IRS Letter 4464C: What It Means & How to Respond Effectively

Have you ever filed your taxes, expected a refund, but got a letter from the IRS instead?

That letter, “IRS letter 4464C,” can feel scary initially. But don’t worry, it’s not an audit or a penalty notice.

This letter is a review notice, but how you respond still matters. Acting incorrectly or doing nothing can delay your refund or trigger further action.

In this article, you will learn exactly:

• What the IRS Letter 4464C is
• Why you received it, and how to respond
• What it means for your refund and how to reduce the chances of receiving it again

What Is IRS Letter 4464C?

This letter is part of the IRS 4464C review process designed to verify whether the information you submitted on your tax return is accurate and consistent with the IRS records.

This notice typically states that the IRS will hold your return for up to 60 days to conduct a thorough evaluation. During this period, the IRS may compare the income, deductions, credits, and withholding details on your return against their records. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. 

Bonus: IRS Audit Timeline and History 

Why Did You Receive IRS Letter 4464C?

When you know “why” you received IRS letter 4464C, you can better understand what triggered the review and whether you need to take action.

Here are several possible reasons why you received IRS Letter 4464C:

• You reported a large refund
• Mismatch of reported income and IRS records
• You filed early or at an odd time, which is common among identity theft attempts
• The IRS suspects possible identity theft
• You used a new bank account for the refund
• You made significant changes in income or filing status compared to previous years
• New filers or those with substantial income changes (e.g., job loss, self-employment) may face additional scrutiny

In most cases, the IRS 4464C notice doesn’t mean anything criminal or suspicious.

But yes, it can cause a tax refund delay letter from the IRS, which we’ll cover in the upcoming section.

Also Know → Why Did I Receive a Certified Letter from the IRS?

What Should You Do After Receiving IRS Letter 4464C?

The good news is you don’t need to respond when you receive the IRS Letter 4464C, unless the IRS specifically asks you to. Still, there are some essential steps you should take to stay informed.

Here’s what you should do after receiving the IRS letter 4464C:

1. Verify the letter is legitimate

Make sure it’s actually from the IRS. Check that it says Letter 4464C at the top and includes your name, partial SSN, notice date, and tax year. 

Ensure the envelope and letter came from a real IRS location like Austin (TX), Fresno (CA), or Ogden (UT). It should not demand immediate payment or threaten legal action, if it does, it’s likely a scam.

Bonus Read → What to Expect During an IRS Audit and How to Prepare

2. Check If You Filed a Return

One of the most important checks is to confirm if you actually filed a tax return for the year in question. If you haven’t filed yet but received Letter 4464C, this could indicate potential identity theft. 

3. Do not file another return

Filling another could make things worse. It may lead to longer delays. However, if you find errors while reviewing your return, filing an amended return (Form 1040X) promptly can potentially expedite the review process.

4. Wait 60 days and check your refund status

The question is, “How long does an IRS review take?” You usually don’t need to call the IRS unless it’s been more than 60 days. That’s how long the IRS says the review process may take. 

Rather than calling the IRS repeatedly, use the “Where’s My Refund” tool on the IRS website to check your refund status. This tool will update once the review is complete and your refund is processed.

In some cases, after this review, the IRS may request verification documents. If your case involves identity theft, you may instead receive an IRS identity verification notice, like letter 5071C.

Will IRS Letter 4464C Delay Your Tax Refund?

Yes, IRS letter 4464C is a tax refund delay letter. 

Typically, the IRS will place a hold on processing your refund for up to 60 days. During this time, they verify the information on your return to ensure it matches their records.

They verify your W-2, 1099s, and dependents and possibly compare your return with information from banks, employers, or even the Social Security Administration.

That’s part of the IRS 4464C review process, and it happens without asking you for more info. However, if something doesn’t match, they might send a follow-up letter asking for proof or corrections.

If the information checks out, your refund will be released. If discrepancies are found, the IRS may request clarification or extra documentation before proceeding. Sometimes, they might adjust the return and issue a corrected refund.

