Understanding Your CP81 Notice
We haven’t received your tax return for a specific tax year. The statute of limitations to claim a refund of your credit or payment for that tax year is about to expire.
What you need to do
- If you’re required to file this tax return, file immediately. We’ll apply the credit amount shown on this notice to the tax you owe and refund any overpayment to you, if you don’t owe other taxes or obligations.
- If you’ve already filed this return and it has been over 8 weeks, send us a newly signed copy of your tax return. Be sure to attach copies of all schedules and other documents you included with your previously filed original tax return.
- If you want the credit transferred to another tax form, tax period or tax identification number, call us at 1-800-829-0115.
- If you don’t file your tax return or contact us, you’ll lose this credit. The Internal Revenue Code sets strict time limits for refunding or transferring credits.
You may want to
- Call 1-800-829-3676 (1-800-TAX-FORM) to order forms and publications or visit our website, www.irs.gov, to download them.
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Answers to common questions
How long do I have to file a tax return to claim a refund?
Generally, you must file a tax return within 3 years from the due date of the return (including extensions) to receive a refund of any overpayment on your account. After this statute of limitations expires, we can’t refund any overpayments.Where do I send my return?
Send it to the address listed on the notice.What should I do if I’ve just filed my tax return?
You don’t have to do anything if you filed your tax return within the last 8 weeks.
Tips for next year
File all required returns by the appropriate due date.
Understanding your notice
Your notice may look different from the sample because the information contained in your notice is tailored to your situation.
Notice CP81, Page 1
Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 18-Dec-2012
