VALID › Notice Library › CP591 notice
In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
CP591 notice explained, in the IRS’s own words
This notice is sent when you use a tax return preparer and you may have incorrectly claimed one or more of the following tax benefits on your tax return:
Read the full CP591 page on irs.gov ↗
What this notice is about
This notice is sent when you use a tax return preparer and you may have incorrectly claimed one or more of the following tax benefits on your tax return:
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit/Additional Child Tax Credit/Credit for Other Dependents
- American Opportunity Tax Credit
- Head of household filing status
This notice informs you of potential errors on your tax return and reminds you that you’re ultimately responsible for the accuracy of it. Inaccurate tax returns are subject to audit by the IRS and may result in you being banned from claiming certain credits in the future.
What you need to do
- Review your tax return.
- File Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, if you need to fix any mistakes.
- Consider using a new preparer, completing future tax returns yourself, or using the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, which offer free tax return preparation help from community volunteers for taxpayers who qualify.
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.