The LT33 confirms your refund was offset against an outstanding tax balance. Instead of receiving the full refund, some or all of it was applied to a debt in another tax period. The notice shows the original refund, the offset amount, and any remaining refund.
Same Process, Different Letter
The LT33 conveys the same information as the CP49, CP39, and LT26 — the IRS took your refund to pay a balance. The different letter numbers reflect different processing tracks within the IRS's system, but the legal effect and your options are identical.
What to Do
If the underlying balance was correct, the offset is proper. If the balance was wrong (from an SFR you didn't agree with, an incorrect assessment, or a debt you already paid), address the underlying balance to reverse the offset. If you filed jointly and the debt was your spouse's, file Form 8379.
If your refund was offset, call us at (813) 229-7100.