Source: ITIN Services documentation. Last synced from GitBook content.
Common reasons an ITIN application is rejected, returned, or receives a request for additional documents, and how we continue helping after rejection.
As the IRS and the United States continue raising requirements for non-U.S. residents applying for ITINs, more applicants encounter ITIN applications being rejected, returned, or requiring additional documents.
ITIN rejections usually center on a few reasons. The rejection rate among our customers is low. Although we cannot guarantee 100% approval, we combine past experience, successful cases, and best practices to reduce rejection risk as much as possible, and we continue helping customers until they ultimately obtain an ITIN.
An IRS rejection does not always mean the case is impossible. It may mean the IRS needs clearer identity verification, a stronger tax reason, a clearer signature, or a resubmitted package.
1. Identity verification or passport material problems
The first common reason is that identity verification or passport materials do not meet IRS requirements.
One situation is that the applicant did not go through CAA verification and only submitted a passport photo directly, then mailed the materials to the IRS. This method is prone to problems because the IRS has clear requirements for identity document verification.
Another situation is that the service provider handling CAA verification has a problem. For example, their CAA license may have expired, causing the IRS to return the application. This is an identity verification provider problem.
Another situation is that although the passport was verified by a CAA, the CAA did not include the passport information page, passport photo, or related printouts in the application package. In that case, the IRS reviewer may not see the complete passport materials, which may lead to a return or request for additional documents.
There can also be IRS staff errors: the passport materials were clearly included in the package, but the IRS staff member says they did not see them. In that situation, usually re-mailing the materials is enough.
2. Insufficient application reason
The second reason is that the application reason is not sufficient.
Some customers, when applying on their own, invent an application reason or choose an application path that does not match their real situation. In that case, the IRS may consider the reason insufficient and reject the application.
When we handle applications, we choose a more suitable application reason and document path based on the customer's real situation, our experience, and best practices. This helps avoid rejection because the reason is unclear, inaccurate, or mismatched.
A suitable application reason and sufficient document preparation are important factors affecting the ITIN application result.
3. Unclear signature
The third reason is an unclear signature.
Some customers write signatures that are very hard to read. After seeing this, the IRS may request a supplemental signature or consider the signature noncompliant. This may also cause the application to be returned or require additional documents.
This situation is relatively uncommon, but it does happen. So when signing, try to write clearly and consistently. Do not sign too sloppily.
4. IRS staff processing error
Another situation is IRS staff processing error.
The IRS processes a large number of applications every day. Sometimes staff may overlook materials, make a wrong judgment, or return an application that did not actually have a problem. This does not necessarily mean the application itself has an issue.
In this situation, usually the materials need to be mailed again or a supplemental explanation needs to be provided according to IRS requirements. We help customers reorganize the materials and continue pushing the case forward.
What we do after rejection
For all ITIN Services customers, if your application is rejected, we will continue helping you handle it for free and keep assisting until the application moves forward.
Our goal is not merely to submit materials once. Our goal is to do our best to help customers ultimately obtain an ITIN. As long as there is still room to continue the case, we will help analyze the rejection reason, organize supplemental materials, resubmit, or continue follow-up until the ITIN application is approved.
For ITIN Services customers, rejection follow-up is part of the support process. We keep reviewing the reason, organizing supplemental materials, and pushing the case forward when there is still a viable path.