Ask Maxi · IRS letters
I got a CP05 from the IRS. What does it mean?
A CP05 means the IRS is holding your refund while it reviews your return to verify things like your income, withholding, credits or business income.
It does not mean you did something wrong. Some returns are picked at random, and many are cleared without the IRS ever asking for anything.
What to do:
- If you filed the return, you usually do not need to do anything yet. The IRS asks you to allow up to 60 days from the notice date before calling.
- If you did not file a return for that year, someone may have used your information. Complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, and mail it to the address on the notice.
While you wait:
- Track your refund in your IRS online account.
- Gather your W-2s, 1099s and records for any credits you claimed, in case the IRS asks for them.
- Consider getting an Identity Protection PIN to protect future returns.
If the IRS sends a follow-up asking for documents, answer it by the date on that letter. A CP05 by itself is a waiting game, not a problem.
Send us a photo of the first page of the notice. We will tell you what it means for you and what to do next.
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