ITIN application rejected - what steps should I take now?

You're dealing with a common ITIN application issue. The IRS should have included a specific rejection code on your notice that explains what information was missing, so check your letter carefully for any code or reference number. Based on my experience with ITIN rejections, the most common reasons include: incomplete supporting identity documents, expired passport or ID, missing certification from an Acceptance Agent, or incomplete Form W-7. The "missing information" typically refers to one of these categories rather than being intentionally vague. Your best immediate options are: 1) Call the IRS ITIN department directly at 1-800-908-9982 and ask for clarification on exactly what was missing, 2) Visit a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (make an appointment first!) where they can review your documents in person, or 3) Work with a Certified Acceptance Agent who can help ensure your application is complete.

After my ITIN application was rejected twice for "missing information" (which was actually just an expired passport), I found a tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that really helped me understand what was wrong with my application. I was about to give up after the second rejection but decided to try one more approach. Their system analyzed my rejection letter and my W-7 form, then explained exactly what I needed to fix. Turns out I had checked the wrong box for my treaty exemption type AND my supporting documents weren't certified properly. The system gave me step-by-step instructions for resubmitting correctly. My third application was approved in about 6 weeks.

Just wanted to follow up on my experience with taxr.ai that I asked about earlier. I was skeptical, but I ended up trying it after getting my ITIN application rejected a second time. The tool actually identified that I had filled out the wrong treaty exemption code (I put 02 instead of 04) and that my notarized copy wasn't sufficient - I needed either original documents or copies certified by an Acceptance Agent. The step-by-step guidance was super specific to my situation, not just generic info. I followed their suggestions, found a local Acceptance Agent to certify my documents, and submitted everything again. My ITIN was approved last week! Saved me so much time compared to my first two attempts.

After dealing with three ITIN rejections myself, I know how frustrating it is when the IRS doesn't clearly tell you what's wrong. I wasted months trying to get through to an IRS representative for clarification. Finally found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. The agent was able to pull up my specific case and tell me exactly what was missing from my application (turns out my birth certificate translation wasn't notarized properly). They also told me I could make an appointment at my local Taxpayer Assistance Center to have an agent review my documents in person before submission. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c

I need to eat crow here. After posting my skeptical comment earlier, I decided to try Claimyr as a last resort for my ITIN application issues. After three weeks of calling the IRS myself and never getting through, Claimyr got me connected to an IRS representative in about 15 minutes yesterday. The IRS agent explained that my ITIN application was rejected because I had submitted a photocopy of my foreign birth certificate without the required certified translation, plus I had checked the wrong treaty benefit box. She walked me through exactly how to fix these issues and told me I could bring everything to a local IRS office for review before resubmitting. Just had my appointment today and they said everything looks correct now. I'm shocked at how quickly this resolved what had been a months-long headache!

Has anyone successfully applied for an ITIN without using original documents? I really don't want to send my original passport to the IRS for 8-10 weeks. Are the Certified Acceptance Agents mentioned earlier a legitimate way around this?

This might be a dumb question but what exactly is the "tax treaty benefit" part referring to? I need an ITIN too but I'm just filing regular taxes. Do I need to know about treaty stuff or is that just for certain countries?

I went through the exact same frustrating experience with my ITIN application last year! The "missing information" rejection without specific details is unfortunately very common. Here's what I learned from my experience: First, definitely look for a rejection code on your notice - it's usually a small number or letter that corresponds to the specific issue. Sometimes it's easy to miss because it's not prominently displayed. Second, I'd strongly recommend calling the ITIN line (1-800-908-9982) early in the morning - I found I had better luck getting through around 8 AM when they first open. Have your rejection notice and W-7 form ready when you call. For treaty benefits specifically, make sure you're using the correct treaty article and exemption code on your W-7. I initially put the wrong code because I misunderstood which article of the treaty applied to my situation. The IRS website has country-specific treaty tables that show exactly which codes to use for different types of income. Also, since you moved here last year, double-check that your supporting documents (passport, etc.) are still valid and that any required translations are properly certified. Good luck - don't give up! It's worth getting right for the treaty benefits you're entitled to.

I completely understand your frustration - ITIN rejections with vague explanations are unfortunately very common, especially for first-time applicants. The good news is that this is definitely fixable! A few immediate steps I'd recommend: 1. **Look for a rejection code** - Even though the letter seems vague, there's usually a small code (like "R 07" or similar) somewhere on the notice that indicates the specific issue. It might be in small print or in a corner. 2. **Call the ITIN hotline early** - Try 1-800-908-9982 right when they open at 8 AM. Yes, you'll likely wait 30-60 minutes, but it's much better than the impossible wait times later in the day. Have your rejection notice and original W-7 form ready. 3. **Double-check your treaty code** - Since you mentioned claiming treaty benefits, verify you selected the correct exemption code for your specific country and income type. The IRS has detailed treaty tables on their website that show exactly which codes apply to different situations. 4. **Consider a Certified Acceptance Agent** - They can review your documents in person and catch common issues before submission. Plus, you won't have to mail original documents. Don't give up! The treaty benefits you're entitled to are worth the extra effort to get this right. Most people succeed on their second attempt once they know exactly what needs to be corrected.