All notices › Refund
IRS CP05A: Review Follow-Up — Documents Required
Straight answer: A CP05A follows a CP05 refund hold: the IRS finished waiting and now needs specific documents (proof of income, withholding, or credits) before releasing your refund.
How many days do I have to respond to a CP05A?
30 days from the date printed on the notice (not the day you opened it). Respond with the requested documents within 30 days, or the IRS adjusts or denies the refund based on what it has.
Your response deadline is approximately — days from today.
What should I do right now?
- Send exactly what's listed — paystubs, W-2s, 1099s, or letters from employers proving withholding.
- Use the response method specified (fax/upload/mail) and keep proof of submission.
- If your employer never filed its W-2s (it happens), a wage-and-income transcript plus final paystub is your evidence path.
The costly mistake people make with a CP05A
Sending a generic 'here's my return again' response. The IRS wants third-party proof, not your own numbers restated.
Do I need professional help with a CP05A?
Useful when withholding proof is hard to assemble — e.g., a defunct employer or a preparer who fabricated withholding.
Want a professional to look at your CP05A?
Tell us what you received and we'll connect you with a licensed tax resolution professional for a free case review. No obligation.
Get my free case review →