How to recognize a real tax refund letter

A tax refund letter from the IRS looks like an official government document on white paper with the IRS seal and logo at the top. It has your name, address, and Social Security number printed on it. The letter will have a date, a reference number (usually called a notice number), and will be addressed to you personally. Most importantly, it will clearly state the amount of your refund and explain why you are receiving it.

The letter is usually two to four pages long and comes in a white envelope with the IRS return address printed on it. If you filed your taxes electronically, you will receive the letter by mail — the IRS does not send refund notifications by email. The entire letter is written in plain English, though it may include some tax terminology you need to understand.

Key Takeaways

  • Real IRS refund letters have the official IRS seal, your full name and address, and a specific notice number printed at the top.
  • The letter will state your refund amount, the tax year it covers, and the reason you are receiving a refund.
  • The IRS sends refund letters by mail only, never by email or text message.
  • If you received a letter that asks you to click a link, enter personal information, or pay a fee, it is a scam and you should not respond to it.

The sections you will see on a real refund letter

At the very top of the page, you will see "INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE" with the official seal. Below that is the date the letter was sent and a notice number — this is a code that identifies what type of letter it is. The IRS uses different notice numbers for different situations, so the notice number tells you at a glance what the letter is about.

Your name and address appear next, followed by a section that explains the reason for the letter. This section will say something like "We are sending you this letter to tell you about your federal income tax refund" or "We are sending you this letter because we found an error on your tax return." Below that is the actual refund amount in large, clear numbers. The letter will also state which tax year the refund is for — for example, "Tax Year 2023."

Further down the page, you will find a section explaining how and when you will receive your money. This might say the refund will be deposited into your bank account on a specific date, or that a check is being mailed to you. The letter will also include information about what to do if you have questions or if you disagree with the refund amount.

What the notice number tells you

The notice number is a three-digit code that identifies the type of letter you received. For a refund letter, you might see notice numbers like CP05, CP06, or CP12. Each number means something different — for example, CP05 means the IRS is telling you about a refund they are sending, while CP12 means they found an error and are adjusting your refund amount.

You do not need to memorize these codes, but knowing that the notice number exists helps you spot a fake letter. A scam letter often has no notice number, or has a number that does not match what the letter claims to be about. If you want to check whether a notice number is real, you can search the IRS website for "notice numbers" and see the official list.

How to tell if a refund letter is fake

Scammers create fake refund letters to trick people into giving up personal information or money. A fake letter will often ask you to click a link, call a phone number, or reply with your bank account details. Real IRS letters never ask you to do any of these things. The IRS will not contact you by email, text message, or social media, and they will not ask you to pay a fee to receive your refund.

Another sign of a fake letter is poor spelling or grammar, or a logo that looks slightly off. Real IRS letters are printed on official letterhead and proofread carefully. If the letter asks you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account information, it is a scam. The IRS already has all of this information — they do not need you to send it again.

If you receive a letter that seems suspicious, do not respond to it. Instead, go to the IRS website directly (irs.gov) and log into your account to check your refund status. You can also call the IRS at the phone number listed on your tax return or on official IRS materials. Never call a number that appears in a letter you are unsure about.

What happens after you receive the letter

Once you receive a real refund letter, you do not need to do anything else. The IRS will send your refund according to the timeline stated in the letter. If the letter says your refund will be deposited on a specific date, check your bank account on or after that date. If the letter says a check is being mailed, allow extra time for it to arrive — mail can take one to two weeks depending on where you live.

If your refund does not arrive by the date stated in the letter, you can check the status on the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from the letter. This tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so check it the day after the promised deposit date if your money has not arrived yet.

Different types of refund letters you might receive

The IRS sends different letters depending on why you are receiving a refund. If you overpaid your taxes during the year, you will receive a letter explaining that the IRS is returning the extra money. If the IRS found an error on your return and that error resulted in a refund, the letter will explain what the error was and how it changed your refund amount. If you received a refund because of a tax credit you were may have access to to, the letter will name the credit.

Sometimes the IRS sends a letter saying they are holding your refund to pay off a debt you owe — for example, unpaid student loans or back child support. This letter will explain what the debt is and how much of your refund is being used to pay it. You will still receive any remaining refund after the debt is paid. These letters are less common than straightforward refund letters, but they follow the same format and have the same official appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the IRS send me a refund letter by email?

No. The IRS only sends official letters by mail. If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS about a refund, it is a scam. Do not click any links or provide any information. You can report it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

What should I do if I lost my refund letter?

You do not need the letter to receive your refund — the IRS will send it regardless. If you need a copy for your records, you can create an account on irs.gov and read a copy of the letter, or call the IRS to request one. Have your Social Security number and the tax year ready when you call.

Why does my refund letter say a different amount than I expected?

The IRS may have found an error on your return, applied a credit you did not claim, or offset your refund to pay a debt. The letter will explain the reason. If you disagree with the amount, the letter will include instructions on how to contact the IRS or file an appeal.

How long does it take to get my refund after I receive the letter?

The letter will state the date your refund will be deposited or mailed. If you chose direct deposit, it usually arrives within the timeframe stated. If you are receiving a check, allow extra time for mail delivery. If the refund does not arrive by the promised date, use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool to check the status.