The CP565 is a confirmation notice — it means the IRS has processed your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number application or renewal and is providing you with your assigned ITIN. It’s one of the few IRS notices that arrives bearing straightforwardly good news.
What the CP565 means
An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who need to file a U.S. tax return but are not eligible for a Social Security number — including nonresident aliens, foreign nationals with U.S. tax obligations, and certain dependents or spouses on U.S. returns.
The CP565 confirms that your Form W-7 application was approved and provides your assigned ITIN. Keep this notice in a safe place — it’s your official documentation of the number assigned to you.
What to do
No action is required beyond confirming that the ITIN shown matches what you applied for and filing it safely with your tax records. Use the ITIN on all future U.S. tax filings in place of a Social Security number.
Note that ITINs expire if not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years, and certain ITINs issued before 2013 require periodic renewal regardless of use. If your ITIN is approaching expiration, file Form W-7 to renew it before the next filing season to avoid processing delays.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an ITIN instead of a Social Security number for employment? No. ITINs are for tax filing purposes only. They cannot be used for employment authorization, Social Security benefits, or as identification outside of the tax context.
Does having an ITIN affect my immigration status? No. The IRS issues ITINs solely for tax administration purposes and does not share ITIN information with immigration authorities for enforcement purposes.