CP80: payments are on your account, but no return

What a CP80 means

A CP80 is the reverse of a bill. The IRS says it credited payments or other credits to your account for the form and period on the notice, but it hasn't received your return. [1]source 1

The IRS's current page for this notice uses the code CP080B; people still search it as CP80. [1]source 1

Credits that sit on an account without a return don't turn themselves into a refund. The return is what unlocks them.

Why people get one

• Withholding or estimated payments posted, but no return was filed for that period.
• A return was filed but never reached or posted at the IRS.
• A payment went to the wrong period, form or taxpayer ID.

First steps

1. Check whether you filed for the form and period on the notice.
2. Look at your IRS online account, typed in yourself at irs.gov, to see the credits that posted.
3. If you're required to file and haven't, file now and mail the signed return to the address at the top of the notice. [1]source 1
4. If you already filed, send a newly signed copy to that same address. [1]source 1
5. If the credit belongs to another form, period or taxpayer ID, call the number printed on your notice with those details. [1]source 1

What not to do

• Don't assume the credits will come back to you without a return.
• Don't send an unsigned copy; the IRS asks for a newly signed one. [1]source 1
• Don't act on a link or number in an unexpected email or text about these credits. Use irs.gov, typed in yourself.

Related notices

• Related CP59 The notice that the IRS has no record of a prior-year return.
• Related CP88 The notice that holds a refund until missing returns arrive.

Keep reading

• Estimated tax

Questions