What This Notice Means

You used a paid preparer, and the IRS thinks your return may have incorrectly claimed one or more of these:

  • Earned Income Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, or Credit for Other Dependents
  • American Opportunity Tax Credit
  • Head of household filing status

The notice tells you about potential errors and reminds you of one hard fact: you are responsible for the accuracy of your return, even if someone else prepared it.

Why It Matters

Inaccurate returns are subject to audit. They can also lead to a ban on claiming certain credits in future years. The IRS will also check the returns you file in the future when you claim these benefits.

What to Do

  • Review your return. Get a copy and check each flagged item. Did the children you claimed meet the relationship, residency, and age rules? Did you qualify for head of household? Did the student meet the education credit rules?
  • Fix mistakes. If something was wrong, file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
  • Think about your preparer. Consider using a new preparer, preparing future returns yourself, or using the free VITA or TCE programs if you qualify.

If the Return Is Correct

If you review everything and the return was right, gather your records now. Keep birth certificates, school or medical records showing where the children lived, Form 1098-T for students, and proof of household costs. If the IRS asks later, you'll be ready.

Keep this notice with your tax records.

If you received a CP591 notice and aren't sure whether your return is right, call us at (813) 229-7100.