IRS CP05A: Documents to Verify Income and Withholding

What documents does CP05A accept?

The IRS CP05A instructions require evidence showing when wages were earned, gross income received and federal tax withheld for the year on the notice. Its listed acceptable documentation includes:

• At least three pay statements or check stubs, including the year-end statement or stub. The IRS specifically says not to send a Form W-2 copy for this request.
• A letter on employer letterhead that includes the employer's name, address, telephone number and fax number.
• A statement showing retirement-income benefits.

Follow your notice's request and use the listed documentation appropriate to your income. Make sure the required amounts and year are legible. Do not assume a generic bank statement or a W-2 alone satisfies this particular request.

Prepare the response packet

1. Read the requested items and response deadline.
2. Collect copies of the supporting records for that tax year.
3. Include a copy of CP05A; the IRS expressly requires it.
4. Check that the documents show the required wage dates, gross amounts and federal withholding.
5. Keep a copy of what you send and any submission or delivery record.

If a required record is unavailable, use the contact instructions on the notice to explain the problem. Do not invent an amount or assume an unlisted replacement is acceptable.

Can I upload the documents?

Yes. The current CP05A page identifies the IRS Document Upload Tool as the fastest response route. Access it through the official page's reply link or the QR code on your notice, complete the upload form and include the notice copy with your supporting material.

The IRS upload-tool guide explains supported document formats and submission confirmation. Keep the confirmation; receiving an upload is not approval of the claimed refund. The tool is not a general way to file an original or amended tax return.

The IRS also allows fax to the number on CP05A or mail to its listed address. Use the destination for your actual notice. RefundIQ's website and phone number are not IRS document-submission channels.

When should I contact the IRS after responding?

The IRS says to allow 60 days from the date you provided supporting documentation for review before contacting it. Keep that response date separate from the notice date and filing date. This is not a promise that a refund will be paid in 60 days; follow any later IRS correspondence.

Is this the same as CP05B or CP05?

No. CP05 normally starts with waiting if you filed the return. CP05B describes an income mismatch and has its own evidence and mailing instructions. Do not transfer CP05A's document list or upload route automatically to CP05B.

If the records reveal an actual return error, use the amendment decision guide and the applicable IRS instructions. A requested evidence response still needs attention.

What if this is not my return?

For a return you did not file, the IRS directs a separate Form 14039 response mailed to the notice address. Use the conditional affidavit guide; a document request concerning your own return does not automatically call for identity-theft reporting.