A reply is needed within 20 days from the date of this letter. If the IRS doesn’t receive a response from you, an adjustment will be made on your return that may increase the tax liability that you will owe or reduce the amount of your refund. Please enter the date of your notice so we can help you determine how much time you have left.
The IRS needs more information before it can process your return accurately.
The IRS received your individual income tax return but more information is needed to process the return accurately.
You submitted your income tax return that the IRS was not able to be processed. A letter is being sent to you because more information is needed to complete the processing of your individual income tax return. This information can include:
The first thing to do is to check the return address to be sure it’s from the IRS and not from another agency, and not some type of a scam to obtain personal information from you.
Read the letter carefully and respond timely. If you need additional information, contact the IRS at the toll-free number listed on the top right corner of the letter.
Respond to the letter, even if you disagree with the information in the letter. If you disagree, send the IRS a letter explaining what information you think is in error. Provide the information requested in the letter.
Enclose only the information requested and any forms, schedules or other information required to support your entries and a copy of this letter. Don’t send a copy of your return unless the IRS asks you to do so. Do not file a Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. After the IRS receives the requested information, they’ll use it to process your original tax return.
If you’re entitled to a refund, the IRS will send it about six to eight weeks from the time they receive your response.
If the adjustment to your account results in a balance due, pay the amount you owe by the due date on the letter. If you are not able to pay the full amount by the due date, pay as much as you can to limit penalties and interest. Visit Paying Your Taxes to consider online payment options. If you need additional assistance, call the IRS at the toll-free number on the top right corner of your letter.
If you choose, you may be represented by an attorney, certified public accountant, or a person enrolled to practice before the IRS. Also, you may be represented by a member of your immediate family. If you want your representative to contact us or appear without you and to receive and inspect confidential material, you must file a properly completed Form 2848 (no earlier than 10/2011 revision), Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative. You may also authorize an individual to receive or inspect confidential material but not represent you before the IRS, by filing a Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization. These forms are available at your local IRS office, by calling 1-800-829-3676, or from www.IRS.gov.
Understanding your notice or letter
For more specifics on your notice, visit Understanding your IRS Notice or Letter on IRS.gov
Get Help topics
Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help
If you still need help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.
TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
View our Interactive Tax Map
Let us help you navigate your way through the IRS. Visit our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process.
Taxpayer Roadmap
The taxpayer Bill of Rights is grouped into 10 easy to understand categories outlining the taxpayer rights and protections embedded in the tax code.
It is also what guides the advocacy work we do for taxpayers.
