Understanding the Difference Between TP TAX FIGURES and IMF TOTAL TAX on IRS Notice

Those two fields on your transcript are actually telling you exactly what happened with your return. Let me explain: "TP TAX FIGURES" stands for Taxpayer Tax Figures - this is what you calculated and reported on your tax return. The "(REDUCED BY IRAF)" part refers to any refundable credits that were applied. "IMF TOTAL TAX" refers to Individual Master File Total Tax - this is what the IRS computer system calculated your tax liability to be after their review. The difference between these two figures ($287) is what the IRS believes you miscalculated. This commonly happens with math errors, misapplied credits, or sometimes when the IRS receives information from third parties (like W-2s or 1099s) that doesn't match what you reported.

After dealing with a similar situation last year, I found this amazing tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me so much hassle. I uploaded my IRS notice and tax transcript to it, and it actually explained exactly what was happening with my TP TAX FIGURES vs IMF TOTAL TAX discrepancy. The tool pinpointed that my issue was related to a calculation error with my child tax credit that I never would have caught on my own. It even showed me which specific line on my return triggered the adjustment and explained the IRS rules that applied in plain English.

I tried taxr.ai after asking about it here and WOW - it actually worked! I uploaded my notice with those same confusing "TP TAX FIGURES" and "IMF TOTAL TAX" terms and my return. Within minutes it explained that I had accidentally claimed a partial retirement savings credit I wasn't eligible for based on my AGI. The tool showed exactly where the error occurred and even explained how the IRS calculated the correct amount. Saved me hours of frustration trying to decipher the cryptic IRS notice. Definitely recommend it if you're still trying to figure out the $287 difference!

If you want to get to the bottom of this TP TAX vs IMF TAX issue, good luck calling the IRS directly. I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through their phone system. Then I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual IRS agent in under 20 minutes! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent I spoke with pulled up my transcript and explained line by line what triggered the adjustment on my return. Turns out there was a discrepancy between what my employer reported on my W-2 and what I entered on my return that I never would have figured out from just the notice.

I'm eating my words about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it for a complicated notice I received about my retirement account distributions. I was connected to an IRS representative in about 30 minutes (still faster than I've ever managed on my own). The agent explained that my TP TAX FIGURES vs IMF TOTAL TAX discrepancy was due to an early withdrawal penalty that I hadn't calculated correctly. She walked me through exactly how to file an amended return to fix it. Never thought I'd say this, but it was actually a pleasant experience dealing with the IRS!

For what it's worth, I've seen this exact issue before. The difference between TP TAX FIGURES and IMF TOTAL TAX is often related to tax credits being applied incorrectly. In my case, it was because I claimed an education credit but entered the wrong academic year. The IRS computer caught it and recalculated. If you're confident in your original calculations, you can absolutely challenge this adjustment. Look for Form 8275 "Disclosure Statement" - you can use this to explain why you believe your original calculation was correct and provide supporting documentation.

Has anyone else noticed that these "math error" corrections seem to be happening way more frequently for the 2025 filing season? I've seen at least 3 friends get these TP TAX vs IMF TAX notices in the last month alone.

This is exactly what happened to me last year! The frustrating part is that the IRS notices are so cryptic - they don't clearly explain what "TP TAX FIGURES" and "IMF TOTAL TAX" actually mean or why there's a difference. In my case, the $200+ discrepancy turned out to be related to how I calculated the Additional Child Tax Credit. I had used the worksheet correctly, but there was a limitation based on my earned income that the IRS computer caught that I missed. One thing that helped me was getting the Account Transcript (not just the Return Transcript) - it shows more detailed transaction codes that can help you pinpoint exactly where the adjustment occurred. You can request it online through your IRS account or by calling. Don't give up if you're confident in your calculations. Sometimes the IRS makes mistakes too, and you have the right to challenge their correction if you can provide supporting documentation.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and it was incredibly stressful! The difference between TP TAX FIGURES and IMF TOTAL TAX on my transcript was about $340, and like you, I was convinced the IRS had made an error. After weeks of trying to figure it out, I discovered the issue was with how I had calculated my Earned Income Tax Credit. I had used the correct income figures, but I missed a subtle rule about how investment income affects EITC eligibility. The IRS computer system caught this automatically when it cross-referenced my 1099-INT forms. My advice: Don't assume you made the error, but also don't assume the IRS did. Get your hands on every piece of documentation - your Account Transcript, all your tax documents, and any third-party reporting forms (W-2s, 1099s, etc.). Compare line by line what you reported versus what third parties reported to the IRS. The good news is that if you can prove your calculation was correct, the IRS will absolutely reverse their adjustment. I've seen it happen. But you need solid documentation to support your position. Keep pushing for answers - that $287 difference could very well be rightfully yours!