CP44 Notice: Refund Withheld Pending Review

The CP44 Notice is sent by the IRS to notify taxpayers that their refund is being withheld while the IRS conducts a review of their tax return or account. This review can be triggered by various issues, such as outstanding tax debts, discrepancies in income reporting, or the need for additional verification of claimed credits or deductions.

Key aspects of the CP44 Notice:

• Reason for Refund Hold: The notice will explain why the refund is being held. Common reasons include unfiled returns from previous years, discrepancies in reported income, or unresolved tax debts. The IRS may also need to verify certain deductions or credits.
• Next Steps for Taxpayer: Depending on the reason for the review, the notice may request additional documentation or information. Taxpayers should respond promptly to avoid further delays.
• Timeframe for Review: The CP44 Notice will provide an estimated timeline for the review. In some cases, the review may take several weeks or longer, depending on the complexity of the issue.
• Impact on Refund: Once the review is complete, the IRS will either release the refund or adjust the return based on their findings. If adjustments are made, the taxpayer may receive a smaller refund or may owe additional taxes.

The CP44 Notice signals that the IRS is taking a closer look at the taxpayer’s account, and taxpayers should be proactive in resolving any issues to expedite the release of their refund.