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IRS Letter Decoder

IRS CP49: Refund Applied to a Balance You Owe

For your information

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What this letter means

Some or all of your refund was used to pay a tax debt you owe.

Why you probably got it

You had an unpaid balance from another year.

Your deadline

No action needed unless you disagree.

What to do next

  1. Check which year the refund was applied to.
  2. If you still owe, plan for the remaining balance.
Scam check: The IRS starts contact by mail. It will never demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, or threaten immediate arrest. Pay only at IRS.gov or by check to the U.S. Treasury, and confirm any phone number at IRS.gov before calling.

This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice for your specific situation. Every case is different. Always check the dates and amounts printed on your own documents.

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