Educational notice: This page explains, in general terms, what an IRS CP75 notice is and why someone might receive it. It is not tax advice and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS.

CP75 notice explained (What it means when the IRS pauses your refund)

CP75 notice explained: A CP75 notice generally means the IRS needs to verify something on your tax return before it will finish processing certain credits or issue the refund tied to those items. In plain English, it often feels like: “Your return is on hold until you prove the info is real.”

This page explains what CP75 usually relates to, why refunds can be delayed, what the IRS is typically trying to confirm, and how to think about next steps in a calm, practical way. Everything here is educational and general.

What Is a CP75 Notice (Plain English)?

CP75 is commonly described as a notice the IRS sends when it is reviewing parts of a return and wants verification before finalizing certain credits or the refund amount. Many people get CP75 and immediately think “audit.”

While it can feel like an audit, CP75 is often about verification and documentation. The IRS is basically saying, “We need to confirm you qualify for what was claimed.”

Takeaway: CP75 usually means the IRS is verifying eligibility for certain items before releasing money.

Does CP75 Mean You’re Being Audited?

This is the first question people ask. CP75 can feel “audit-ish” because it involves review and proof. But not every IRS review is the same as a full traditional audit.

If you want the simple breakdown of how IRS letters relate (or don’t relate) to audits, this page helps: Does an IRS letter mean an audit?

Takeaway: CP75 involves review and verification, but it doesn’t automatically mean a full audit in the way most people imagine.

Why Would Someone Get a CP75 Notice?

CP75 often shows up when the IRS wants proof around items that can affect refunds and credits. Some common “themes” (not an exhaustive list) include:

  • Eligibility for credits that increase a refund
  • Dependent-related claims where the IRS wants confirmation
  • Income or withholding details that impact the refund calculation
  • Identity or return integrity concerns (the IRS trying to prevent improper refunds)

The important thing is not to panic. CP75 usually means the IRS wants documentation, not that you’re “in trouble.”

Takeaway: CP75 often appears when the IRS wants proof for refund-related items like credits, dependents, or income details.

CP75 vs CP2000 (Different Problems, Different Feel)

A CP2000 notice is commonly a mismatch/proposed changes notice. It often relates to information reporting (like income documents) and proposes adjustments.

CP75 is more about verification before the IRS completes processing certain parts of your return, especially where credits/refunds are involved.

Takeaway: CP2000 is usually “we think numbers don’t match”; CP75 is often “prove eligibility so we can finish processing.”

CP75 vs CP14 / CP501 / CP503 / CP504 (Refund Review vs Balance Due)

CP75 is commonly tied to refund processing or verification. Balance-due letters are different. They are about the IRS saying you owe money.

If you’re trying to understand the “you owe” track, start here: IRS balance due letters explained

Takeaway: CP75 is usually a “refund/verification” issue, not a “pay now” balance-due issue.

Does CP75 Mean the IRS Can Take My Refund?

CP75 usually means the IRS is holding up the refund until verification is done. If the IRS determines you’re not eligible for something claimed, the refund amount can change.

People also worry about offsets or collections taking refunds for other debts. This page covers the general fear question: Can the IRS take your tax refund?

Takeaway: CP75 is often about delaying a refund until the IRS verifies claims; the final refund can change depending on what is confirmed.

What Should You Do With a CP75 Notice?

Since this site is educational (not personal tax advice), here’s the general “calm checklist” approach:

  • Read the notice fully and identify what the IRS is asking to verify.
  • Match the tax year and the taxpayer name/SSN area (make sure it’s actually yours).
  • Gather documentation that supports the items on the return related to credits, dependents, or income.
  • Respond the way the notice says (method and deadline matter).
  • Keep copies of everything you send.

If you’re unsure how serious a letter is, compare it to the big “don’t ignore” guidance here: What happens if you ignore an IRS letter?

Takeaway: CP75 is usually solved by organized documentation and a timely response.

Can CP75 Turn Into Collections (Levies or Liens)?

CP75 itself is usually not a levy or lien notice. It’s about verification and refund processing. But people ask this because they’re already stressed and want to know the “worst case.”

Here’s the clean definition of levy: What is an IRS levy? and lien: What is an IRS lien?

Collection warning letters look different and are covered here: Final Notice of Intent to Levy explained, LT11 notice explained, CP90 notice explained, and Letter 1058 explained.

Takeaway: CP75 is usually a verification/refund issue, not a collections action—collections letters have different language and purpose.

Real-World Example (What CP75 Looks Like in Real Life)

Someone files a return expecting a refund. Weeks go by. Then CP75 arrives saying the IRS is reviewing certain items. The person’s first thought is, “Did I do something wrong?”

Often, the better way to see it is: “The IRS is pausing and asking for proof before releasing the money.” The practical goal becomes providing clean documentation and meeting the deadline.

Takeaway: CP75 feels scary because it delays money, but it’s often a documentation and verification process.

Helpful Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CP75 notice from the IRS?

CP75 is generally a notice that the IRS is reviewing parts of your return and needs verification before finalizing certain credits or issuing the related refund. It often means your return (or refund) is temporarily on hold while the IRS checks eligibility and documentation.

Does CP75 mean I’m being audited?

Not automatically. CP75 involves review and documentation, which can feel like an audit, but not every review is a full audit. See: Does an IRS letter mean an audit?

Will CP75 delay my refund?

Often yes. CP75 is commonly associated with refund delays because the IRS is verifying items that affect the refund amount. Once the IRS finishes the review, the refund may be released, adjusted, or partially reduced depending on what is confirmed.

Is CP75 the same as CP2000?

No. CP2000 is commonly a proposed changes notice tied to mismatched information. CP75 is usually a verification/review notice related to credits and refund processing.

What happens if I ignore a CP75 notice?

Ignoring IRS letters can reduce options and can keep your return/refund from being finalized. See: What happens if you ignore an IRS letter?

Does CP75 mean the IRS will levy my bank account?

CP75 is usually not a levy notice. Levies are collections actions and use different language. If you’re worried about that topic, start here: What is an IRS levy?

This page is for general educational purposes only and does not provide tax or legal advice. WhatThisIRSLetterMeans.com is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.