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What is an ITIN card?

Short answer

An ITIN card isn't something the IRS hands out. The IRS sends your ITIN in an assignment letter, the CP565 notice, instead of a plastic card like a Social Security card. Keep a copy of that letter with your records. An ITIN also isn't valid identification outside the federal tax system, so it can't stand in for an ID card.

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By · Founder of ITIN Club

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What the IRS sends instead

Publication 1915 says the IRS sends your ITIN "in the form of an assignment letter". After you apply with Form W-7, you get one of three notices.

Allow 7 weeks, or 9 to 11 weeks from January 15 to April 30 or if you applied from abroad.
NoticeWhat it meansWhat you do
CP565The IRS assigned you an ITIN. The number is on this letterNothing to send back. Keep it
CP566The IRS needs more informationAnswer with what it asks for
CP567Your application was rejectedApply again

The CP565 is the IRS paper that shows your number. The other documents in an ITIN application are the ones you send with the W-7: a passport, or two other documents that prove who you are and where you're from.

What to do with your CP565

  1. 1

    Check your details

    The IRS asks you to make sure the name and date of birth on the notice are right.

  2. 2

    Use the same name every year

    File your federal taxes with your ITIN and the name exactly as it appears on the notice.

  3. 3

    Keep a copy, and tell the IRS if you get an SSN

    You can't have both numbers. Once you get an SSN, stop using the ITIN and let the IRS know so it can combine your records.

Lost the letter? See where to find your TIN. The IRS can help at 800-829-1040 in the US or 267-941-1000 from abroad.

What an ITIN can't do

An ITIN is for federal tax purposes only. It doesn't let you work in the US, change your immigration status or qualify you for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit. The IRS says it isn't valid identification outside the tax system, including to get a state driver's license.

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Related questions

Sources

  1. Publication 1915, Understanding your ITIN — IRSirs.gov
  2. Understanding your CP565 notice — IRSirs.gov
  3. How to apply for an ITIN — IRSirs.gov
  4. Additional ITIN information — IRSirs.gov
  5. Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) — IRSirs.gov

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