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Letter 6416: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS Letter 6416? 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 Letter 6416 freeThis page covers: Letter 6416, Letter 6416A.
What the IRS says this notice is about
Letters 6416 and 6416-A (both named Advance Child Tax Credit Outreach letter) were mailed by the IRS in June 2021. These letters estimate Child Tax Credit (CTC) amounts for tax year 2021 and tell taxpayers they may be eligible to receive advance CTC payments.
If you received one of these letters, you may be eligible to receive advance Child Tax Credit payments based on information included in your 2020 tax returns (or your 2019 returns if the 2020 returns aren't filed and processed yet).
How to learn more
For more information, you can review sample copies of Letter 6416 PDF and Letter 6416-A PDF or view the Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021 page.
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.
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