IRS CP560A Notice: Steps to Resolve and Respond

Last updated 11/01/2024 by

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Summary:

The CP560A Notice is issued by the IRS when there is a potential issue with a taxpayer’s Social Security number (SSN) due to discrepancies with the Social Security Administration (SSA) data. This may involve incorrect information regarding the taxpayer’s status or possible identity theft. The notice outlines steps for the taxpayer to verify their identity, resolve the issue, and ensure the IRS can process their tax return without further delays.

Receiving a notice from the IRS can be a daunting experience, particularly when it’s related to your Social Security number or tax return. The CP560A Notice signals a potential issue with your account that needs immediate attention. This notice is typically sent when discrepancies arise between the IRS’s records and the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) information, which can occur due to administrative errors or identity theft. Quick action is necessary to ensure that your tax returns are processed smoothly, and you avoid further complications. In this article, we’ll explore what the CP560A Notice entails, how it impacts you, and the steps you should take if you receive one.

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What is CP560A Notice?

The CP560A Notice is sent by the IRS to inform taxpayers that there is a problem with their Social Security number or the data associated with it. This issue generally arises when the IRS’s information does not match the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) records. The IRS takes this action as a protective measure against fraud, identity theft, or possible administrative errors.

The notice might indicate that there are inconsistencies with your status, including being incorrectly marked as deceased, changes in name, or other discrepancies with your Social Security records. When such a situation arises, the IRS is unable to process your tax return, and it locks the account linked to that SSN until the issue is resolved. The CP560A Notice will outline steps for verifying your identity and correcting the information.

These errors could stem from a variety of sources, such as clerical mistakes in the IRS or SSA systems or identity theft, where your SSN is used fraudulently. By addressing the CP560A Notice quickly, you can prevent any delays in your tax return processing and avoid potential penalties.

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How the CP560A Notice affects you

The CP560A Notice essentially freezes your account until the issues with your Social Security number are resolved. This means you will be unable to file a tax return or receive any refunds while the lock remains in place. If the problem persists without resolution, it can cause significant delays in processing your current and future tax filings.

Impact on tax return processing
When your SSN is flagged in the IRS system, your tax return cannot be processed until the discrepancy is fixed. This could result in missing deadlines, losing access to refunds, or even facing penalties for late filings. Given the IRS’s strict timelines, it’s essential to act quickly to clear up the matter.

Potential for identity theft
In some cases, receiving a CP560A Notice could be an indication of identity theft. If someone has fraudulently used your Social Security number to file a return, it’s crucial to take extra steps to secure your identity. This may include contacting the IRS’s Identity Protection Unit and enrolling in the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program to protect your account from further fraudulent activity.

Administrative errors
It’s not uncommon for administrative errors to cause problems between the IRS and SSA data. Something as simple as a name change or an incorrect birth date could trigger the CP560A Notice. Resolving these mistakes promptly ensures that your tax return can proceed without unnecessary delays.

Pro tip

Act quickly when you receive a CP560A Notice to avoid delays in processing your tax returns and to prevent any potential penalties.

What should you do when you receive a CP560A Notice?

The most important action to take when you receive a CP560A Notice is to address the issue promptly. Delays in responding to the IRS can result in more significant problems, including penalties, fines, and extended waiting times for tax refunds. Here’s what you need to do:

Read the notice thoroughly: Make sure you fully understand why your account has been locked. The notice will explain the specific issue with your Social Security number.
Verify your records: Double-check that the information on your tax return matches your SSA records, particularly your name and Social Security number.
Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA): If there’s a discrepancy with your Social Security status, such as being incorrectly marked as deceased, contact the SSA immediately to correct the error.
Send documentation to the IRS: Follow the instructions provided in the CP560A Notice to submit the required documents, which usually include a copy of your government-issued ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) and a written request to unlock your account.
File your tax return: After resolving the issue with the SSA, file your tax return as per the guidelines in the notice.

