ITIN application rejected due to missing information - Now what happens to my tax return?

What's happening here isn't actually contradictory, though I totally see why it seems that way! Let me break it down: 1. The IRS will indeed process your tax return even without the approved ITIN. They'll calculate what your refund would be (assuming you're entitled to one). This is what they mean by "We'll process your return without an ITIN." 2. However, they cannot issue you that refund until you have a valid ITIN. This is why the second part says "You'll need to reapply for an ITIN and attach a copy of the return to your application to get a refund." So you don't need to resubmit your entire tax return for processing - that part is already happening. What you do need to do is reapply for your ITIN with the missing information corrected, and include a copy of the already-submitted tax return with your new ITIN application (Form W-7). This helps them match your approved ITIN to the already-processed return. The key thing to understand is that the tax treaty benefits and any refund are essentially "on hold" until you successfully get your ITIN approved.

I went through this exact same headache last year! After trying to figure it out myself and getting nowhere, I ended up using https://taxr.ai and it honestly saved me so much stress. Their system analyzed my rejection letter, explained exactly what "missing information" meant in my specific case (turned out I had submitted a notarized copy when I needed an original document), and gave me step-by-step instructions for reapplying without screwing it up again. The best part was they explained how the return processing actually works - basically your return IS processed but sits in a kind of limbo until your ITIN gets approved. Then they match them up and release your refund.

Just wanted to update that I tried https://taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here and I'm actually shocked at how helpful it was. My situation was that my ITIN application was rejected because my passport didn't have the proper certification (I sent a regular copy instead of getting it certified by the issuing agency). The service showed me exactly what certification page was missing and even provided a template letter to send to my embassy. What I really appreciated was understanding that my tax return was still in the system and I didn't need to completely refile everything. Already submitted my new application with the proper documentation and feeling much more confident this time. For anyone else dealing with ITIN rejections, definitely worth checking out.

I also had ITIN troubles but my main issue was actually reaching anyone at the IRS who could explain the rejection properly. After weeks of trying to get through their phone system with no luck, I found https://claimyr.com and watched their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. They basically hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you when an agent is about to answer. Once I actually got to speak with someone, they explained that my ITIN application needed additional supporting evidence for my tax treaty claim and confirmed that my return was indeed being held (not rejected) until I got my ITIN sorted out. The agent was actually super helpful once I could actually talk to a human!

I'm back to eat my words about Claimyr being a potential scam. After my frustration boiled over yesterday with another 2-hour wait time that ended in a disconnection, I decided to try the service. It actually worked exactly as advertised. I got a call back when an IRS agent was ready, and I finally got clear answers about my ITIN rejection. In my case, they said my supporting documentation wasn't sufficient to prove my identity (I had only included my driver's license, but as a non-citizen I needed to provide passport documentation too). The agent confirmed what others have said here - my return is being processed but my refund is on hold until I get the ITIN approved. They gave me a specific timeframe (about 8-10 weeks after ITIN approval) for when I could expect my refund if I resubmit properly. Sometimes it's worth admitting when you're wrong, and in this case, I definitely was!

One important thing nobody's mentioned - if your ITIN was rejected and you're reapplying, you should use Form W-7 and mark the "for a U.S. tax return" box in section "Reason you're submitting Form W-7." Also check that you're using the latest version of the form (2023) since they update it periodically. When I resubmitted, I made sure to include: - Completed W-7 form - Copy of my previously filed tax return - Original or certified copies of my identity documents (this was where I messed up the first time!) - A detailed cover letter explaining this was a resubmission Also, consider finding a Certified Acceptance Agent in your area who can verify your original documents so you don't have to mail them.

Does anyone know if you can e-file a return with a pending ITIN application? My tax software keeps rejecting it saying I need a valid ITIN or SSN.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and can confirm what others have said - the IRS language is confusing but they do process your return and hold your refund until you get the ITIN approved. In my case, the rejection was due to insufficient identity documentation. What really helped me was keeping detailed records of everything. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking: - Original application date - Rejection notice date and reason - Resubmission date - All documents included in resubmission - Follow-up call dates and notes When I reapplied, I included a cover letter explicitly stating "ITIN Reapplication - Previous Application Rejected" and referenced my original tax return by form type and approximate filing date. This seemed to help them connect everything in their system. One tip that saved me time: before mailing my reapplication, I made copies of absolutely everything and took photos of the package before sealing it. The IRS processing can be slow, and having that documentation was helpful when I called for status updates. The whole process from rejection to finally getting my ITIN and refund took about 14 weeks total, but once the ITIN was approved, the refund came pretty quickly (about 3 weeks after that). Stay patient and make sure you address exactly what they flagged in the rejection notice. Good luck!