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IRS notice decoder

CP05A: The Refund Review That Needs Your Paperwork

A CP05A means the refund review that began with a CP05 now needs your help: the IRS wants supporting documentation to verify your income and federal tax withholding before it can issue your refund. Reply by the date shown on the notice, and expect the review to take up to another 60 days after you send documents.

General information, not tax or legal advice. Deadlines and dollar figures below reflect what the IRS publishes and can change; the controlling dates are the ones printed on your own notice. ClearChoiceRadar is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.

The refund review path

  1. Return filedRefund claimed
  2. CP05Refund held for review
  3. CP05ADocuments requested you are here
  4. OutcomeRefund released or adjusted

What the IRS accepts as proof

  1. Copies of at least 3 pay statements or check stubs, including the end of year statement or stub.

  2. A letter on company letterhead from your employer showing the employer's name, address, telephone and fax number.

  3. A statement of benefits if the income is retirement income.

How to send it, fastest first

The IRS's own ranking: "For the fastest case resolution, reply using the Document Upload Tool," then fax to the number in the notice, then mail to the address shown.

After you respond, the IRS asks for 60 days from the date you provided documentation to complete the review before contacting them. Mark the date you sent things; that is when the follow-up clock starts.

Worth knowing

No pay stubs? Improvise with the list in mind

The employer letterhead option exists precisely for people who cannot produce stubs, and a benefits statement covers retirees. What the IRS is verifying is that the income and withholding on the return really happened, so any document on its list that proves that works.

CP05A questions

How long do I have to respond to a CP05A?

By the date shown on your notice. The page does not state a universal day count, so the printed date on your copy governs.

What is the fastest way to send CP05A documents?

The IRS says the Document Upload Tool gives the fastest case resolution, ahead of fax and mail. The notice includes the upload details for your case.

When will the refund arrive after I respond?

The IRS asks for up to 60 days from the date you provided documentation to finish the review. If that passes with no refund and no word, call the number on the notice.

Sources: IRS: Understanding your CP05A notice. The deadline that governs your case is the one printed on your notice.

Want help responding to a CP05A?

Compare tax relief companies that handle IRS collection matters. Many offer free initial consultations; check individual providers for details.

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