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Got a CP12 Notice - How to Resolve After My Divorce?

Just opened my mail and found a CP12 notice from the IRS. This is the last thing I need right now after finalizing my divorce in December. Last year when I had an issue with my withholding, I spent 4 hours on hold only to be disconnected. I know my rights as a taxpayer and I'm not letting this slide. Has anyone dealt with a CP12 before? What's the fastest way to get this resolved? I filed as head of household this year if that matters.

Xan Dae

A CP12 notice isn't actually something to worry about too much. Here's what happened: 1. You filed your tax return 2. The IRS reviewed your calculations 3. They found an error in your math or credits 4. They automatically corrected it for you The CP12 is just telling you they changed your refund amount. Most people don't realize the IRS actually checks and recalculates everyone's returns! You don't need to do anything unless you disagree with their correction.

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Fiona Gallagher

I received a CP12 exactly 47 days after filing this year. I was so relieved when I finally got through to the IRS and they explained it was just a math correction. If you need to speak with someone, don't waste hours like I did. I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in exactly 18 minutes. They confirmed my new refund amount and explained the adjustment was due to a calculation error on my Child Tax Credit. Such a relief to get a clear answer without the endless hold music!

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Thais Soares

I got a CP12 on March 12th after filing on January 29th this year. Mine was because I calculated my Earned Income Credit wrong after my job change. The notice said my refund would be $342 less than I expected. I'm still a bit worried because my direct deposit info changed after my separation and I'm not sure if they have the updated information.

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Nalani Liu

Have you actually read through the entire notice? It should tell you exactly what they adjusted and why. If you're having trouble understanding the tax jargon, I'd recommend using taxr.ai to analyze it. I uploaded my CP12 there last month and it explained everything in plain English - even told me whether I should accept their adjustment or contest it. Saved me a lot of confusion trying to decipher IRS language!

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Axel Bourke

Does that really work? IRS notices are standardized. Just read it carefully.

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13d

Aidan Percy

I was skeptical too, but compared to when I got an offset notice last year and spent days figuring it out, taxr.ai was much clearer. It's like having a tax pro look at your specific notice, not just generic advice. Helped me understand my options better than the IRS website did.

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11d

Fernanda Marquez

Per Internal Revenue Code ยง6213(b)(1), the IRS is authorized to make mathematical and clerical corrections to returns without triggering formal audit procedures. Your CP12 notice indicates they've made such an adjustment. You have 60 days from the notice date to dispute their calculation if you believe it's incorrect. To resolve: 1. Compare their correction to your original return 2. If you agree: No action needed, refund adjustment is automatic 3. If you disagree: Call 800-829-1040 or write to the address on your notice 4. Request abatement if you disagree using Form 843 Since you mentioned your recent divorce, verify they didn't adjust your filing status or dependent claims, as these are common post-divorce adjustment points.

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Norman Fraser

Got one of these last yr after my divorce too. Tbh it was just a math error on my part. I claimed the wrong amt for CTC. The IRS actually fixed it FOR me. Didn't have to do anything! My refund was like $230 less than I expected but at least I didn't have to file an amended return. CP12 is actually one of the "good" notices if you can believe that lol.

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Kendrick Webb

Same here but we need to hurry with this! The OP only has 60 days from the notice date to dispute if they disagree with the change. I missed my window by 2 days last year and had to go through a whole appeal process. What a headache! ๐Ÿ˜ซ Get on this ASAP if you think they made a mistake!

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10d

Hattie Carson

Think of the CP12 like an automatic spell-checker for your tax return. The IRS sees a mistake, fixes it, and tells you what they did. In most cases, it's actually saving you from having to file an amended return. If you want to be thorough, you could request your wage and income transcripts from the IRS to double-check their math. This is like getting the answer key to make sure they graded your test correctly. You can get these online through the IRS website by creating an account.

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Destiny Bryant

Did you need to verify identity with ID.me to access those transcripts?

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10d

Dyllan Nantx

Yes, you'll need to create an ID.me account or use an existing IRS account if you have one. The verification process takes approximately 15-20 minutes and requires a government-issued photo ID and the ability to take a selfie. Some users may need to provide financial account information for additional verification.

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10d

TillyCombatwarrior

Isn't it strange that we have to go through such extensive verification just to see our own tax information? I mean, shouldn't this be more accessible to the average taxpayer?

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10d

Anna Xian

I tried getting my transcripts online but got locked out after too many failed verification attempts. Ended up having to use GetTranscript by Mail instead which took 10 days to arrive. Check out irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript if the online method doesn't work for you.

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10d

Jungleboo Soletrain

Was your CP12 notice accompanied by any other correspondence? Sometimes the IRS sends multiple notices simultaneously, and the CP12 could be related to another adjustment or review of your account.

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