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CP32A notice: what it means and what to do

Got an IRS CP32A 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 CP32A notice free

What the IRS says this notice is about

We sent this notice because you didn’t cash your refund check, and it expired.

What you need to do

What happens next

Your deadline

The IRS page for this notice mentions 30 days. Always use the date printed on your own notice.

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.

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Common questions

What if I don’t respond? (added Nov. 24, 2025)

If we don’t hear from you, we won’t be able to send you a new check. There is a limited amount of time you can claim a refund, which is called the Refund Statute Expiration Date (RSED). To learn more, visit how much time to claim a credit or refund .

Where is my new refund? (updated Nov. 24, 2025)

Visit Where’s My Refund? for more information on how to track your refund.

How do I get my refund through direct deposit? (added Nov. 24, 2025)

The fastest way to get your refund is to file electronically and choose direct deposit. Visit our direct deposit website to learn more.

Where will you send my refund check? (added Nov. 24, 2025)

Refund checks are mailed only to the address of record. Visit our address change web page to learn more.

I filed jointly, but I’m now divorced. Will you send us separate checks? (updated Nov. 24, 2025)

We’ll send only one refund check, listing both names, to the address of record. To have the refund split into two checks, you must send back the uncashed refund check and a copy of your divorce decree showing how the refund is to be shared.

Get my response letter for CP32A notice

Related notices

Source

  1. IRS: Understanding your CP32A notice