IRS Publication 4859 English & Spanish – If you’ve submitted Form W-7 to apply for or renew an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you will almost always receive one or more official IRS notices. These notices explain whether your application was approved, needs more information, or was rejected — and exactly what to do next.
IRS Publication 4859 (EN-SP), titled Understanding Your IRS ITIN Notice, is the official, easy-to-read bilingual (English & Spanish) guide that walks you through every type of ITIN notice. It is still the current edition (Rev. May 2018) and remains the IRS’s primary resource for this topic.
Download the free PDF here (contains both English and Spanish side-by-side):
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4859.pdf
Why Does the IRS Send an ITIN Notice?
An ITIN notice is the IRS’s official response to your Form W-7 (or W-7(SP)). Because multiple people can apply with one tax return, each applicant receives their own notice. The notice clearly states:
- Why you are receiving it
- What the IRS decided
- What action (if any) you must take
Key fact: Only individuals who have a valid federal tax filing requirement (or are filing to claim a refund of over-withheld tax) qualify for an ITIN. ITINs are issued for federal tax purposes only.
How to Identify Your ITIN Notice?
Look in the upper-right corner for a CP number (or a letter number in the lower-right). The main notices are:
| Notice | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Spanish) | Response Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CP 565A | ITIN assigned or renewed | Nosotros le hemos asignado un ITIN | Review only |
| CP 565B | Reissue / confirmation of previously assigned ITIN | Información importante sobre su ITIN | Review only |
| CP 566 | Application suspended (missing or insufficient docs) | Recibimos su solicitud pero necesita más información | Yes – 45 days |
| CP 567 | Application rejected | Hemos rechazado su solicitud | Reapply |
| Letter 5872 | Original documents returned | Devolución de documentos originales | None |
(ITIN notices in Spanish have “(SP)” after the number.)
What to Do for Each Notice (Direct from Pub 4859)?
CP 565A – “We Assigned You an ITIN”
Good news! Your ITIN has been approved or renewed.
- Carefully check the name, address, and date of birth.
- If anything is wrong, mail a letter with proof of the correct information to the address shown in the top-left corner of the notice.
- Keep the notice for your records — you will need it when filing taxes.
CP 565B – Important Information About Your ITIN
This is a reissue notice (you requested a duplicate or the IRS is correcting something). Keep it with your records.
CP 566 – Application Suspended
The IRS needs more or better supporting identification documents or corrected information.
- You have 45 days from the date on the notice to reply.
- Send the missing or corrected documents to the address on the notice.
- If you do not respond in time, you will receive a rejection notice (CP 567).
CP 567 – Application Rejected
Your application was rejected because you did not meet eligibility rules, did not respond to a CP 566, or submitted documents that could not be processed.
- You must submit a new Form W-7 with a valid tax return and proper documentation.
- Review the exact reason on the notice and fix it before reapplying.
Letter 5872 – Return of Original Documents
Your passport, national ID, or other original documents are being mailed back (usually within 60 days). No action needed.
What If You Disagree with a Suspense (CP 566) or Reject (CP 567) Notice?
- Write to the address on the notice or call the toll-free number shown at the top.
- Explain why you believe the decision is incorrect and attach any missing documents.
- For rejections, the IRS strongly recommends reviewing the Form W-7 instructions carefully before submitting a new application.
Important Reminders About Your ITIN
- ITINs are only for federal taxes — they do not authorize work, provide Social Security benefits, or change immigration status.
- You cannot claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) with an ITIN.
- If you later receive a Social Security number, notify the IRS so your records can be combined.
- ITINs that have not been used on a tax return for three consecutive years may expire (middle digits 70–88, 90–99, or 78, 79 in some cases). Renew before filing if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: I lost my CP 565 notice. How do I get a replacement?
Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 (or 267-941-1000 from outside the U.S.) and provide your name, date of birth, and mailing address. You can also mail a request to the ITIN Operation in Austin, TX. - Q: How long does it take to get an ITIN notice?
Allow 7 weeks (9–11 weeks during peak tax season or if applying from abroad). - Q: Can I apply for an ITIN from outside the United States?
Yes. Follow the same Form W-7 process and mail the package to the Austin Service Center. - Q: Do I need an ITIN to file an extension (Form 4868)?
No. Write “ITIN TO BE REQUESTED” in the SSN/ITIN box.
Where to Get Help?
- Official IRS ITIN page: irs.gov/tin/itin
- Form W-7 instructions and Publication 1915 (Understanding Your ITIN)
- ITIN Acceptance Agents (certifying agents who can review your documents)
- Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (free help)
- Spanish resources: IRS.gov/espanol → ITIN
Publication 4859 is the quickest way to understand exactly what your IRS ITIN notice means and what to do. Download it today and keep it with your tax records.
Need personalized help? Consult a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), Enrolled Agent, or CPA familiar with ITIN applications. Never pay anyone who guarantees approval — the IRS decides eligibility.
Share this guide with anyone who has recently applied for an ITIN. Clear information helps avoid delays and unnecessary rejections.
Last verified with current IRS resources (Publication 4859 Rev. 5-2018 and ITIN page updates through October 2025). Always check IRS.gov for the latest forms and instructions.