Responding quickly and accurately will help expedite the process and minimize any disruption to your tax filings.

Pro tip

Double-check your Social Security information with the SSA to ensure there are no discrepancies that could trigger IRS notices.

How to respond to the CP560A Notice

Steps to take when responding to a CP560A Notice

When you receive a CP560A Notice, it’s critical to follow the IRS’s instructions carefully. This will help you avoid further complications and expedite the process of unlocking your account. Here are the steps to take:

1. Review the Notice: The first step is to carefully read the CP560A Notice to understand why your account has been locked. It will provide you with the specific reason and the steps you need to follow.

2. Correct your SSA records: If the issue stems from incorrect SSA data (such as being mistakenly marked as deceased), you need to contact the SSA and correct the error. This process typically involves submitting proof of identity and other documentation to ensure your records are updated.

3. Submit necessary documents to the IRS: After correcting any issues with the SSA, you need to send the IRS specific documents, including a copy of the CP560A Notice, a written request to unlock your account, and a copy of your government-issued ID to verify your identity.

4. Follow up with the IRS: After submitting the required documentation, it’s essential to follow up with the IRS to ensure they’ve received your documents and are processing the unlock request.

Other ways to handle a CP560A Notice

In addition to mailing your response, there are alternative ways to handle a CP560A Notice. If you suspect that your Social Security number has been compromised due to identity theft, enrolling in the IRS’s Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program can provide an extra layer of security. The IP PIN is a unique six-digit number that protects your account from unauthorized access, ensuring that only you can file tax returns using your SSN.

Another option is to contact the IRS directly by phone if the situation is urgent or if you need additional guidance on how to resolve the issue quickly. In some cases, the IRS may expedite the process, especially if they suspect fraud.

Further support options for addressing the CP560A Notice

If you’re unsure how to proceed or the situation becomes complex, you can seek additional support:

Tax professionals: Consulting a certified tax professional, such as a CPA or tax attorney, can provide expert guidance on how to handle the CP560A Notice. These professionals are well-versed in IRS procedures and can help navigate the complexities of resolving your account issues.
IRS resources: The IRS website offers a wealth of information on handling different notices, including the CP560A Notice. You can also contact their support hotline for more direct assistance.
Taxpayer advocate service: If you’re facing significant difficulties, the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service is available to assist you with resolving your issue. They can help in more complicated cases, such as those involving identity theft or recurring errors in SSA records.

Seeking professional assistance early can prevent delays in resolving your account, especially in more complicated scenarios like identity theft.

Pro tip

Consider enrolling in the IRS’s Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program if you suspect identity theft. This will add an extra layer of security to your tax filings.

Potential penalties or next steps if you don’t respond

Failing to respond to the CP560A Notice can result in several consequences:

Unprocessed tax returns: Your tax return may remain unprocessed if the issue isn’t resolved, leading to long delays in receiving any refunds.
Penalties and interest: The IRS may apply penalties and interest to your account if the issue remains unresolved for an extended period, especially if it impacts your ability to file future returns.
Wage garnishments or fines: In rare cases, the IRS may take enforcement actions, such as garnishing your wages or levying fines, if the matter goes unresolved for too long.

It’s important to address the notice as soon as possible to avoid these potential penalties.

What potential outcomes are possible?

Once you respond to the CP560A Notice, a few outcomes are possible depending on the situation:

If you provide sufficient evidence: Your account will be unlocked, and your tax return will be processed normally.
If an error is identified: The IRS may update their records and remove the lock on your account, resolving the issue.
If identity theft is involved: The IRS will take additional steps to protect your account, such as issuing you an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

Regardless of the outcome, the sooner you act, the quicker the issue will be resolved, minimizing disruption to your tax filings.

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Frequently asked questions

Why did I receive a CP560A Notice?

You received the CP560A Notice because the IRS found discrepancies between your records and the Social Security Administration (SSA) database. This could be due to identity theft, administrative errors, or mismatched information.

How do I unlock my account?

