Understanding your CP54Q notice

What this notice is about

Your tax return shows a different name and/or ID number from the information we have on file for you or from the information from the Social Security Administration. We previously sent you a notice asking you to provide us some updated information. We still haven’t received a response from you.

What you need to do

• Review your identifying information shown on this notice and compare it to your most recent social security card or taxpayer ID card.
• Complete the CP54 response form to explain the discrepancies.
• Include copies of documents to substantiate your name and identifying number.

You may want to

• Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your records if you have a social security number (SSN) and any of the following occurred: 
  • you recently married and are using your spouse’s last name and you did not contact SSA to update your records,
  • you legally changed your name without contacting SSA to update your records, or
  • your SSN and/or name are different from when you received your SSN card.

   

• Contact the IRS, ITIN Operation, to update your records if you have an ITIN and any of the following occurred:
  • you recently married and are using your spouse’s last name and did not contact IRS to update your records.
  • you legally changed your name without contacting the IRS to update your records, or
  • your ITIN and/or name are different from when you received your CP565, ITIN assignment letter.

For more information about ITINs, review Publication 1915, Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) PDF.

Frequently asked questions

I sent you my information. When will I get my refund?

Once we receive your response form and verify the information you provided, you should receive your refund in 4 to 6 weeks if the name and ID number you provided match our records. If you don’t hear from us after 6 weeks, you can check the status of your refund on Where’s My Refund?

Tips for next year

Make sure you file using your name and taxpayer ID number (TIN) that was updated by SSA or IRS.