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CP05A notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP05A notice? Here is what it means, your deadline, what to check before you answer, and how to reply. Check your own letter free: it stays on your phone.
Check my CP05A notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
We need more supporting documentation to verify your income and federal tax withholding before we can issue your refund.
What you need to do
- Read the notice carefully to gather required documentation and reply by the date shown on your notice. For the fastest case resolution, reply using the Document Upload Tool (DUT). To reply using the tool: Gather your supporting documentation.
- Send supporting documentation (i.e., screenshots, pictures, other digital images) including a copy of your notice. Complete the tool’s upload form at the link below and submit your response. You can also scan the QR code on your notice to access the DUT if you prefer to use your phone.
Reply to IRS
Your reply must include a copy of your notice.
Your supporting documentation must include:
- The date you earned the wages
- The gross income you received
- The federal tax withheld for the year shown on the notice
Acceptable documentation includes:
- Copies of at least 3 pay statements or check stubs, including the end of the year statement/check stub. (Don’t send a copy of Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.)
- A letter on company letterhead from your employer, including your employer’s name, address, telephone and fax number.
- A statement of benefits on retirement income
You can also reply by:
- Faxing your documentation 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 notice.
Your deadline
Answer by the date printed on your notice. If there is no date, answer as soon as you can, and call the number on the notice if you need more time.
What to check before you answer
Is this letter really from the IRS?
The IRS writes first by mail. A real letter shows a notice or letter number, your name and part of your tax ID number. The IRS does not ask for payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer. If in doubt, sign in to your IRS online account, where many notices are listed.
You may want to
- Review this notice with your tax preparer.
- Track your refund status online or in the IRS app .
- 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 .
Common questions
Why is my return being reviewed? (updated Aug. 7, 2024)
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 60 days from the date you provided your supporting documentation to complete our review before contacting us.
What if I didn’t file the tax return? (updated Aug. 7, 2024)
Someone else may have filed it for you without your consent. Download and complete Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF and mail it to the address provided on the notice you received.
You may want to consider using an IRS Identity Protection Pin to prevent future misuse of your taxpayer identification number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. Visit IRS.gov/id for more information about tax-related identity theft.
Helpful information
- Publication 3498-A, The Examination Process PDF