Understanding Your CP05A Notice

What this notice is about

We need information before we can send a refund.

What you need to do

• Send us copies of the items listed on the notice so we can verify your income and income tax withholding.
   
• Attach your documents to the notice contact stub.
   
• Send your response within 30 days from the date of the notice 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 stub.

You may want to

• Review this notice with your tax preparer.
   
• Consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN to help prevent misuse of your taxpayer identification number on fraudulent federal income tax returns.
  
  Learn more at IRS.gov/ippin.
   
• Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) if you are experiencing an economic hardship or need help in resolving problems. You can reach TAS at 877-777-4778 or TTY/TTD 800-829-4059.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my return being reviewed?

We select some returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are being reported accurately. This doesn’t mean you made an error or were dishonest. Please allow us 60 days to complete our review before contacting us.

What if I didn’t file the tax return?

Someone else may have filed it for you without your consent. Send us a completed and signed Form 14039, Identity Theft AffidavitPDF. You may want to read our identity theft resource page for more information.

Helpful information

• Publication 3498-A, The Examination ProcessPDF

Tips for next year

Review all of your income and withholding documents for completeness and review your return to make sure you are eligible to claim all income, credits and business income you reported.