VALID › Notice Library › CP81 notice
In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
CP81 notice explained, in the IRS’s own words
We received payments or other credits for the tax return shown on your notice, but we haven’t received your tax return for that year. The period for claiming a refund or credit for that tax year may expire soon.
Read the full CP81 page on irs.gov ↗
What this notice is about
We received payments or other credits for the tax return shown on your notice, but we haven’t received your tax return for that year. The period for claiming a refund or credit for that tax year may expire soon.
What you need to do
- If youneed to file this tax return, file immediately. We’ll use the credit amount shown on the notice to pay any taxes you owe and refund any extra.
- If you’ve already filed this return and it's been over 8 weeks, send us a newly signed copy, including all schedules, forms and other documents you included with your original return.
- If you want the credit moved to another tax form, tax period or tax identification number, call us at the number on your notice.
- If you don’t file your tax return or contact us, you’ll lose your credit. The law sets strict time limits for refunding or transferring credits.
You may want to
Call 800-TAX-FORM ( 800-829-3676) to order forms and publications or visit the Forms, instructions & publications page to download them.
How long do I have to file a tax return to claim a refund?
After the refund statute expiration date (RSED) expires, we can’t refund any overpayments.
Where do I send my return?
Send it to the address shown on the notice.
What should I do if I just filed my tax return?
You don’t have to do anything if you filed within the last 8 weeks.
Tips for next year
File all required returns by their appropriate due dates.
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.