What This Notice Means
The IRS made changes to your tax return because it found an error involving your Earned Income Credit (EIC). After the changes, you aren't due a refund and you don't owe anything more. Your account balance is zero.
A zero balance doesn't mean the change didn't cost you anything. If the IRS reduced or removed your EIC, the refund you expected may have shrunk or disappeared. The notice explains what was changed.
What to Do
- Review the notice and compare the IRS changes to the return you filed.
- Correct your copy of the return so your records match.
- If you agree, you don't need to do anything.
- Check the EIC rules in Publication 596 before you claim the credit again.
If You Disagree
Contact the IRS at the number on your notice within 60 days of the notice date. Have your return and your records ready, including anything that supports your qualifying children and your earned income.
Don't let the 60 days pass. Acting within that window keeps your options open. After that, fixing the problem gets harder.
If You Need to Make Another Correction
If something else on your return needs to change, file an amended return. Don't use a phone call to fix a different item.
You can authorize a representative to deal with the IRS for you by filing Form 2848. You may also qualify for help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.
If the IRS took away your Earned Income Credit and you think it got it wrong, call us at (813) 229-7100.