IRS Notice CP44: Refund delayed while IRS checks other debts
IRS Notice CP44 is a refund letter from the IRS. Your refund is delayed while the IRS checks whether you owe other federal taxes. It may use your refund to cover a balance. It is about the status or amount of a refund.
What this letter usually means
Your refund is delayed while the IRS checks whether you owe other federal taxes. It may use your refund to cover a balance. The letter explains what happened to the money and why. Compare it with the refund amount on your return.
Category: About your refund
What people usually do first
You do not need to do anything.
What to have ready
- The letter, every page
- Your tax return
- Records of any other tax balances
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 CP44.
Common questions about CP44
What is IRS notice CP44?
Your refund is delayed while the IRS checks whether you owe other federal taxes. It may use your refund to cover a balance.
How long do I have to respond to a CP44 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 CP44 for more.
Is a CP44 notice a scam?
A real CP44 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 CP44 notice?
The letter, every page, Your tax return, Records of any other tax balances.
Scan your letter in the OweRight iPhone app
The OweRight app can tell you what a CP44 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 CP53: Refund coming by check
- IRS Notice CP09: You may get money back from the Earned Income Credit
- IRS Notice CP08: You may get money back from the Additional Child Tax Credit
- IRS Notice CP21B: Changes you asked for: refund coming
- IRS Notice CP32A: Your refund check expired
- IRS Notice CP42: Refund reduced for a spouse's tax debt