Understanding Your CP81 Notice

What this notice is about

We received payments or other credits for the tax return shown on your notice, but we haven’t received your tax return for that year. The statute of limitations to claim a refund of your payment or credit for that tax year is about to expire.

What you need to do

• If you’re required to file this tax return, file immediately. We’ll apply the credit amount shown on this notice to the tax you owe and refund any overpayment to you, if you don’t owe other taxes or obligations.
• If you’ve already filed this return and it's been over 8 weeks, send us a newly signed copy of your tax return. Make sure you attach copies of all schedules and other documents you included with your previously filed original tax return.
• If you want the credit transferred to another tax form, tax period or tax identification number, call us at the number on your notice.
• If you don’t file your tax return or contact us, you’ll lose this credit. The law sets strict time limits for refunding or transferring credits.

You may want to

Call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to order forms and publications or visit our website to download them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a tax return to claim a refund?

Generally, you must file a tax return within 3 years from the due date of the return (including extensions) to receive a refund of any overpayment on your account. After this statute of limitations expires, we cannot refund any overpayments.

Where do I send my return?

Send it to the address shown on the notice.

What should I do if I just filed my tax return?

You don’t have to do anything if you filed your tax return within the last 8 weeks.

Tips for next year

File all required returns by the appropriate due date.