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IRS Notice CP49: Refund applied to a tax debt

IRS Notice CP49 is a refund letter from the IRS. The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt. Letters in this group explain what is happening with a refund. Your letter is the final word, so read every page.

What this letter usually means

The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt. Keep this letter with your tax records for the year it covers.

Category: About your refund

What people usually do first

Read every page of the letter. Find the date printed on it, if there is one, and compare the details with your own records.

What to have ready

What may come next

This letter does not point to a specific follow-up letter. Any later step will be described in mail from the IRS.

Read the IRS page

The IRS letter itself is the final word on what it means for you. Read the IRS page for CP49.

Common questions about CP49

What is IRS notice CP49?

The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt.

How long do I have to respond to a CP49 notice?

The date to respond or pay by, if there is one, is printed on your letter. Check it, and read the IRS page for CP49 for more.

Is a CP49 notice a scam?

A real CP49 comes by mail and should match your own records. You can also sign in to your IRS Online Account on irs.gov to see your account directly.

What should I have ready for a CP49 notice?

The letter, every page, Your copy of the return, Your current mailing address, Your bank account details, if a refund is being sent.

The OweRight app can tell you what a CP49 letter is and points you to the IRS page for it.

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OweRight is not the IRS and does not give tax or legal advice.

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