To unlock your account, you must contact the SSA to correct their records and send the required documentation (such as proof of identity) to the IRS, following the instructions provided in the notice.

What happens if I ignore the CP560A Notice?

Ignoring the CP560A Notice could result in penalties, unprocessed tax returns, and delayed refunds. The IRS may also take enforcement actions if the issue is not addressed.

Can I resolve the issue online?

In some cases, you may be able to resolve certain aspects of the issue through the IRS’s secure online portal, but typically, you will need to send written documentation and proof of identity to resolve the issue fully.

Need help understanding other IRS letters and notices? Visit our comprehensive guide to IRS Letters and Notices or search for the document you received in the table below.

IRS Letter or Notice Number

Notice Description

CP01	The IRS verified your claim of identity theft and will monitor your account.
CP01H	The IRS received a tax return with a social security number that belongs to a dead person.
CP02H	Money is due on an amended return based on a grant received due to Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma.
CP03C	You received the First-Time Homebuyer Credit for a house you purchased.
CP04	You may be eligible for tax deferment because either you or a spouse served in a combat zone, a qualified contingency operation, or a hazardous duty station during the tax year specified on your notice.
CP08	You may be entitled to additional money due to the Additional Child Tax Credit.
CP10	Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed.
CP10A	Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed.
CP11	You owe money because the IRS amended your return due to a miscalculation.
CP11A	Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment also changed.
CP11M	Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed.
CP12	You are due a bigger refund because the IRS corrected one or more mistakes on your tax return.
CP12A	The IRS made changes to correct the Earned Income Credit (EIC) claimed on your tax return.
CP12E or CP12F	The IRS corrected a miscalculation on your return.
CP12M	The IRS made changes to the computation of the Making Work Pay and/or Government Retiree Credits on your return.
CP12R	The IRS made changes to the computation of the Rebate Recovery Credit on your return.
CP13	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero.
CP13A	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero.
CP13M	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay credit or the Government Retiree Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero.
CP13R	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Recovery Rebate Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero.
CP14	You owe money on unpaid taxes.
CP16	The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. The refund you were due was applied to other tax debts.
CP21A	You owe money due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns.
CP21B	You are due a refund due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns. The money should arrive within 2 to 3 weeks.
CP21C	The IRS made the requested changes to your tax return. You will not receive a refund, and there is no tax due. Your balance is zero.
CP21E	As a result of your recent audit, the IRS made changes to your tax return, and you owe money as a result of those changes.
CP21I	The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes.
CP22A	The IRS made the changes you requested, and you owe money as a result.
CP22E	As a result of your recent audit, the IRS changed your tax return, and you now owe money.
CP22I	The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes.
CP23	The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You owe taxes due to these changes.
CP24	The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes.
CP24E	The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes.
CP25	The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You are not due a refund, nor do you owe any money. Your balance is zero.
CP31	You need to update your address because your refund check was returned to the IRS.
CP45	The IRS was unable to apply your overpayment to your estimated tax as you requested.
CP49	The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt.
CP53	Your refund check will be sent by mail because the IRS can’t provide your refund through direct deposit.
CP57	The bank declined your payment, so the IRS was unable to draft funds from your bank account.
CP71	A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP71A	A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP71C	A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP71D	A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP88	The IRS is holding your refund because you haven't filed one or more tax returns, and it believes you will owe tax.
CP90	The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy in a Collection Due Process hearing.
CP91	The IRS will levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes.
CP120	The IRS needs documentation of your tax-exempt status.
CP120A	Your organization’s tax-exempt status has been revoked because it failed to file a Form 990 series return for three consecutive years.
CP130	You may no longer need to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) because your tax return filing requirements changed.
