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
- The letter, every page
- Your copy of the return
- Your current mailing address
- Your bank account details, if a refund is being sent
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.
Scan your letter in the OweRight iPhone app
The OweRight app can tell you what a CP49 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 CP27: You may get the Earned Income Credit
- IRS Notice CP05B: Refund held while IRS checks reported income
- IRS Notice CP44: Refund delayed while IRS checks other debts
- IRS Notice CP51B: IRS figured your tax, refund due
- IRS Notice CP2566R: Refund held, IRS figured tax for you
- IRS Notice CP134R: IRS owes you a refund from your deposits