IRS Letter 4464C: Why Your Refund Is on Hold & What to Do Next

Getting a notice from the Internal Revenue Service can be scary — especially when it says your tax refund is on hold. If you’ve received IRS Letter 4464C, take a deep breath. This letter doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. It just means the IRS is doing a routine check-up on your tax return before giving you a tax refund.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about IRS letter 4464C— why you got this letter, what to do next, and how to avoid future delays.

What Is IRS Letter 4464C?

IRS Letter 4464C is a notice telling you that the IRS is reviewing your tax return more closely. This is part of their tax administration process to make sure everything matches up and that no fraud or mistakes have occurred.

It’s Not an Audit

First, let’s clear this up — this is not an audit. Audits are more in-depth and require full documentation of your finances. Letter 4464C is more of a “pause and check” move from the federal government of the United States.

The IRS uses this letter when they want to verify things like your income, tax credits, and identity. It’s very similar to other letters like CP05 or CP63, which also put refunds on hold for short-term reviews.

Why Did You Receive IRS Letter 4464C?

There are several common reasons the IRS might send this letter. Most of them are just precautionary steps, not accusations of tax evasion or fraud.

1. Income Mismatches

If your W-2 or 1099 income doesn’t match what the IRS sees from your employer or business, they might want to check.

2. Possible Identity Theft

The IRS may suspect someone else tried to file using your name. To protect you, they may hold your refund and ask for identity verification.

3. Mistakes in Tax Credits

If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, and something doesn’t add up, the IRS will need time to look into it.

4. Random Checks

The IRS also selects some returns randomly as part of government compliance reviews. These help with accuracy and precision in their system.

5. Missing or Incomplete Forms

Sometimes, a minor glitch, a typo, and a missing form section can put your tax returns on hold. So, make sure to complete the form or seek help from tax experts to reduce errors.

How Long Will the IRS Hold My Tax Refund?

Well, the IRS usually completes its review within 60 days. However, in some cases, it may take a bit longer, especially during tax season or if they’re waiting for documents from your side.

Factors That Can Slow It Down:

• Backlog at the IRS
• Registered mail delays
• Missing proof of income or deductions
• Cases flagged for fraud or tax noncompliance

Check Your Refund Status

You can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov to track your refund status. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.

Immediate Steps to Take After Receiving IRS Letter 4464C

You don’t need to panic — but you do need to act carefully and quickly. Here’s what to do.

Don’t Panic – Verify the Letter’s Authenticity

With scams rising, it’s smart to double-check that the letter is real. Make sure it:

• Has the official IRS letterhead
• Came by official mail (not email or text)
• Includes a valid IRS contact number

The IRS never asks for personal info over email, so be cautious of phishing attempts. If in doubt, call the IRS directly to confirm.

Review Your Tax Return for Errors

Look over your return and compare it with:

• W-2s and 1099s
• Bank statements
• Any other income or deductions

Common mistakes include:

• Typographical errors
• Incorrect Social Security Number
• Wrong direct deposit info
• Calculation issues

Fixing these could speed up your review.

Gather Supporting Documents

Sometimes, the IRS might ask for documents including:

• Pay stubs or proof of income
• Proof of tax credits (like childcare costs)
• Identity verification (driver’s license, utility bills)
• Bank statements to confirm deposit info

Having these documents ready shows you’re serious and can help move things faster.