Letter 6475: What Is It and How Should You Respond?

Last updated 10/24/2024 by

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Summary:

Letter 6475 is an IRS notice sent to taxpayers regarding the Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), commonly known as stimulus checks. The letter outlines the total amount of the third-round Economic Impact Payment issued to an individual during the tax year. This information is crucial when filing tax returns for the relevant year to ensure accurate reporting and to claim any missing payments as the Recovery Rebate Credit. In this article, we explain what Letter 6475 is, its purpose, and the actions you need to take upon receiving it.

Receiving an IRS letter in the mail can be a source of anxiety for many, but not all notices carry negative news. In the case of Letter 6475, it serves as a useful record of your third-round Economic Impact Payment (EIP) issued in 2021, which can help you accurately file your tax return. Understanding the purpose of this letter and knowing what steps to take can prevent issues when claiming any remaining stimulus money through the Recovery Rebate Credit. Here’s everything you need to know about Letter 6475, what it means for your taxes, and how to respond.

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What is letter 6475?

Letter 6475 is an IRS notice that details the total amount of the third Economic Impact Payment issued to a taxpayer during the tax year. It was sent to individuals in early 2022 and reflects payments disbursed under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provided eligible individuals with up to $1,400 per person, including dependents.

The letter is crucial for taxpayers to review when filing their tax returns because it helps verify whether they received the full amount of their EIP. If any portion of the payment was missed or if the IRS calculated it incorrectly, individuals can claim the remaining amount as a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return. Letter 6475 ensures taxpayers accurately report their stimulus payments, avoiding delays or errors in processing.

Why did the IRS send letter 6475?

The IRS sent Letter 6475 to help taxpayers reconcile their third-round Economic Impact Payments with the payments reported on their 2021 tax returns. There are several reasons why this notice was necessary:

To confirm receipt of the payment: Letter 6475 indicates the exact amount of EIP received by the taxpayer. It serves as official documentation for tax records.
To claim the Recovery Rebate Credit:Taxpayers who did not receive the full stimulus payment they were entitled to can use this letter to claim any missing amount on their 2021 tax return.
To avoid tax filing errors: Accurately reporting EIP amounts is crucial for avoiding processing delays or incorrect calculations when filing taxes. Letter 6475 helps ensure the figures used are accurate.

The IRS mailed this letter as part of its effort to streamline the tax filing process and provide individuals with the information needed to claim any remaining stimulus payments.

Pro tip

Keep a digital copy of Letter 6475 by scanning or photographing it. This ensures you have access to the information even if the physical letter gets misplaced.

How does letter 6475 affect your tax return?

Letter 6475 plays an important role in ensuring the accuracy of your tax return. Here’s how it can affect your tax filing:

Reporting your Economic Impact Payment: The amount stated in Letter 6475 should match the total payment you received. If you report a different amount, it could trigger a review by the IRS, potentially delaying your tax refund.
Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit: If the letter indicates you did not receive the full payment, you can claim the missing amount as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return. This credit will either increase your tax refund or reduce the amount you owe.
Avoiding processing delays: Using the information in Letter 6475 helps ensure that your tax return is processed smoothly. Filing an inaccurate EIP amount may lead to delays or adjustments by the IRS.

Reviewing Letter 6475 when preparing your 2021 tax return is essential to confirm you received the correct payment and to address any discrepancies.

What to do when you receive letter 6475

Upon receiving Letter 6475, it’s important to take the following steps:

Keep the letter for your records: Store the letter in a safe place as it contains important information needed to file your tax return accurately.
Compare the payment amount: Verify that the amount listed in Letter 6475 matches what you received for the third Economic Impact Payment. If there is a discrepancy, you may need to claim the difference on your tax return.
Include the Recovery Rebate Credit if needed: If the letter shows a payment lower than what you are eligible for, you can claim the remaining amount as a credit on your tax return. Follow the instructions for claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit to avoid issues.

These steps help ensure that your tax return is accurate, minimizing any potential processing delays and avoiding errors in your refund calculation.

Pro tip

Double-check your bank records and IRS notices to confirm the exact amount of your Economic Impact Payment before filing. This can help you avoid errors and delays in your tax return.

Common issues taxpayers face with letter 6475

Several challenges may arise when dealing with Letter 6475. Here are some common issues taxpayers may encounter:

Mismatched payment information: If the payment amount on Letter 6475 does not match your records, this could be due to changes in eligibility, adjustments made by the IRS, or incorrect banking information. Double-check your records and account statements to confirm the actual payment received.
Lost or missing Letter 6475: If you did not receive the letter, you can still find your Economic Impact Payment information through the IRS’s online tools or by checking your bank account statements for the payment date and amount.
Disputes regarding payment eligibility: If you believe you were eligible for a higher payment but did not receive it, you may need to provide additional documentation to support your claim when filing for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Addressing these issues promptly can help prevent complications when filing your tax return.

How to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit

If Letter 6475 indicates that you did not receive the full amount of your third Economic Impact Payment, you can claim the missing funds as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to claim the credit

1. Review the information in Letter 6475: Confirm the payment amount stated in the letter.
2. Check your tax return form: When filing your 2021 tax return, look for the Recovery Rebate Credit section. This section allows you to claim any unpaid EIP.
3. Calculate the credit amount: Use the IRS’s worksheet or online tools to determine the amount of credit you are eligible for based on your income, filing status, and the payments you already received.
4. Complete your tax return: Include the Recovery Rebate Credit in your tax filing. Make sure the figures match the information provided in Letter 6475.

Claiming this credit ensures that you receive any remaining funds from the third-round stimulus payment.

Pro tip

If you notice any discrepancies in Letter 6475, contact the IRS immediately to resolve the issue before filing your tax return. Early action can prevent refund delays.

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Frequently asked questions

Is letter 6475 the same as the CP01H notice?

No, Letter 6475 is not the same as the CP01H notice. Letter 6475 specifically relates to the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) and provides details about the total payment issued to an individual. The CP01H notice, on the other hand, is sent when the IRS believes there is an issue with a taxpayer’s account, such as identity theft or the account being mistakenly locked due to a death report. Each notice serves a different purpose and addresses different tax matters.

Can I file my taxes without letter 6475?

Yes, you can file your taxes without Letter 6475, but it is highly recommended to have the information from the letter to ensure accurate reporting. The letter helps you confirm the exact amount of your third Economic Impact Payment, which is important if you plan to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Without this information, you might incorrectly report your payment, leading to delays in processing or potential errors in your tax return.

What if I received the full third Economic Impact Payment?

If you received the full third Economic Impact Payment and the amount in Letter 6475 matches what you received, you don’t need to take additional action regarding the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return. You should still keep the letter for your records, as it serves as official documentation confirming your payment.

How can I get a replacement for letter 6475 if I lost it?

If you lost Letter 6475, you can still find your Economic Impact Payment information by using the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool online or by checking your bank account statements for the deposit date and amount. Additionally, you can access your IRS account online to view any payments issued to you. These alternatives can provide the details needed to complete your tax return accurately.

Will receiving letter 6475 affect my eligibility for future tax credits?

Receiving Letter 6475 does not affect your eligibility for future tax credits. The letter is informational and only relates to the Economic Impact Payments issued under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It serves to help you report the correct amount on your tax return and claim any missing payments as the Recovery Rebate Credit if needed. Other tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit, are based on different criteria and will not be impacted by this letter.

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

Letter 6475 provides details about your third Economic Impact Payment.
The information in the letter is necessary for filing an accurate 2021 tax return.
Claim any missing payments as the Recovery Rebate Credit if the amount in Letter 6475 is incorrect.
Keeping the letter for your records can help avoid filing errors and delays.

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