IRS letters › CP12
Notice CP12
The IRS corrected your return, and your refund changed
The IRS fixed one or more mistakes, and your refund is now larger or smaller than you expected, or you're getting one you didn't expect.
What it means
Another math error notice, this time with a refund. Common causes are a miscalculated credit, a withholding figure that doesn't match your W-2, or estimated payments recorded differently.
What to do
- Check the explanation against your return.
- If you agree, there's nothing to do. The refund usually arrives within 4 to 6 weeks.
- If you disagree, contact the IRS within 60 days.
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Is it really from the IRS?
The IRS starts contact by mail. A real notice has a notice number and your tax year, and you can see it, with any balance, in your IRS online account. The IRS never demands payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer, and never threatens arrest. If in doubt, call the IRS using a number from IRS.gov, not one from the letter.
The law behind it
Free help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent part of the IRS that helps when a problem isn't being resolved (Form 911, or 877-777-4778). Low Income Taxpayer Clinics represent people for free or a small fee, many in Spanish and other languages.
Other letters
General information, not tax or legal advice. Always follow the dates and instructions printed on your own notice.