Letter 257C tells you the Social Security number used on your tax return was not valid for you, and that this held up your refund. Its title is "SSN Invalid; Contact SSA (Refund Delay)."
This usually happens when you or your tax preparer entered the wrong SSN. Sometimes the wrong number belongs to someone else, and two people's returns end up posted to the same account. The IRS then has to separate the accounts, move your return and payments to your correct number, and finish processing before it can release a refund.
What the Letter Tells You
The letter tells you which taxpayer identification number you should use, or tells you to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). For security, the letter may not show your full number. If the IRS already corrected the number while processing your return, the letter may not mention the number it used.
What to Do
- Compare the SSN on your return with your Social Security card. Check every number on the return, including your spouse's and your dependents'.
- If the letter tells you to contact SSA, do it. SSA issues and corrects Social Security numbers. The IRS can't fix an SSA record for you.
- Use the correct SSN on every future return.
- Tell your tax preparer so the error doesn't repeat next year.
Your Refund
The refund is delayed while the IRS corrects the account. Once your return is posted to the right number, processing can finish. If a long time passes after the letter and nothing changes, call the number on the letter to check the status.
If Someone Else Is Using Your Number
If you didn't make a mistake and believe someone else used your SSN, tell the IRS right away. Identity theft cases follow a different process, and you may need to file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
If an SSN problem is holding up your refund and you need help, call us at (813) 229-7100.