The IRS sends you a letter with your refund, not just a check or deposit
When the IRS processes your tax return and owes you money, they mail you a letter that explains the refund amount, how you'll receive it, and what the letter itself contains. The letter is not optional—it's the official record of your refund and the IRS's calculation. You need to keep it, especially if anything goes wrong with the payment itself.
The letter arrives separately from your refund. If you chose direct deposit, the letter comes first or at the same time as the money hits your account. If you're getting a check, the letter and check arrive together, usually in the same envelope.
Key Takeaways
- Your refund letter includes your refund amount, the date the IRS processed your return, and how the money will reach you.
- The letter shows the breakdown of your refund—federal tax withheld, credits you received, and any penalties or interest applied.
- Keep the letter as proof of your refund in case the money doesn't arrive or you need to dispute the amount.
- The letter number and date help you track your refund status if you call the IRS or check online.
What appears on the front of the letter
The IRS letter has your name, address, and Social Security number at the top. Below that is the letter date and a reference number—usually something like "CP 05H" or another code that tells you what type of letter it is. A refund letter is typically a CP 05 series letter.
The main section shows your refund amount in large text. Next to it or just below is the date the IRS processed your return and the method they're using to send the money—direct deposit to a specific account, or a check mailed to your address. If direct deposit, the letter shows the last four digits of the account number.
You'll also see a line that says something like "We applied your refund as follows" or "Your refund includes." This is where the IRS breaks down where the money came from: federal income tax you overpaid, earned income tax credits, child tax credits, or other refundable credits.
The breakdown section that shows how your refund was calculated
The letter includes a table or itemized list showing the components of your refund. This might include your total federal tax withheld from your paychecks, any estimated tax payments you made, tax credits you claimed, and any adjustments the IRS made to your return.
If the IRS found an error on your return—a math mistake, a missing form, or a discrepancy with income reported by your employer—the letter explains what they changed and why. This section is critical because it shows you exactly what the IRS used to calculate the refund amount.
Some letters also show if the IRS applied part of your refund to a debt you owe—back taxes, child support, or a federal student loan in default. This is called offset, and the letter will state the amount offset and the reason.
Information on the back or second page
The back of the letter usually contains instructions on what to do if you disagree with the refund amount or if you have questions. It also explains how long direct deposit takes (usually five to seven business days from the date on the letter) and how long a check takes (typically two to three weeks from the mailing date).
You'll find a phone number to call if the refund doesn't arrive on time, and instructions for checking your refund status online using the IRS Where's My Refund tool. The letter may also include information about your rights as a taxpayer and how to file a complaint if you believe the IRS made an error.
How to use the letter to track your refund
The date on the letter is your starting point for timing. If you chose direct deposit, count five to seven business days from that date. If you're getting a check, add two to three weeks to the mailing date shown on the letter.
If the money doesn't arrive by that deadline, use the reference number on the letter and your Social Security number to check status on the IRS website at irs.gov/refunds. You can also call the IRS refund hotline at 1-800-829-1040. Have the letter in front of you when you call—the reference number and the refund amount help the agent locate your case quickly.
If the letter shows an amount you don't recognize or if the IRS offset part of your refund, the letter itself is your proof of what happened. Keep it with your tax documents for at least three years.
Different letter types and what they mean
Not every letter from the IRS about a refund looks identical. A CP 05H letter is the standard refund notification. A CP 05 letter is similar but may indicate the IRS made a change to your return before issuing the refund. A CP 12 letter means the IRS is holding your refund temporarily, usually because they're verifying information on your return.
If you receive a letter with a different code—CP 14, CP 16, or CP 20—it usually means the IRS found an issue with your return and is not issuing a refund yet. These letters explain what information or documents you need to send back.
Read the letter code and the subject line carefully. If it says "Notice of Deficiency" or "Proposed Changes," the IRS is not sending a refund—they're asking you to respond to a problem they found.
What to do if your letter looks wrong or doesn't match your return
If the refund amount on the letter is less than you expected, check the breakdown section first. The IRS may have reduced your refund because they offset it for a debt, or they may have corrected an error you made on your return.
If you disagree with the amount or the changes the IRS made, the letter includes instructions for filing a protest or requesting an explanation. You typically have 30 days from the letter date to respond. Write to the address shown on the letter and include a copy of the letter itself, your return, and a clear explanation of why you believe the amount is wrong.
Do not ignore a letter that shows changes you didn't expect. The IRS has already processed your return based on what they found, and the refund is being sent according to that calculation. If you want to challenge it, you must act within the timeframe the letter specifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't receive the letter but the money shows up in my account?
The letter and the refund can arrive on different schedules. If your direct deposit hit your account but you haven't seen the letter yet, it's likely in the mail. Wait a few more days. If two weeks pass and you still haven't received it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to mail a copy.
Can I use the letter as proof of my refund for a loan or benefit application?
Yes. The refund letter is an official IRS document and counts as proof that you received a refund. Some lenders or benefit programs may ask for a copy. Keep the original or make a photocopy for your records.
What does it mean if the letter says my refund was offset?
Offset means the IRS took part or all of your refund to pay a debt you owe—usually back taxes, child support, or a defaulted federal student loan. The letter explains which debt was paid and how much was taken. You can dispute the offset if you believe it was wrong, but you must contact the agency holding the debt, not the IRS.
Do I need to keep the refund letter after I receive the money?
Yes. Keep it for at least three years in case you need to prove you received the refund, or if the IRS later questions your return. If the refund amount was offset or if the IRS made changes to your return, keep the letter even longer—it's your record of what happened.
What if the letter shows a refund amount but I never received the money?
First, check the date on the letter and count the expected delivery time—five to seven days for direct deposit, two to three weeks for a check. If that time has passed, contact the IRS with the letter's reference number. They can confirm whether the refund was sent and, if so, help you trace it or issue a replacement.