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Letter 6550: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS Letter 6550? 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 6550 freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
Our records show you may qualify for one or more of the credits below expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act for 2021. You can receive the full amount of these credits even if you have little or no income. You must file a 2021 tax return to claim these credits.
Recovery Rebate Credit
- For stimulus payment amounts you did not receive in 2021
- U.S. citizens or resident aliens with a valid Social Security number may qualify
- Worth up to: $1,400 per eligible adult plus
- $1,400 per qualifying adult or child dependent
Get more information on the Recovery Rebate Credit
Child Tax Credit
- Up to $3,600 for each qualifying child ages 5 and under
- Up to $3,000 for each qualifying child ages 6 through 17
- You may have received up to half of this amount through monthly payments in 2021 . You must file a tax return to receive the rest. See Letter 6419 for more information.
Get more information on the Child Tax Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit
- Helps low and moderate-income workers and families
- Based on your wages and income from self-employment
- Worth up to: $1,502 with no children
- $3,618 with 1 child
- $5,980 with 2 children
- $6,728 with 3+ children
Get more information on the Earned Income Tax Credit
What you need to do
To claim these credits, file a return as soon as possible.
The easiest, fastest and most secure way to claim these credits is to electronically file a 2021 income tax return. Electronic filing options are only available for a limited time . Visit ChildTaxCredit.gov as soon as possible to file your return. More information on electronic filing is available at IRS.gov/freefile .
If you miss the electronic filing period, you can still claim the credits by filing a paper return. Find tax forms or publications by visiting IRS.gov/forms or calling 800-TAX-FORM ( 800-829-3676 ).
If you’ve already filed your 2021 tax return claiming these credits, or were a dependent of another taxpayer for 2021, please disregard this 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
File the missing return, or explain why you did not have to
If you already filed, send a copy and the date you filed. If you were not required to file, say why. Otherwise file now: the IRS may prepare a return for you without your deductions.
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.
Common questions
Will claiming these credits affect my eligibility for federal benefits?
Claiming these credits has no effect on your eligibility for federal benefits such as:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Will claiming these credits affect my immigration status?
It won’t affect your immigration status , ability to get a green card or immigration benefits .
Get my response letter for Letter 6550