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CP54E notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP54E 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 CP54E notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
Your tax return shows a different name and/or ID number from the information we have for your account. Please provide the requested information.
What you need to do
- Review your identifying information shown on this notice and compare it to your most recent social security card or taxpayer ID card.
- Complete the CP54 response form to explain the discrepancies.
- Include copies of documents to substantiate your name and identifying number.
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
- Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your records if you have an SSN and any of the following occurred: you recently married and are using your spouse’s last name and you did not contact SSA to update your records,
- you legally changed your name without contacting SSA to update your records, or
- your social security number and/or name are different from when you received social security number.
- Contact the IRS, ITIN Operation, to update your records if you have an ITIN and any of the following occurred: you recently married and are using your spouse’s last name and did not contact IRS to update your records,
- you legally changed your name without contacting the IRS to update your records, or
- your ITIN and/or name are different from when you received your CP565, ITIN Assignment Letter.
For more information about ITINs, review Publication 1915, Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) PDF .
Common questions
I sent you my information. Now what happens?
Once we receive your response form and verify the information you provided, we will update our records accordingly. If you are due a refund and you haven't heard from us after 6 weeks, you can check the status of your refund on “ Where’s My Refund? ”.
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