View our interactive tax map to see where you are in the tax process. It could help you navigate your way through the IRS.
Your tax return may show you’re due a refund from the IRS. However, if you owe a federal tax debt from a prior tax year, the IRS may keep (offset) some or all your tax refund to pay your debt. The CP39 notice is mailed to taxpayers to notify them that the IRS used all or part of their refund to pay a past due tax debt. You may still owe money for that prior tax year.
This notice or letter may include additional topics that have not yet been covered here. Please check back frequently for updates.
The refund amount that you were expecting has changed. All or part of that refund was applied to an unpaid federal tax debt from a prior tax year, reducing or eliminating the balance due for that prior tax year.
The IRS received an income tax return using your name, Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). That return indicated an overpayment to be refunded to you; however, an unpaid balance remained from a prior tax year. A balance may remain for that prior tax year.
The first thing to do is to check the return address to be sure it’s from the IRS and not another agency.
Read your notice carefully. It will explain how we applied the refund, how much tax (if any) you still owe, and how to pay any remaining balance due.
If you didn’t file the return claiming the refund that was applied to your unpaid federal tax debt: Call the IRS immediately, as you may be a victim of tax-related identity theft. See Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft | irs.gov.
You can authorize someone (such as a certified public accountant, attorney, or enrolled agent) to represent you before the IRS. Alternatively, you can authorize anyone (including a family member) to receive your confidential tax information.
If you disagree, call the IRS at the toll-free number on the top right corner of your notice. Please have your paperwork (such as cancelled checks, amended return, etc.) ready when you call.
If a portion of your joint refund was applied (often referred to as offset) to federal taxes owed by your spouse and you don’t legally owe any portion of the debt, you can file a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation (PDF), to claim your share of the joint refund.
If your tax refund was offset to pay a joint federal tax debt and you believe your spouse or former spouse should be held responsible for all or part of the balance due, you should request relief from the liability. To request relief, file Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief.
Pay online, by phone, or with a mobile device. Visit IRS.gov/payments or the IRS2Go mobile app for all IRS payment options.
If you plan to mail a payment, consider the electronic options at IRS.gov/payments first. It’s free to pay from a bank account (Direct Pay) or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). You can also schedule payments and receive email notifications.
If you pay by check, money order, or cashier’s check, make sure it’s payable to the U.S. Treasury.
Can’t pay it all now?
If you prefer to apply for a payment agreement by phone, call 800-829-1040
Understanding your Notice or Letter
For more specifics on your notice, visit Understanding your IRS Notice or Letter on IRS.gov
Get Help topics
Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help
If you still need help
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayers’ rights. We can offer you help if your tax problem is causing a financial difficulty, you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should. If you qualify for our assistance, which is always free, we will do everything possible to help you.
Visit www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov or call 1-877-777-4778.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) are independent from the IRS and TAS. LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Services are offered for free or a small fee. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC page on the TAS website or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. This Publication is also available online at www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-3676.
Notice CP39, Overpayment, Refund Applied to Other Tax Debt (Offset)
