, the IRS will mail your CP565 Notice—that’s your official ITIN approval letter. Depending on the time of year and where you filed from, this notice normally comes between 7 to 11 weeks.
Responding clearly and on time ensures your ITIN CP566 case gets resolved. Without unnecessary reapplications or delays.
How Long Do You Have to Respond to a CP566 Notice?
You usually get 45 days from the date on the notice to reply. Miss that window, and your ITIN application goes cold. You’ll have to start all over again.
If your documents are still being certified overseas or you just need a bit more time, call the IRS and ask for an extension. They do allow it, you just have to let them know before the clock runs out.
Can You Get an Extension on the CP566 Response Deadline?
Good news: Yes! You can, in certain cases, ask the IRS for a little extra breathing room. Many applicants who face travel delays, document verification issues, or overseas mailing challenges have successfully received extensions by explaining their situation directly to the IRS ITIN unit.
Here’s how you make it happen:
- Call the ITIN unit early. Don’t wait until the last day. Explain your situation: travel, health, being abroad, or any valid reason for delay.
- Ask politely for an accommodation. Extensions aren’t guaranteed, but the IRS often allows extra time when you reach out proactively.
- Still send what you can. Even if some documents are pending, include a short note explaining why the rest will follow soon.
- Avoid going silent. The 45-day window isn’t always an absolute cutoff, but ignoring the notice completely can lead to your application being closed.
Bottom line: The 45 days on a CP566 is more of a guideline than a hard stop. Still, the safest move is to respond as quickly as possible, or contact the IRS to have your situation noted before the deadline passes. And the safest and ultimate solution: consult with an IRS-verified CAA.
How to Avoid Getting a CP566 Notice in the First Place
Most CP566 Notices happen because of simple, avoidable mistakes, usually in the paperwork or certification process. The good news? A little care upfront can save you months of waiting later.
Here’s how to prevent your ITIN application from getting stuck:
Use certified copies or CAA-verified passports.
The IRS rejects scanned or notarized copies that don’t meet their standards. A Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) can verify your passport locally so you don’t risk mailing the original.
Match your reason code with your situation.
Double-check that your Form W-7 reason (for example: tax filing, dependent claim, or U.S. property sale) aligns perfectly with your documents.
Attach your tax return unless you qualify for an exemption.
Many ITIN application rejections happen because applicants skip this part, assuming it’s optional — it’s not, in most cases.
Keep copies of everything you send.
If the IRS needs clarification later, you’ll already have your records handy.
Working with a Certified Acceptance Agent (like our CAA team at Business Globalizer) makes all the difference. They review your application, certify your documents, and ensure your ITIN package meets every IRS requirement, so you never have to deal with a Notice CP566 in the first place.
What Happens If You Ignore the CP566 Notice
If you ignore your IRS Letter 566, the IRS will simply close your case and treat your ITIN application as abandoned. No ITIN, no progress. And you’ll have to start all over again with fresh documents, a new form, and another long wait.
Ignoring the CP566 form also delays anything tied to your ITIN, like tax refunds, property sales, or dependent claims.
So, don’t set it aside. Treat it as a priority task.
Business Globalizer: IRS-Certified Help for ITIN Applications
Dealing with a CP566 Notice from outside the U.S. can feel frustrating, especially when documents have to be certified or mailed internationally. That’s exactly where we help.
At Business Globalizer, we’re an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), the first in Bangladesh, helping clients fix ITIN CP566 issues quickly and correctly.
We verify your passport locally (no mailing originals), identify what went wrong in your previous submission, and file your ITIN package directly with the IRS. So, you don’t risk rejection again.
Our experts can help you with every step, whether you missed a document, got a confused notification, or just want your ITIN done perfectly the first time.
Closing Thoughts
A CP566 Notice doesn’t mean your ITIN application failed, it just means the IRS needs a bit more from you. Once you provide the missing documents or verification, your file moves forward normally.
The key is responding correctly and quickly. And if you’d rather not deal with the confusion, a trusted IRS Certified Acceptance Agent like Business Globalizer can handle the process end-to-end; from reviewing your notice to getting your approval letter.
Because when it comes to taxes and time, clarity always pays off.
FAQs on CP566 Notice
What is CP566?
Answer: It’s an IRS letter letting you know your ITIN application isn’t complete. Think of it as a polite nudge; not a rejection. The IRS just needs a few more documents before they can process it.
How do I respond to a CP566 Notice?
Answer: Simply follow the instructions in the notice. Gather what’s missing, like your passport copy or tax return, and mail everything to the address shown on the letter.
How long do I have to reply to a CP566 Notice?
Answer: Normally, you have 45 days from the notice date. If you miss this window, and you’ll have to start over with a new ITIN application.
Can I really get more than 45 days to respond to a CP566 Notice?
Answer: Yes—if you have a valid reason, like waiting on certified documents or being outside the U.S., you can call the IRS ITIN unit and request extra time. It’s not automatic, but they often note your file and give you a reasonable extension if you reach out before the deadline passes.
What if I already missed the 45-day deadline?
Answer: Don’t panic. Call the IRS as soon as possible to explain the situation. In many cases, if your documents are almost ready, they’ll advise whether you can still send them or if you need to reapply. The key is communication—ignoring the notice entirely is what truly ends your application.
What happens if I ignore the CP566 Notice?
Answer: Then your ITIN request gets canceled, and you’ll need to reapply from scratch. It’s a delay you can easily avoid by responding on time.
What documents commonly trigger a CP566 Notice?
Answer: Well, most of the time, it’s something simple: an unverified passport, a missing tax return, or an incorrect reason code on your Form W-7. A quick check before mailing could really save you weeks later.
What’s the difference between CP566 and CP567?
Answer: CP566 is a “missing information” notice, while CP567 is an actual rejection after the IRS determines your ITIN can’t be approved.
Can a Certified Acceptance Agent help with CP566 issues?
Answer: Yes. A CAA can verify your documents, identify what’s missing, and submit a corrected application directly to the IRS.
