IRS requesting EITC docs but I never applied for it? Help!
I just got a letter from the IRS asking for more documents about the Earned Income Tax Credit. The weird thing is, I don't remember applying for this credit and I'm pretty sure I don't even qualify for it. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? What should I do?
21 comments
Keisha Williams
Ugh, the IRS and their random letters. 🙄 I've been there before. First thing you should do is double-check your tax return (if you have a copy) to see if the credit was actually claimed. Sometimes tax software automatically applies credits without us realizing.
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Paolo Ricci
•Good point! I once had H&R Block software apply a credit I didnt even know existed. Def worth checking your return OP
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Yara Nassar
•Thanks for the advice! I'll dig up my return and take a look. Fingers crossed it's just a mixup 🤞
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Amina Toure
Don't panic! This happens more often than you'd think. Here's what you should do: 1. Review your tax return carefully 2. Gather any income documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) 3. Check the IRS website for EITC qualifications 4. If you're sure you don't qualify, write a letter explaining the situation 5. Include copies (not originals) of relevant documents 6. Send everything via certified mail Remember, the IRS is just trying to verify information. If it's a mistake, they'll sort it out. Just be proactive and respond before the deadline in the letter!
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Oliver Zimmermann
•This is solid advice right here 💯 Especially the part about sending stuff certified mail. Always keep receipts when dealing with the IRS!
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Yara Nassar
•Wow, thank you so much for the detailed steps! This really helps calm my nerves. I'll get started on this ASAP.
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CosmicCommander
•Quick question - how long does the IRS usually take to respond after you send in the documents?
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Amina Toure
•In my experience, it can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. But with current backlogs, it might be longer. Just make sure to respond before their deadline and you should be fine.
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Natasha Volkova
lol welcome to the wonderful world of IRS roulette 🎰 where the rules are made up and the credits don't matter 🤡
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Javier Torres
I had almost the exact same thing happen to me last year! Turns out my ex-spouse claimed the credit on our joint return without telling me. Might be worth checking if you filed jointly with anyone?
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Yara Nassar
•Oh wow, I didn't even think of that. I'm single, but I'll double-check to make sure no one used my info. Thanks for the heads up!
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Emma Davis
Hey, I know dealing with the IRS can be a pain, but I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/XbqD8mexcoQ
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Malik Johnson
•Sounds too good to be true. Does it really work? How long did you have to wait?
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Emma Davis
•It really does work! I was skeptical too, but I got through to an agent in about 2 hours. Way better than spending all day on hold myself.
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Isabella Ferreira
•20 bucks tho? Idk man, seems steep just to talk to someone we should be able to reach anyway 🤔
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Emma Davis
•I get it, but for me, time is money. Spending $20 to save hours of frustration was worth it. Plus, I got my issue resolved way faster.
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Ravi Sharma
Have you checked if someone might have stolen your identity and filed a return in your name? It's rare but it happens. Might be worth pulling your free credit report just to be safe.
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Yara Nassar
•Yikes, I hadn't considered that possibility. I'll definitely check my credit report. Thanks for the suggestion!
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NebulaNomad
ugh the IRS is such a broken system. they expect us to know every little rule and credit, but then they send confusing letters like this. its ridiculous
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Freya Thomsen
•Preach! 🙌 The tax code is like 70,000 pages long. How is anyone supposed to understand all that?
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Omar Fawaz
Quick tip: If you end up needing to call the IRS, try calling right when they open in the morning. I've had better luck getting through that way. Also, Tuesdays and Wednesdays seem to be less busy than Mondays or Fridays.
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