The IRS took my refund. Why?
When the IRS keeps some or all of a refund, it has usually applied it to a tax balance from another year or to another debt such as child support. A notice such as CP49 explains where the money went. If the debt belongs only to your spouse, Form 8379 may apply.
Tax debts and other debts
CP49 explains a refund applied to a tax debt. Other federal or state debts, such as past-due child support, are handled by the Treasury Offset Program, which sends its own notice. The IRS page describes who to contact for each.
If the refund never arrived
If a refund was sent but you did not get it, the IRS may trace it with Form 3911. CP53 means a direct deposit could not be made and a check is coming instead.
Related notices
- IRS Notice CP49: Refund applied to a tax debt
- IRS Notice CP53: Refund coming by check
- IRS Notice CP12: Changes to your return: refund changed
Related forms
- Form 8379: Injured Spouse Allocation
- Form 3911: Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund
- Form 8888: Allocation of Refund
Guides
Read the IRS page
IRS.gov: Understanding your CP49 notice (opens in a new tab). The IRS page and your own letter are the final word.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my share of a joint refund back?
If the debt is only your spouse's, Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, asks the IRS for your share. Read the IRS page for details.
Who do I contact about a child support offset?
The Treasury Offset Program notice names the agency that received the money. The IRS page explains this.
Can OweRight get my refund back?
No. OweRight explains your letter and the options the IRS describes. It does not contact the IRS for you.
If you have an IRS letter
The OweRight iPhone app reads your letter and explains what it says in plain English. Join early access and we will let you know when it is available.
OweRight is not the IRS and does not give tax or legal advice.