How to check status of new ITIN Application submitted with tax return?

Thanks for the information! I've been trying that number but never could get through to an actual person. Is there a specific option I should select when calling? I usually just keep hitting 0 hoping to get to someone but it never works. Also, is there anything I can do to speed up the process? We're planning to buy a house soon and I'm worried this might delay our mortgage application.

When calling that number, try option 3 which is for "all other questions about ITINs." After selecting that, stay on the line even through the automated messages. They deliberately make it difficult to reach a human, but persistence is key. The best times to call are early morning (right when they open) or later in the afternoon, avoiding the lunch hour rush. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to speed up the process once the application is submitted. The IRS processes these applications in the order received. If you're planning to buy a house, you might want to speak with your mortgage lender about this situation. Some lenders have procedures for working with taxpayers who have pending ITIN applications, especially for spouses.

How exactly does taxr.ai help with tracking the ITIN application? Can it actually access the IRS systems to check your status or is it more like general guidance? I'm in a similar situation with my parents' ITIN applications and would love something that actually works.

I'm a bit skeptical about these third-party services. How do you know they're secure enough to trust with sensitive tax information? Did you have to upload your actual W-7 form and supporting documents?

The tool doesn't directly access IRS systems, but it uses historical processing data to give you realistic timelines and expectations. It also provides specific contact information and script prompts for when you call the IRS - basically telling you exactly which numbers to press and what to say to get to a human who can actually help with ITIN applications. Regarding security, I was concerned about that too initially. You don't have to upload your entire W-7 or sensitive documents. You can just upload a redacted version showing the submission date and receipt information. They use that to help track your timeline. Their site explains they use bank-level encryption and don't store copies of your documents after analysis.

How does this actually work? Do they have some special access to the IRS or something? I'm confused how a third-party service can get through faster than I can when calling the same number.

This sounds like a complete scam. How would they possibly be able to wait on hold for hundreds of people at once? And even if they could get through, the IRS won't give your information to some random third party. They need to verify YOUR identity.

They don't have special IRS access - they literally just have a system that waits on hold so you don't have to. Think of it like having an assistant who waits on hold then transfers the call to you once someone answers. They use sophisticated dialing systems that can handle thousands of calls at once. When they get an IRS agent on the line, they immediately conference you in for the call. The transfer happens before any personal information is discussed, so you're the one talking directly to the IRS and verifying your identity. They never actually speak to the IRS about your case - they just handle the hold time, then you take over once there's a human on the line. It's 100% legitimate and many tax professionals use similar services.

We actually got her passport certified at a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center before submitting, so hopefully that part is fine. But your comment makes me wonder - would the IRS notify me if something was missing? Or would they just silently reject it after making me wait weeks?

The IRS will definitely send you a notification letter if there's an issue with your ITIN application rather than silently rejecting it. This letter is usually Form 14415 (Notice of ITIN Application or W7 Rejection) or a similar notice explaining exactly what's missing or needs correction. Having the passport certified at a Taxpayer Assistance Center was the perfect way to handle it. That significantly reduces the chance of documentation problems. The silence you're experiencing is most likely just the normal processing time, which unfortunately can be quite lengthy, especially for applications submitted during tax season.

I submitted my father's ITIN application in January (with our 2024 return) and received it 9 weeks later. The processing seems a bit faster now compared to last year. If you're submitting with a tax return, make sure to submit early in the year rather than waiting until April when the backlog builds up.

Thanks for sharing your experience! 9 weeks isn't too bad. I was afraid it might take 4-5 months like I've heard from others. Do you know if applying with a paper return vs. e-filing makes any difference in processing time?

You have to file a paper return when submitting an ITIN application - e-filing isn't an option since the IRS needs the original or certified copies of identity documents. The W-7 form and supporting documents must be mailed together with your paper tax return to the ITIN processing center. The good news is that once your ITIN is approved and you receive the number, you can e-file in future years. Just make sure to include all required documentation and use certified copies of identity documents to avoid delays. The IRS has a list of acceptable documents on their website - passport is usually the easiest single document that satisfies both identity and foreign status requirements.