IRS notice guide · Individuals
CP12: The IRS changed your refund
The IRS corrected what it sees as a mistake on your return, and your refund changed.
Check it, usually no rush
What it means
The IRS found what it believes is a math or entry error, often a credit, an estimated payment or a withholding amount, and recalculated your refund.
If the IRS is right, you need not do anything. If it is wrong, you have a limited time to ask it to reverse the change.
How long you have. Contact the IRS by the date on the notice if you disagree. After that you lose the formal right to have the change reversed and to appeal to the Tax Court.
What to do now
- Compare the notice with your return line by line.
- If you agree, there is nothing to send. The adjusted refund arrives in about four to six weeks.
- If you disagree, call the number on the notice with your records, or have us handle it.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the IRS is always right. Missed estimated payments are a common cause.
Questions
Can Coastal Tax handle this notice for me?
Yes. Paige Fernald is an Enrolled Agent, so with your signed Form 2848 she can speak to the IRS for you, pull your transcripts and answer the notice.
Checked against the agency's own guidance on October 27, 2026: www.irs.gov. This page is general information. Your notice's own dates and instructions come first.