If you received a letter from the IRS, don't ignore it. Follow the directions on your letter, it includes all the information you need to respond.
This page explains your notice and gives tips on what you need to do now.
My letter says I need to send information to verify my credit: What should I do?
We’re auditing your tax return and need information from you to verify the credit you claimed. We may be holding your refund for the following credits: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC)/Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), Premium Tax Credit (PTC) and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). We will hold this refund until your audit is complete.
Don’t ignore this notice. Find out more by using one of the links below. You can find your notice number in the top right corner of your notice.
Find help resolving your audit by:
- Reading our tax topic which explains more about the audit process and request for documentation.
- Using the Form 886-H-EIC toolkit to help you identify what documents you need to provide to prove you can claim the EITC with a qualifying child.
- Reviewing the sample templates shown below to see if they can help you verify residency, if needed. To find them, tell your provider to go to IRS.gov and use the search word, template. Also see the Form 886-H-EIC PDF for information on when you should use one or more of these templates.
- Uploading your supporting documentation using the .
- Viewing your account information, including information on the status of your audit, at IRS.gov/youraccount.
- Contacting a . A LITC can help you with your audit. Services are provided for free or for a small fee.
My letter says I may qualify for the EITC or ACTC; What should I do?
We sent you a letter (notice) because our records show you may be eligible for the EITC and/or CTC/ACTC but didn't claim it on your tax return.
Find out if you qualify by following the steps shown in your notice. You can find your notice number in the top right corner of your notice.
If you need more help, you can use the EITC Assistant to find out if you qualify for EITC with or without a qualifying child, or the Interactive Tax Assistant to help you find out if you qualify for the CTC/ACTC.
Other information on notices, letters, and audits
Here’s what to know about refundable credits audits by mail