How long does an ITIN take

An ITIN is often needed for a filing deadline, so timing matters. This guide sets out the IRS's own processing times, how to check where an application stands, and the mistakes that add weeks.

By Mirza Fahad Baig, Chartered Accountant. Reviewed by Muhammad Bilal, Chartered Accountant. Checked against official sources on . 2 minute read.

Short answer

The IRS says to allow about 7 weeks for an ITIN application. From January 15 to April 30, or if you apply from outside the US, allow 9 to 11 weeks. The IRS then writes with the number or asks for more information. Missing documents, notarized copies and a missing tax return are the usual causes of delay.

At a glance

Standard processing
About 7 weeks
January 15 to April 30
9 to 11 weeks
Applying from abroad
9 to 11 weeks
Check status, in the US
800-829-1040
Check status, from abroad
267-941-1000, not toll-free
Main cause of delay
Documents the IRS does not accept
How long does an ITIN takeSteps: 1. Apply outside the peak season if you can; 2. Use a Certifying Acceptance Agent; 3. Send a complete package once.THE PROCESS AT A GLANCEHow long does an ITIN take1Apply outside the peak seasonif you canBefore January 15 or after April 302Use a Certifying AcceptanceAgentThey check the package before it goes,and you keep your passport3Send a complete package onceW-7, documents and return together, sothere is nothing to request laterChecked against official sourcesTax BakersHow long does an ITIN takeSteps: 1. Apply outside the peak season if you can; 2. Use a Certifying Acceptance Agent; 3. Send a complete package once.THE PROCESS AT A GLANCEHow long does an ITIN take1Apply outside the peak season ifyou canBefore January 15 or after April 302Use a Certifying Acceptance AgentThey check the package before it goes, andyou keep your passport3Send a complete package onceW-7, documents and return together, so thereis nothing to request laterChecked against official sourcesTax Bakers
The process at a glance: 1. Apply outside the peak season if you can; 2. Use a Certifying Acceptance Agent; 3. Send a complete package once.

How long does the IRS take?

When or where you applyAllow
Most of the year, from within the USAbout 7 weeks
January 15 to April 309 to 11 weeks
From outside the US9 to 11 weeks

Time starts when the IRS receives a complete application, so add postal time for mailed applications.

What happens after you apply?

The IRS reviews the Form W-7, the documents and, where attached, the tax return. If everything is in order, it writes to you with your ITIN, then processes the return. If something is missing or unclear, it writes asking for it, and the clock effectively restarts when you reply. If the application cannot be approved, it writes explaining why. Original documents sent by mail are returned separately.

How do you check the status?

After the processing time has passed, call the IRS: 800-829-1040 from within the US, or 267-941-1000 from outside the US, which is not toll-free. Have a copy of your W-7 to hand.

What causes delays?

  • Notarized or apostilled copies instead of originals or issuing-agency certified copies. See ITIN documents required.
  • An expired passport or ID.
  • No tax return attached, where no exception applies.
  • A reason box that does not match the documents or the return.
  • Names that do not match across the W-7 and documents.

Notices CP566 and CP567, and how to respond, are covered in ITIN application rejected.

How can you avoid losing time?

  1. Apply outside the peak season if you can

    Before January 15 or after April 30.

  2. Use a Certifying Acceptance Agent

    They check the package before it goes, and you keep your passport.

  3. Send a complete package once

    W-7, documents and return together, so there is nothing to request later.

The full process is in how to apply for an ITIN.

What about filing deadlines?

File the return with the W-7 by the return's due date. Processing happens afterwards. Any refund on the return waits until the ITIN is issued, but you have met the filing deadline by sending the complete package on time.

Up against a deadline?

We prepare a complete W-7 package first time, so it is not sent back, and advise the fastest route to submit from your country.

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Questions people ask

How long does an ITIN take?

About 7 weeks, or 9 to 11 weeks from January 15 to April 30 or when applying from outside the US.

How do I check my ITIN application status?

After the processing time, call 800-829-1040 from within the US, or 267-941-1000 from outside the US.

Why is my ITIN taking longer than 7 weeks?

Most often because of peak season, applying from abroad, or the IRS asking for more information about documents.

Can I get an ITIN faster?

There is no paid expedited service. A complete, correct package submitted outside peak season is the fastest route.

Sources

Every fee, date and rule on this page was taken from these official and primary sources.

  1. IRS: Instructions for Form W-7 (Rev. December 2024)
  2. IRS: ITIN reminders for tax professionals

Rules and fees change. If you are reading this long after September 30, 2026, confirm the figures with the source before you rely on them.

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This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.