5 August 2025
ITIN rejection reasons: what you should know
The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is incredibly important for any non-US citizens that need to pay taxes in the United States for business or other reasons. Applying to get one can be a stressful process, and the stress can be made even worse if you receive an ITIN rejection from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Luckily, we are here to help you get your ITIN application ready and on the right track. We will take you through some of the rejection reasons that you should avoid, and tell you how using our services can improve the chances of a successful ITIN application.
1. Incorrect documents
One of the most common ITIN rejection reasons issued by the IRS is that an applicant’s documents are incorrect or invalid. In some cases, documents that are needed may be missing entirely from the application.
For example, the IRS has provided a list of documents that are accepted as your proof of identity and foreign status. All documents must be current. If there are any documents that are not issued with an expiry date, then they will instead be accepted if they were issued within 12 months of your application.
Your proof of identity and foreign status documents must have your name, photograph, and support your foreign status.
The following documents act as proof of identity and foreign status:
- Passport (stand-alone document)
- National identification card (must show photo, name, current address, date of birth, and expiration date)
- U.S. driving licence
- Civil birth certificate (required for dependents under 18 years of age)
- Foreign driving licence
- U.S. state identification card
- Foreign voter’s registration card
- U.S. military identification card
- Foreign military identification card
- Visa
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo identification
- Medical records (dependents only – under 6)
- School records (dependents only – under 14, under 18 if a student)
Please note that passports are the only document that act as both proof of identity, and proof of your foreign status. If you do not use or have a passport, then you will need to provide two other documents.
2. Eligibility for an ITIN
The second reason why you may receive an ITIN rejection is that you are simply not eligible to apply for one.
For you to be considered as eligible to get an ITIN, you must meet one of the the following criteria:
- Non-US citizen who lives outside the United States and needs to report US income from business or properties
- Involved in a US business partnership
- Resident in the US but not a citizen, so you have to use an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number
ITIN rejections can be avoided as long as you meet one of these requirements.
To be able to use our ITIN application assistance, you will need to be based within the UK.
Not responding to the IRS
In some cases, the IRS will try to contact you if, for example, your application lacks certain information. When this happens, they will try to ask you for the information by phone or email so that your application can proceed.
However, you could get a rejected ITIN if you do not reply to the IRS in time, and you will need to begin the application process again.
If you use our services, our agents will be able to manage communicating with the IRS for you, and keep you updated on anything you need to do.
ITIN renewals
Once you get an ITIN, it can be used repeatedly for tax returns every year. However, there are some cases where it will expire, such as if you do not use it for three years.
If your ITIN has expired, then you will need to renew it. During your ITIN application, you will need to tick a box that states what type of application you are making. If you do not tick ‘renewal’ then your application could be delayed, or even rejected.
Ensure that your application is as accurate as possible before you submit it. The assistance of a Certifying Acceptance Agent such as ourselves can help you with this.
What to do after an ITIN rejection
After your ITIN has been rejected, you have a few options that we will take you through.
Respond to the rejection
First, you can respond using the contact details provided on the rejection letter. Then, you can provide reasons as to why the rejection should be reconsidered and complete the notice section to ask for additional information about the rejection.
If your application was rejected due to issues with documentation, such as not providing all that were needed, you can attach your documents with your letter.
Reapply
Depending on the issue that resulted in a rejection, it could be easier to just make a completely new application. You will need to complete a new W-7 form and go through the whole process again.
When you reapply, you should use the services of a Certifying Acceptance Agent so as to increase your chances of a successful application.
How we can help you
As a Certifying Acceptance Agent, we can help you by certifying your identity, issuing your ITIN application with a Certificate of Accuracy, countersigning your complete W-7 form, and by submitting your application and documents for you. Then, we will receive the results from the IRS on your behalf.
By using us, you will not need to send your passport to the IRS as proof of your identity, as we certify who you are. This removes some of the stress that making an ITIN application can cause. As a result of our assistance, your ITIN is less likely to get a rejection.
You can arrange an appointment to take place at one of our offices, or one of our agents can visit you at your home, office, or another suitable place of your choice.
Get in touch with us today for our expert ITIN assistance.