While it’s frustrating, this tax refund delay letter from the IRS is common. It’s primarily used to help prevent fraudulent returns and identity theft.

Potential Outcomes of IRS Letter 4464C Review

After the review, you may encounter one of these scenarios:

• Refund approved: If no issues are found, your refund will be processed (possibly with interest if delayed beyond 45 days).

• Adjustments to your return: The IRS may disallow certain credits or deductions, reducing your refund. You’ll receive a notice explaining changes and can appeal if you disagree.

• Audit initiation: In rare cases, discrepancies may lead to a full audit.

• Identity theft confirmation: If fraud is detected, you must file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) and work with the IRS to resolve the issue.

Special Case Scenario

You Already Received Your Refund: Should You Worry?

No. Disregard the letter if you received Letter 4464C after already getting your refund. IRS Employee Manuals instruct staff to advise taxpayers to disregard the letter. However, to be cautious, call the IRS to confirm there are no outstanding issues.

How to Track the Status of Your IRS 4464C Review?

If you got the IRS letter 4464C, it means the IRS is reviewing your tax return to make sure everything checks out. This doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. But while they verify your info, your tax refund may be delayed.

You can’t track the 4464C letter status directly like a package, but you can still check on your return and refund using these steps:

1. Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool: Visit irs.gov/refunds. This tool shows if your refund is being processed, approved, or sent. If the IRS is reviewing your return, the status might say “Still being processed.”
2. Create an IRS online account: Sign up at irs.gov/account to see your account balance, any notices, or updates. This is the most reliable way to monitor your tax status.
3. Call the IRS after 60 days: If it’s been more than 60 days since you received the 4464C letter, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your letter and Social Security number ready.

How to Avoid IRS Letter 4464C in the Future?

The IRS doesn’t disclose the exact algorithms used to select returns for review. The IRS tax verification letter usually shows up because of small triggers.

Here’s how you can lower your chances of getting one next time:

• File your taxes in mid-season. Early filings are more likely to be flagged, especially in January, when fraud attempts peak.
• File electronically using trusted tax software. It helps you compare your current return with previous years to identify potential inconsistencies.
• Use consistent information each year unless required to change to prevent mismatches.
• Match your W-2 or 1099 numbers exactly. The IRS uses automated checks.
• Avoid big refund claims if possible. Large refunds tend to get reviewed more often.
• Avoid significant overstatements in deductions or credits.
• Use the same bank account. The system may flag new accounts.
• Do not round figures unnecessarily.

These steps reduce the likelihood of your return being flagged for manual review. While they don’t guarantee exemption from receiving a letter, they help keep your return in line with IRS expectations.

When to Contact the IRS About Letter 4464C?

Generally, you should wait 60 days before contacting the IRS. This is the typical timeframe they give to complete the review.

But here’s when you should contact:

• It’s been over 60 days, and no update is there
• You’ve received a second letter requesting identity verification or additional documents
• You believe someone may have filed a return using your name
• Your tax return was filed accurately, but you’ve received multiple reviews in a row
• You need the refund urgently and have supporting documents
• You notice a status change in your IRS account that you did not authorize

The IRS number is usually printed on the letter. While contacting them, carefully have the following ready:

• A copy of IRS Letter 4464C
• Your Social Security Number
• Your tax filing status
• A copy of your tax return

Let Hopkins CPA Firm Help You with IRS Letter 4464C 

Getting the IRS letter 4464C might be a bad surprise. But knowing what it means and how to respond can save you from delays. That’s where Hopkins CPA Firm helps. 

We help you understand the notice, handle your response, and make sure everything is done right the first time. With years of experience dealing with IRS letters, we know what it takes to make things work your way.

Better yet, prepare your taxes and file with Hopkins CPA Firm before filing next time to avoid the IRS letter 4464C altogether.

Put your anxiety aside; let us stand by your side. Contact Us Now!