ITIN application rejected but I got a SSN now. What's my next step for filing taxes?

This is actually a pretty common situation for international students. Since you now have a Social Security Number, you should use that for all your tax filings going forward - it takes precedence over an ITIN. For your previous tax return that was filed with the ITIN application, you should file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with your new SSN. Attach a cover letter explaining that you initially applied for an ITIN, but have since received an SSN. Include a copy of your SSN card with the amended return. As for penalties, you shouldn't face any late filing penalties because you did file your original return on time. The rejection of your ITIN application doesn't invalidate the filing itself - it just means they couldn't process it completely without a valid taxpayer ID number.

I went through almost the exact same situation last year when I was transitioning from student to work visa. Check out https://taxr.ai - they have a document review tool that helped me figure out my ITIN/SSN mess. Their system analyzed my rejection notice and explained exactly what I needed to do next. The tool flagged that I needed to submit specific documents with my amended return to avoid further delays - stuff I wouldn't have known to include otherwise. They also have experts who understand the international student tax situations really well, which was super helpful since my case was complicated with the visa change.

Just wanted to update that I tried https://taxr.ai after seeing this thread. My situation was a bit different (had an ITIN that expired and then got an SSN), but the document review was super helpful! It identified that my CP567 notice had a specific error code that required additional documentation with my amended return. They also pointed out that I needed to file Form 8843 separately even with my SSN since I was still considered a non-resident for tax purposes in the prior year. Saved me from what would have been a major oversight. The guidance for the cover letter explaining my ITIN to SSN transition was really detailed and clear.

When I had issues reaching the IRS about my ITIN rejection, I used https://claimyr.com to get through to an actual person at the IRS. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. After trying for days to get through on my own and always hitting the "call back later" message, I was seriously frustrated. Claimyr got me connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed that I should file an amended return with my new SSN and explained exactly which supporting documents to include. She also put notes in my file about the ITIN rejection so there wouldn't be issues later. Having a real conversation with someone who could see my specific case details made all the difference. Way better than trying to figure it out from the generic instructions.

I need to apologize and correct myself. After getting frustrated with trying to reach the IRS for THREE DAYS straight about my SSN/ITIN issue, I broke down and tried Claimyr. Honestly, it worked exactly as advertised. I got connected to an IRS agent in about 35 minutes (my case was complicated). The agent confirmed everything I needed for my amended return and even sent me a transcript of my account showing exactly when my rejected ITIN application was processed. This was super important because it proved I had filed on time originally, which protected me from late penalties. For anyone dealing with the ITIN/SSN switch, definitely get specific guidance from the IRS directly if possible. The online guidance doesn't cover all the nuances of international student situations.

Something important to note - the timing matters here! If you already filed a return with a pending ITIN application that was rejected, you need to file the amended return (1040-X) within the time limits to avoid potential issues. Generally, you have 3 years from the original filing deadline to submit an amended return. But since your original filing had ID issues, I'd recommend doing it ASAP to avoid any potential penalties. The IRS can be picky about these things, especially with international students. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING - your original return, both IRS notices, your SSN card, your amended return, and proof of mailing. International student tax situations tend to get more scrutiny.

Quick question - has anyone filed using TurboTax or similar software when amending a return to switch from ITIN to SSN? Do these programs handle this situation well?

I went through this exact same situation two years ago! Here's what worked for me: 1. **Don't reapply for the ITIN** - since you have an SSN now, that takes priority and you should use it going forward. 2. **File Form 1040-X (amended return)** with your SSN in the identification section. In Part III (explanation), write something like "Originally filed with pending ITIN application (rejected per CP567 notice dated [date]). Now amending to include newly obtained SSN." 3. **Include these documents with your 1040-X:** - Copy of your SSN card - Copy of the CP567 rejection notice - Copy of your original return (if you have it) - Brief cover letter explaining the situation 4. **No late filing penalties** - you filed on time originally, so you're protected there. The ITIN rejection doesn't change that. One thing I learned the hard way: mail everything certified mail with return receipt. The IRS processes amended returns slower than regular returns (can take 16+ weeks), and having proof of delivery is crucial. Also, if you need to contact the IRS about this, be prepared for long wait times. Having your case number from the CP567 notice ready will help speed things up when you do get through. Good luck! The process seems overwhelming but it's actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps.