IRS CP75 EIC Exam Notice Explained
A CP75 notice means the IRS is taking a closer look at your Earned Income Credit claim before releasing your refund. The agency needs you to provide documentation proving you qualify for the credit. Your refund is on hold until the exam is resolved, so responding promptly and completely is important.
This guide is general educational information, not professional advice. If the document involves a serious deadline, lawsuit, tax issue, health decision, or major financial consequence, get qualified help.
What this document usually means
The CP75 is an examination notice specifically targeting the Earned Income Credit on your return. The IRS selected your return for review and wants proof that you meet the income, filing status, and qualifying child requirements for the credit. Your refund is being held until you provide the requested documents.
This is not a full audit of your entire return. The IRS is focused on the EIC, though the documents you provide may touch on other parts of your return such as income and dependents. The notice will list exactly what the IRS wants you to send.
The first things to check
Read the notice carefully to identify exactly which documents the IRS is requesting. Common requests include proof of income such as W-2s, pay stubs, or self-employment records. The IRS may also ask for proof that a qualifying child lived with you, such as school records, medical records, or a letter from a landlord.
Note the deadline for responding. The IRS typically gives 30 days, but the timeline may vary. If you need more time, call the number on the notice to request an extension before the deadline passes.
Gather all requested documents before responding. Sending a partial response can delay the process further.
Common reasons this letter feels confusing
The CP75 can list many categories of acceptable documents, making it hard to know which ones you actually need to provide. The IRS may ask for documents that people do not typically keep on hand, such as childcare provider records or utility bills showing a shared address.
People are also confused about what happens to their refund during the exam. The refund is frozen until the IRS makes a determination. If you do not respond, the IRS will deny the credit and adjust your return, which could result in a balance due.
What to do before you pay or respond
Assemble all the documents listed on the notice. Organize them clearly and include copies rather than originals. Write a brief cover letter referencing the notice number and your Social Security number. Send everything to the address on the notice by the deadline, using a trackable mailing method.
If you cannot locate certain documents, send what you have and explain what is missing and why. The IRS may accept alternative forms of proof.
If the IRS ultimately denies the credit and you disagree, you have the right to appeal. The denial letter will include instructions for the appeals process. Consider consulting a tax professional or a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic for free or low-cost assistance.
How Letter Lens can help
Upload your CP75 notice to Letter Lens, and it will list the specific documents the IRS is requesting in plain language. It will highlight the response deadline, explain what the EIC exam means for your refund, and clarify the consequences of not responding.
Letter Lens is not a tax advisor, but it can help you understand what is being asked so you can gather the right documents efficiently.
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