CP910-920 IRS Notice: How to Claim Your Earned Income Credit
Summary:
The CP910-920 IRS Notices are issued to taxpayers who may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) but did not claim it on their tax returns. These notices inform taxpayers about the potential eligibility and provide instructions on how to verify their status and claim the credit if applicable. To respond, taxpayers need to review their notice, complete the provided worksheet, and submit the required documentation to the IRS either by mail or through the online documentation upload tool.
Receiving a notice from the IRS can feel overwhelming, especially if it involves tax credits or unclaimed benefits like the Earned Income Credit (EIC). Notices CP910 through CP920 are part of a series that informs taxpayers about potential eligibility for the EIC and outlines steps for claiming the credit. These notices are important because the EIC can result in a significant refund for eligible taxpayers, even if they do not owe any taxes. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about CP910-920 notices, how to respond to them, and how to ensure you don’t miss out on the Earned Income Credit.
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What is the CP910-920 IRS notice?
The CP910-920 IRS Notices alert taxpayers that they may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) but did not claim it on their tax returns. The EIC is a refundable tax credit designed to assist low-to-moderate-income workers by reducing their tax liability and, in many cases, providing a refund. If you receive one of these notices, the IRS is informing you that you might qualify for this credit and provides instructions on how to confirm your eligibility.
These notices also include a worksheet (Form 15111) that helps determine whether you qualify for the EIC. If eligible, you must complete the form and return it to the IRS. The process can be completed by mail or through the IRS’s online documentation upload tool, making it more convenient for taxpayers to respond.
Pro Tip
Set up IRS account alerts online to get real-time notifications on any changes to your tax return or account. This helps you stay updated on adjustments and due dates.
Understanding the earned income credit (EIC)
The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a valuable tax credit for individuals and families with earned income under a certain threshold. It aims to provide financial relief to those who work but may not earn enough to have significant tax liabilities. In fact, the EIC can often result in a refund, even for individuals who owe no taxes at all.
Eligibility criteria for the earned income credit
Eligibility for the EIC is based on several factors, including income level, filing status, and the number of qualifying children. Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria:
- Income limits: Your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must fall below specific thresholds, which vary depending on the number of qualifying children.
- Filing status: You must file your taxes as single, head of household, married filing jointly, or qualifying widow(er) with dependent children. Taxpayers who file as “married filing separately” are not eligible for the EIC.
- Qualifying children: While you can claim the EIC without children, having one or more qualifying children increases the maximum credit you can receive. Qualifying children must meet certain age, relationship, and residency requirements.
- Age restrictions: If you do not have children, you must be at least 25 years old but under 65 to qualify.
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Why you might not have claimed the EIC
Many taxpayers are unaware of their eligibility for the EIC, especially those who do not owe any taxes. Common reasons for missing the EIC include:
- Not knowing about the credit
- Assuming you don’t qualify due to low income or no tax liability
- Filing a simple tax return without considering the EIC
- Mistakes or oversights when preparing taxes
Pro Tip
Use the IRS Documentation Upload Tool for faster processing of your CP910-920 notice response. Submitting documents online can expedite your claim and reduce delays.
Steps to take when you receive a CP910-920 IRS notice
When you receive a CP910-920 IRS Notice, it’s essential to respond promptly to avoid missing out on a potential refund. Follow these steps to ensure you handle the notice correctly:
1. Read the notice carefully
Your notice contains vital information about why you received it and how to proceed. It will outline the steps you need to take to determine your eligibility for the Earned Income Credit.
2. Complete the earned income credit worksheet (Form 15111)
The notice includes a worksheet to help you verify your eligibility for the EIC. You will need to gather information from your tax return and possibly other financial documents to complete this worksheet. If you determine that you are eligible for the EIC after completing the form, follow the next steps.
3. Submit the form to the IRS
After filling out the worksheet, sign and date Form 15111, and submit it to the IRS. You can mail the form in the provided envelope, or you can use the IRS’s Documentation Upload Tool. The upload tool allows you to send the form electronically using the access code found on your notice.
4. Respond quickly
The IRS typically asks for a response within 30 days of the notice. Failing to respond promptly could result in delays in processing your tax return or receiving any refunds you are entitled to.
What happens if you’re eligible for the earned income credit?
If you complete the Earned Income Credit worksheet and find that you qualify for the credit, there are several potential outcomes:
- Refund check: The IRS will process your claim, and if you’re eligible, you will receive a refund check within 6-8 weeks.
- Adjusted tax return: If your tax liability is reduced due to the EIC, this will be reflected in your tax records.
- IRS communication: If there are any issues or further questions, the IRS will contact you, possibly requiring additional documentation or verification.
Pro Tip
Double-check your earned income credit (EIC) eligibility every year to ensure you’re not missing out on refunds. Tax laws and eligibility requirements can change annually.
What if you don’t qualify for the EIC?
If, after completing the worksheet, you determine that you do not qualify for the Earned Income Credit, you do not need to return the worksheet. Simply keep the documentation for your records, and no further action is required from you regarding the EIC for that tax year.
What happens if you don’t respond?
Failing to respond to the CP910-920 notice can have several consequences:
- You could miss out on a potential refund if you qualify for the EIC.
- Your tax return may remain unprocessed, delaying any other tax-related actions or refunds.
- In some cases, the IRS could apply penalties or interest to your account, especially if the missing information leads to an underpayment of taxes.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I think I am eligible for the earned income credit but didn’t receive a CP910-920 notice?
If you believe you qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) but haven’t received a CP910-920 notice, you can still take action. Review your tax return to ensure that you meet the EIC eligibility requirements, such as income limits and filing status. If you qualify, you can file an amended tax return or contact the IRS for further guidance on how to claim the credit. You do not need to wait for a notice to claim the EIC.
How long do I have to respond to a CP910-920 notice?
Typically, the IRS requires a response within 30 days of the date on the CP910-920 notice. It is important to act quickly to avoid delays in processing your tax return or receiving your refund. Be sure to follow the instructions provided in the notice and submit all necessary forms and documents, either by mail or through the IRS’s Documentation Upload Tool.
Can I claim the earned income credit if I am self-employed?
Yes, self-employed individuals may qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC), provided their income falls within the required limits. When calculating earned income, self-employed taxpayers should include net earnings from self-employment. Make sure that your income and tax return meet the other eligibility requirements for the EIC, such as filing status and number of qualifying children, if applicable.
What happens if I disagree with the IRS’s decision regarding my eligibility for the EIC?
If you disagree with the IRS’s decision after submitting your response to a CP910-920 notice, you have the right to appeal. The IRS will send you a letter explaining their decision, and if they deny your eligibility for the EIC, they will provide instructions on how to appeal their determination. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully and submit any additional supporting documentation to strengthen your case.
Is there a way to check the status of my earned income credit refund?
Yes, you can check the status of your Earned Income Credit refund by visiting the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool on their website or by calling their toll-free line at 800-829-0922. Typically, you can expect to receive your refund within 6-8 weeks after the IRS processes your response to the CP910-920 notice. If there are any issues or delays, the IRS will notify you through additional communication.
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.
| 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
- The CP910-920 notices inform taxpayers about potential eligibility for the Earned Income Credit.
- If you’re eligible for the EIC, submitting Form 15111 to the IRS is crucial to claiming your refund.
- Failure to respond can delay your refund and lead to potential penalties or interest.
- Responding promptly can ensure timely processing of your tax return and any applicable refunds.
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