CP152	The IRS received your return.
CP153	The IRS will send your refund by mail because your direct deposit did not go through.
CP161	You have an unpaid balance due to the IRS.
CP166	Your monthly payment to the IRS did not go through due to insufficient funds in your bank account.
CP178	You may no longer owe excise tax because your tax return filing requirements changed.
CP231	You need to update your address because your refund was returned to the IRS.
CP259	You did not file the business tax return identified in the notice.
CP259A	You should have filed these forms but did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, or Form 990-N (e-Postcard).
CP259B	The IRS requires you to file these forms but did not – Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation.
CP259C	The IRS believes that you are a private foundation, but did not file the required Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation.
CP259D	You must file this form, but you did not – Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return.
CP259E	You should have filed this form, but you did not – Form 990-N (e-Postcard) or Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.
CP259F	The IRS requires you to file this form but did not – Form 5227, Split-Interest Trust Information Return.
CP259G	The IRS requires you to file this form, but you didn’t – Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations.
CP259H	As a tax-exempt political organization, you must file this form, but you did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.
CP276A	You submitted your tax liability schedule incorrectly. The IRS typically charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty for this but did not this time.
CP276B	The IRS did not receive the correct amount of tax deposits. It normally charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty but did not this time.
CP297	The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing.
CP297A	The IRS has levied your assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing.
CP298	The IRS notifying you of its intent to levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes.
CP501	You have a balance due on one of your tax accounts.
CP503	You have an unpaid balance on one of your accounts, and the IRS has not heard from you.
CP504	You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy your state income tax refund to apply it to the amount you owe.
CP504B	You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy certain property or rights to property to apply it to the amount you owe.
CP521	A reminder that you have an installment agreement payment due.
CP523	You have defaulted on your payment agreement. Therefore the IRS is terminating the agreement and will levy your assets.
CP601	Usted tiene un saldo pendiente de pago (dinero que le debe al IRS) en una de sus cuentas contributivas.
CP603	No hemos recibido respuesta de parte de usted y todavía tiene un saldo sin pagar en una de sus cuentas contributivas.
CP604	Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará cualquier reembolso de impuestos estatales al que tenga derecho y aplicarlo al pago de su deuda.
CP604B	Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará ciertas propiedades o derechos de propiedad y lo aplicará al pago de su deuda.
CP621	Este aviso es para notificarle que usted tiene un plan de pagos a plazos vencido. Por favor, envíe el pago inmediatamente.
CP623	Este aviso es para informarle nuestra intención de cancelar su plan de pagos a plazos y confiscar (embargar) sus bienes. Usted incumplió en su acuerdo.
CP711	Nosotros realizamos cambios a su planilla debido a que entendemos que hubo un cálculo erróneo. Como resultado de estos cambios, usted adeuda dinero por sus contribuciones.
CP721	Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos.
CP722	Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos.
CP771	Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP772	Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP773	Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP774	Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP959	Usted no radicó su planilla de contribución de negocios identificada en este aviso.
CP2000	The income or payment information on file doesn’t match your tax return. The discrepancy may result in an increase or decrease in your tax due.
CP3219A	The IRS has received information that is different from what you reported on your tax return. This may result in an increase or decrease in your tax.
CP3219N	The IRS didn’t receive your tax return, so it calculated your return based on the information received from employers, financial institutions, and others. If you want to challenge the proposed tax, you have 90 days from the date of this notice. If you are outside the country, you have 150 days.
Letter 0012C	The IRS needs additional information to process your tax return.
Letter 0484C	The IRS wants a completed
Letter 0525	Updates you on proposed changes after an IRS examination. Any changes are explained and details the refund due or taxes owed.
Letter 531	IRS Notice of Deficiency. The information the IRS received about you was different from what you reported on your return.
Letter 0668D(LP 68)	The IRS released their levy.
Letter 0549C	Your tax bill was paid.
Letter 0681C	The IRS accepted your payment proposal. However, this is not a formal Installment Agreement.
