What this notice is about We're auditing your tax return and need documentation to verify the Earned Income Credit (EIC) you claimed. We are holding the EIC, the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) and/or Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) parts of your refund until we get the results of this audit. If you claimed the Premium Tax Credit (PTC), we may also hold that portion of your refund. What you need to do Read the notice and the enclosed forms carefully. They explain the information you must send to us. Provide copies of the documentation we request to verify the items we're auditing. Complete the Response form by showing which items your supporting documentation addresses and return the form with the documents you are submitting either by: Faxing your documents to the fax number in the notice using either a fax machine or an online fax service. Protect yourself when sending digital data by understanding the fax service’s privacy and security policies, or Mailing your response to the address shown on the Response form. You may want to Review this notice with your tax preparer. Review the rules for claiming EIC and make sure your child meets the relationship, age, residency, and joint return tests to qualify for the credit. Read more about the qualifying child rules. Find out if you can claim EIC if you don't have a qualifying child. Find the rules for those without a qualifying child here. Call us for assistance at the toll-free telephone number listed in the top right corner of your notice. Frequently asked questions Why was my return selected for audit? While we accept most returns as filed, we select some for examination. We examine (or audit) some federal tax returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are being reported accurately. We select returns for examination using various methods including random sampling, computerized screening, and comparison of information we receive such as Forms W-2 and 1099. Having your return selected for examination doesn't suggest that you made an error or were dishonest. Can I claim EIC for my fiance’s child? No. You must be married to the child’s parent during the tax year in question to receive the credit. What do I need to send? Refer to the enclosed forms we sent with your notice. A separate form for each item audited explains what supporting documentation you must send. What if I can’t provide the requested documentation? We'll disallow the audited items and send you an examination report showing the proposed changes to your tax return. What if I did not file a tax return claiming the items you are questioning and someone else is using my name and Social Security number? Contact us at the number listed on the top right corner of your notice. You can also refer to our identity theft page for more information. Can I file my tax return while being audited? Yes, you should continue to file all required tax returns before the due date to avoid additional penalties and interest. Helpful information Publication 3498-A, The Examination ProcessPDF Publication 596, Earned Income CreditPDF Tips for next year Avoid errors that can delay your refund or result in us denying your EIC claim. Find out the most common errors in claiming EIC. Consider filing your taxes electronically. Filing online can help you avoid mistakes and find credits and deductions that you may qualify for. In many cases, you can file for free. Learn more about e-file. Reference Tools Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax Full list of tax forms and instructions Нужна помощь? Вы можете уполномочить кого-либо (Английский) связываться с налоговой службой США от вашего имени. Узнайте, имеете ли вы право на Консультации по вопросам налогообложения для малоимущих (Английский). Если вы не можете найти нужную информацию в Интернете, позвоните по номеру налогового управления США (IRS), указанному в верхней части вашего уведомления или письма. Если вы не получили письмо или уведомление, воспользуйтесь помощью по телефону. Если вы не можете решить проблему штрафа самостоятельно, обратитесь в Службу консультативной поддержки для налогоплательщиков, независимую организацию в составе IRS.