Common Refund Hold Letters
The most common refund hold letters are CP05, CP05A, Letter 446C, Letter 4464C, and Letter 4800C. Each one means the IRS has flagged your return for review and is holding your refund until the review is complete.
CP05: Your Return Is Under Review
CP05 is the most common refund hold notice. It tells you the IRS is reviewing your return and needs additional time. In many cases, no action is required from you. The IRS will either release the refund after review or send a follow-up letter requesting documentation. The wait time can be anywhere from 60 days to several months.
CP05A: Documentation Needed
If the IRS needs documents from you, they send CP05A. This letter lists specific items you need to provide, such as W-2s, 1099s, or receipts for claimed deductions. Respond by the deadline with everything requested. Sending partial documentation or the wrong documents will extend the delay.
Letter 4464C: Comprehensive Review
Letter 4464C means your return has been selected for a more comprehensive review. This could involve income verification, credit eligibility, or identity confirmation. The IRS reviews more returns than it formally audits, and this letter indicates your return fell into that middle category — not a full audit, but more than routine processing.
Letter 4800C: Questionable Wages
This letter means the IRS is questioning the wages or withholding on your return. It often targets returns claiming large refunds based on withholding from W-2s that the IRS cannot verify. You will need to provide copies of your W-2s, pay stubs, and possibly a letter from your employer confirming your employment and compensation.
How Long the Hold Lasts
There is no guaranteed timeline. Simple reviews may resolve in 60 days. Complex reviews can take six months or longer. If you are waiting and have not received any follow-up correspondence, call the IRS after the timeframe stated in your letter has passed. You can also check the status of your refund through the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool online.
A refund hold is frustrating but it is not permanent. Respond to every request completely and promptly. The faster you give the IRS what they need, the faster your refund is released.