Letter 0757C	You did not adhere to the terms of your Installment Agreement.
Letter LT 11	The IRS plans to seize your property or rights to property.
Letter 1058	The IRS has not received your payment. It plans to seize your property or rights to property.
Letter 1615 (LT 18)	You must respond to the IRS within 10 days of this notice regarding past due tax returns.
Letter 1737 (LT 27)	Complete and sign Form 433F, Collection Information Statement.
Letter 1961C	Your application for a Direct Debit Installment Agreement was declined. It explains why and what you need to do to qualify.
Letter 1962C	Your application for a
Letter 2050 (LT 16)	The IRS is trying to collect unpaid taxes from you from returns that have been filed or from returns that have not been filed.
Letter 2257C	The IRS is providing the payoff amount that you requested.
Letter 226-J	An IRS letter to large employers notifying them that they may be liable for an Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (ESRP).
Letter 2271C	A request for an Installment Agreement has been approved. It explains the fees and how to qualify for a Low Income Fee Reduction. The letter may also request missing information.
Letter 2272C	An IRS letter explaining why your request to pay the balance due in installments was declined.
Letter 2273C	A confirmation letter of your request to pay the balance due in installments. It contained the amount to pay, fees charged, and where to send payment. Instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction included.
Letter 2318C	A response to a request to pay taxes due to payroll deductions. It also explains the fees that are charged.
Letter 2357C	The IRS is admitting that it did not send you the balance due notices that it should have.
Letter 2603C	The IRS accepted your installment agreement. The IRS will file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien on your personal property.
Letter 2604C	The IRS has accepted your request for installment payments. This IRS letter provides the monthly payment, the address where to send it, and the fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction.
Letter 2761C	The IRS is requesting your combat zone service dates to ensure that it provides you with the special provisions and protection of the combat zone deferment. Copies of military orders or other documentation to support your time served may be requested. Civilians working in support of the Armed Forces may be required to provide a Letter of Authorization or a letter from their employer.
Letter 2789C	An annual reminder notice, as required by law, of the balance due to the IRS. It explains that penalties and interest continue to accrue until the balance is fully paid.
Letter 2840C	Confirms your Installment Agreement request and includes the payment amount and due date. This IRS letter explains the fees charged for paying monthly and explains how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify).
Letter 3030C	Provides an explanation of the tax, penalty, and interest still due on your account.
Letter 3127C	A confirmation of your request to make a change to your Installment Agreement. This IRS letter explains the fees for the change. Changes can be to the payment amount or due date, or it can include additional liabilities.
Letter 3174	A reminder of taxes due after the IRS has sent a Notice of Intent to Levy.
Letter 3217C	The IRS has accepted your request to pay the balance in installments. This IRS letter provides your payment amount, the due date, and fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on applying for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify).
Letter 3228 (LT 39)	A request to pay the balance due within 10 days using the envelope provided.
Letter 3500	The IRS has received your documents, and it needs additional time to review them.
Letter 3572	Your Federal Income Tax Return has been selected for examination. The IRS auditor requests that you call to schedule an audit appointment.
Letter 4883C	The IRS received your federal income tax return but needs more information to verify your identity in order to process your tax return accurately.
Letter 4903 (LT 26)	You must file your tax returns immediately. The IRS has previously contacted you, but it did not receive a response.
Letter LP 47	The IRS is trying to locate the person identified in the letter and is requesting that you provide their new address.
Letter LP 59	The IRS has not received a response to the notice of levy it previously sent.
Audit Letter 2205	The IRS manages audits either by mail or through an in-person interview to review your records. The interview may be at an IRS office (office audit) or the taxpayer’s home, place of business, or accountant’s office (field audit).
Letter 915	You recently underwent an audit, and the IRS informs you that you now owe taxes.

Key takeaways

A CP560A Notice indicates a problem with your Social Security number or associated records, often due to SSA or IRS errors.
Respond promptly by verifying your identity and contacting the SSA to correct any issues with their data.
Submit the necessary documentation to the IRS to unlock your account and ensure your tax return is processed.
Failure to respond can lead to penalties, delays in processing your tax return, and unreceived refunds.

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