VALID › Notice Library › Letter 12C
In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
12C letter explained, in the IRS’s own words
We need more information to process your individual income tax return. Information needed could be:
Read the full 12C page on irs.gov ↗
What this letter is about
We need more information to process your individual income tax return. Information needed could be:
- Missing or corrected forms or schedules to support your entries on Form 1040, U.S. Individual Tax Form or Form 1040-SR, U.S. Income Tax Return for Seniors.
- Verification of income, withholding and credit amounts.
- Verification of taxpayer identification numbers or Social Security numbers.
We’ll send any refund due about 6-8 weeks after we receive your response.
What you need to do
- Read your letter carefully.
- Send the information we requested within 20 days.
- Respond to the letter, even if you disagree, providing a clear explanation of what you disagree with.
- Do not file a Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
Tips for next year
- Provide complete information to support your entries.
- Use correct forms and schedules to report your income, deductions and credits.
- Review Social Security numbers, individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITINS), and other identifying information for accuracy, on all tax related documents.
- Keep records by maintaining copies of your returns, supporting documents and correspondence with the IRS.
Additional information
- Schedules for Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR
- Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)
- Publication 5187, Affordable Care Act: What You and Your Family Need to Know PDF
What to do next
- Write down the date on the letter today.
- Look the number up on irs.gov yourself. Don’t trust a link or phone number from anyone else.
- If it says you owe money or proposes changes to your return, take it to a licensed CPA, EA or tax attorney before that date.
Not advice. Not a filing. Verify with a licensed professional. Rules change by year and facts.