- What it means
- The IRS is holding your refund while it verifies the income and withholding you reported against employer and payer records.
- Respond within
- The date on the notice
- What to send
- Nothing unless documents are requested.
- Write it
- Document cover letter
- When to get help
- If more than 60 days pass with no refund and no request, call the number on the IRS page for CP05.
What the letter says
A CP05 variant focused on withholding. Often triggered when a W-2 the IRS expected has not been filed by the employer yet.
What to do
Wait the stated period. If a request for documents follows, send copies of the W-2s and 1099s.
What to gather
- The notice
- W-2s and 1099s for the year
Write back
The Document cover letter tool builds the response in the order the IRS reads it. Fill it in, review it, print it, and send it with copies of the documents above and the notice stub on top.
Before you send anything
This is general information, not tax advice. Situations differ. Check with your tax advisor before you send anything. Nothing on this page creates a client relationship.