IRS Letter 6475 is a crucial document for taxpayers who received the third Economic Impact Payment, often called the third stimulus check, issued starting in March 2021. Unlike a bill or notice demanding payment, Letter 6475 simply reports the total amount of stimulus funds the IRS sent to an individual based on the information available at the time.
Verification and Access
While the IRS physically mails this letter, taxpayers who have misplaced it or never received it can access the payment information through their secure IRS Online Account at IRS.gov. For identity verification when accessing accounts or communicating with the IRS, you may need personal information such as a photo ID or utility bill.
Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
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“This letter means I owe more taxes.” This is incorrect. Letter 6475 is informational and helps taxpayers reconcile stimulus payments already received. If you qualify, it helps you claim the Recovery Rebate Credit to receive any additional stimulus money you’re owed.
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“I need the physical Letter 6475 to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.” While having the letter is helpful, you can use your IRS Online Account details, bank statements showing deposits from “IRS TREAS 310,” or your tax transcript instead.
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“The amount on Letter 6475 is all the stimulus money I am eligible for.” The letter reflects what the IRS sent you but does not account for changes in your situation, such as new dependents or income changes, which could increase your eligibility. The Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return adjusts for such changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Letter 6475 for the first, second, or third stimulus payment?
A1: It covers the third Economic Impact Payment only. Earlier payments came with different letters, such as Letter 1444 and 1444-B.
Q2: What to do if the amount on the letter is incorrect?
A2: Check your bank records for actual deposits. If you received less than you qualify for, report the amount received on your return and claim the difference via the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Q3: Do I need to send the letter with my tax return?
A3: No, the letter is for your records only. Just input the payment amount correctly on your tax forms.
Q4: Can my tax preparer access my Letter 6475?
A4: Preparers cannot access your personal IRS Online Account but can use the letter or payment details you provide.
Q5: Are “plus-up” payments included in Letter 6475?
A5: Yes. The letter covers the total third Economic Impact Payment amount, including any “plus-up” payments.
Why Letter 6475 Matters
Keeping this letter helps ensure tax returns are accurate and facilitates the claiming of any additional Recovery Rebate Credit. It prevents processing delays by providing official IRS records of stimulus payments.
If lost, the IRS Online Account remains the best way to retrieve your payment details. For more detailed information, visit the IRS official page on Economic Impact Payments.
For related topics, see our glossary entries on Recovery Rebate Credit and IRS Letter 6475.