How long do I have to respond to IRS CP116?

Write to the IRS within 60 days only if you disagree. Use the deadline printed on your notice and verify how it is calculated. IRS deadlines may run from the notice or mailing date and are not automatically extended because the letter arrived or was opened late.

What should I do if I received IRS CP116?

Compare the notice with your return and write to the IRS within 60 days if you disagree with the changes. If you are unsure, have a tax professional review the letter before you respond to the IRS.

IRS CP116 Notice: Miscalculation Corrected, Refund Shown

The IRS believes your return had miscalculations and its changes produced a refund. Disagree? Write to the IRS within 60 days.

Published by the Law Offices of Darrin T. Mish, P.A.Updated October 13, 2026

Notice: CP116
Urgency: Attention
Deadline: Write to the IRS within 60 days only if you disagree

Your first move

Compare the notice with your return and write to the IRS within 60 days if you disagree with the changes.

A CP116 notice means the IRS believes there were miscalculations on your return. The changes it made resulted in a refund.

What to Do

Compare the figures on your return with the figures on the notice.
Make the changes to your copy of the return for your records.
If your notice includes a payment coupon showing an amount you owe, pay it by the date on the coupon.
If you changed your address, call the IRS at the phone number on the notice.

If You Disagree

Contact the IRS in writing within 60 days. The IRS will review your information and reverse the changes it made to your account if you can show it made a mistake.

Make your case on paper. Show the correct computation and include copies of the records that support it. Keep a copy of everything and send it by certified mail.

If you don't have documentation that justifies reversing the changes, the IRS will forward the case for audit. The auditor will contact you within 5 to 6 weeks to explain the process.

Why Check a Refund Notice

A refund is welcome. But the IRS's version of your return now differs from what you filed. If the IRS changed something you believe was right, raise it in writing within the 60 days.

Getting Help

For questions about the notice, call the IRS number at the top of it. You can authorize someone to contact the IRS on your behalf with Form 2848.

If you received a CP116 notice and want help reviewing the change, call us at (813) 229-7100.

Want a second set of eyes on this letter?

Free consultation with Darrin T. Mish, a Tampa tax attorney licensed since 1993 and admitted to the U.S. Tax Court. Bring the letter.

Call (813) 229-7100

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