IRS Notice CP02: Credit claim may need a second look
IRS Notice CP02 is a review letter from the IRS. The IRS thinks you may not be owed all of the Earned Income Tax Credit you claimed. This is a heads up, not a bill. It means the IRS is taking a closer look at part of a return.
What this letter usually means
The IRS thinks you may not be owed all of the Earned Income Tax Credit you claimed. This is a heads up, not a bill. A review does not mean you did something wrong. It means the IRS wants more information before it finishes the return.
Category: The IRS is reviewing or auditing your return
What people usually do first
If you claimed too much, file Form 1040-X to fix it.
What to have ready
- The letter, every page
- Your tax return for that year
- Your children's details and living records
- Form 1040-X, if you need to amend
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 CP02.
Common questions about CP02
What is IRS notice CP02?
The IRS thinks you may not be owed all of the Earned Income Tax Credit you claimed. This is a heads up, not a bill.
How long do I have to respond to a CP02 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 CP02 for more.
Is a CP02 notice a scam?
A real CP02 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 CP02 notice?
The letter, every page, Your tax return for that year, Your children's details and living records, Form 1040-X, if you need to amend.
Scan your letter in the OweRight iPhone app
The OweRight app can tell you what a CP02 letter is and points you to the IRS page for it.
OweRight is not the IRS and does not give tax or legal advice.
Related notices
- IRS Notice CP05: Your return is being reviewed
- IRS Notice CP75: Audit of your Earned Income Credit
- IRS Letter 566: The IRS is auditing your return by mail
- IRS Notice CP79: Credits denied after an audit
- IRS Notice CP06: Audit of your Premium Tax Credit
- IRS Notice CP03: Education credit claimed too many years