What This Notice Means
The IRS received payments or other credits for the tax year on your notice, but it hasn't received your return for that year. The period for claiming a refund or credit for that year may expire soon.
What to Do
- If you're required to file this return, file immediately. Send it to the address on the notice. The IRS will use the credit amount on the notice against the tax you owe and refund any overpayment.
- If you already filed and it's been over 8 weeks, send a newly signed copy, including all schedules, forms, and documents you included with the original.
- If you filed within the last 8 weeks, you don't have to do anything.
- If you want the payments moved to another tax form, tax period, or taxpayer identification number, call the number on your notice.
The Deadline That Matters
The law sets strict time limits for refunding or transferring credits. Generally, you must file within 3 years from the due date of the return, including extensions, to get a refund of an overpayment. After the refund statute expiration date passes, the IRS can't refund it. Your payments and credits may also become unavailable if you don't file or contact the IRS.
This is money you already paid. Don't lose it over a missing return.
Practical Tips
- Mail the return by certified mail and keep proof of the mailing date.
- Keep a full copy of what you send.
- If you don't recognize the payments, call the number on your notice. It could be identity theft.
- Going forward, file all required returns by their due dates.
If you received a CP81B notice and need to get a late return filed fast, call us at (813) 229-7100.