What this notice is about
We locked your account to prevent identity theft and will not process your tax return because we received information that your Social Security number (SSN) or your spouse’s SSN (if filing a joint return) belongs to someone who died prior to the tax year of the return.
What you need to do
Verify that you entered your SSN or your spouse’s SSN correctly on your return and it matches your Social Security card. If you confirm that you entered it correctly:
- Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to correct their records.
- Follow the instructions shown on your CP01H notice to file your return once SSA corrects it.
You may want to
- Verify that you entered your Social Security number correctly on your return.
- Review filing requirements and filing status information in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals).
Frequently asked questions
This could happen if our records show an SSN on your tax return matches a number for someone who died prior to the tax year of your return. As a result, we locked your account and won’t process your return until you resolve the issue.
After the Social Security Administration (SSA) corrects their records, please send the following documents to the address listed at the top of your notice:
- A copy of your CP01H notice
- A written request to unlock the account
- Your tax return with original signatures
Also include a photocopy of at least one of the following:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Other valid U.S. federal or state government-issued identification
Need help?
- You can authorize someone to represent you before the IRS or inspect and/or receive confidential tax information.
- You may be eligible for free help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS).
- You may qualify for help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.
- If you didn’t receive a letter or notice, use Let us help you.