CP566 notice from IRS - can I get an extension on response deadline?

The CP566 notice is basically the IRS saying they need additional documentation to process your ITIN application. While the notice does state a 45-day response window, you actually have some options here. First, you can call the IRS ITIN unit directly at 1-800-908-9982 and explain your travel situation. They can often note your account and provide guidance specific to your case. Many people don't realize that the IRS can sometimes be flexible with deadlines when you communicate with them proactively. Second, you could consider having someone you trust check your mail and fax or scan the notice to you while you're abroad. That way, you can at least see exactly what additional documents they're requesting and potentially prepare your response remotely. Third, if those options don't work, you can still respond after returning even if it's past the deadline. The 45 days isn't a hard cutoff where they automatically reject your application - it's more of a processing guideline. Just include a brief explanation of why your response was delayed (international travel) when you do submit your documents.

I went through something similar with my ITIN application last year. After weeks of trying to reach the IRS by phone, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which helped me analyze my CP566 notice and understand exactly what documents I needed to provide. The tool actually scans your IRS notices and gives you personalized recommendations instead of generic advice. In my case, they identified that I needed to provide certified copies of my original identification documents, not just regular photocopies, which wasn't immediately clear from the notice itself. The platform also helped me draft a letter explaining my delay in responding due to international travel.

Just wanted to update everyone - I decided to try taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here. I was skeptical at first but it actually helped me understand exactly what I needed to do with my CP566 notice. I uploaded my notice and it broke down the exact documents I needed to send in and even provided a template letter explaining my delayed response due to international travel. The best part was that it explained I could actually respond electronically to the notice using the document upload feature on the IRS portal, which I didn't know was possible for ITIN applications. This literally saved my application since I'm still abroad. Just got confirmation that my documents were received and are being processed. Definitely worth checking out if you're dealing with any IRS notices.

If you're having trouble reaching someone at the IRS about your ITIN application, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I spent literally weeks trying to get through to the IRS ITIN unit about my CP566 notice before discovering this service. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Basically, they navigate the IRS phone system for you and call you back when they have an agent on the line. I was able to explain my international travel situation to the agent, and they noted my account and gave me a 30-day extension beyond my return date. Saved me so much stress while I was traveling, and I didn't have to spend hours on hold or repeatedly calling.

I need to eat my words and update everyone. After my skeptical comment earlier, I decided to try Claimyr as a last resort since my ITIN deadline was approaching fast. I couldn't believe it, but they actually got me through to an IRS agent within a couple of hours when I'd been trying for weeks with no success. The agent I spoke with explained that they could add a note to my account about my international travel and essentially pause the CP566 response timeline until I returned. They said this is a common accommodation they make for international travelers with ITIN applications. I never would have known this was possible if I hadn't been able to actually speak with someone. I'm honestly shocked that it worked, and now my stress level has dropped considerably. Just wanted to share in case anyone else is in a similar situation with ITIN deadlines and international travel.

Not sure if this helps, but my brother had a similar issue last year with his ITIN application. He couldn't respond to his CP566 notice because he was working overseas. What he did was have a family member (me) call the IRS with a power of attorney form (Form 2848) that he had prepared before leaving. With the power of attorney, I was able to talk to the IRS on his behalf and explain the situation. They noted his account and told us we could submit the additional documentation when he returned. It worked out fine, though the process was definitely slower. The key was having that form prepared before he left.

Just want to point out that even if you miss the deadline, it's not the end of the world. I completely missed my CP566 response deadline by about 3 weeks because the notice got lost in the mail and I only found out when I called to check on my application status. I still sent in the requested documents with a letter explaining why I was late, and my ITIN was approved without any issues. It just delayed the whole process by a few weeks. The IRS isn't as rigid as people think, especially for ITIN applications where they understand many applicants have international complications.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now with my ITIN application. Got my CP566 notice last week and I'm supposed to be out of the country for work until mid-January. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea there were so many options available. I think I'm going to try calling the IRS directly first using that number Connor mentioned (1-800-908-9982) to see if they can note my account about the travel. If that doesn't work, the Claimyr service sounds promising based on the experiences shared here, especially since Natasha had success with it after being initially skeptical. One question for those who've been through this - when you called the IRS to explain international travel, did you need to provide any proof of your travel plans (like flight confirmations) or did they just take your word for it? I want to be prepared with whatever documentation they might need when I call. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. This community has been a lifesaver for navigating these confusing IRS processes!