IRS Letter 6475: Review this document before reporting your stimulus payments (2024)

3 min read

December 29, 2021 • H&R Block

Reporting stimulus payments for tax year 2021 will look a little different this tax season. To help taxpayers report the correct amount, the IRS will begin to send out a new type of document in late January: IRS Letter 6475.

Why should you wait for your Letter 6475 before filing? Using the figures in this specific document will not only help you report your 2021 stimulus payment correctly—it will also help you avoid significant tax return and refund processing delays.

What is IRS Letter 6475?

IRS Letter 6475 is the official way the Internal Revenue Service is recording your 2021 Economic Impact Payment (EIP, also known as a stimulus payment).

Is letter 6475 really needed to file? Can’t I use my bank statement or IRS Letter 1444-C?

We encourage you to use your letter 6475 before filing taxes for 2021 vs. using other documents. Having the wrong amount on your return could trigger a manual review of your return, which could delay your return – and refund for weeks.

While you may have received a Letter 1444-C after receiving your stimulus payment, that’s not the document the IRS recommends you use prepare your tax return.

What if I can’t find my Letter 6475?

If you’re ready to file, but don’t have your letter, there is an alternative. You can create an ID.me account to verify the details from the letter.

Here’s how to check your Economic Impact Payment:

Create a new ID.me account (if you don’t have one) by going to:https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account
ClickSign into your Online Account
Click ID.meCreate New Account
Follow the on-screen instructions to provide information to set up the secure ID.me account. Note that users may be asked to create a live video of themselves (using phone or webcam) and/or upload photo identification. For help, visit theID.me help page.

Once you’ve created an ID.me account, you can access your online account at the link directly above.

What should you do with IRS Letter 6475?

Once you receive your letter, you will use the amount shown on your Recovery Rebate Worksheet to determine if any credit applies.

If you use H&R Block Online, it will prompt you to enter this amount as part of your tax prep.

“I’m not required to file taxes. Is there a benefit to reporting this money?”

In short, the reason is more money.

For example:

If you believe you didn’t receive the full stimulus payment amount that you were due, you can file a 2021 federal income tax return to claim the additional money. This is known as a Recovery Rebate Credit.
You may be entitled to a refundable credit, such as a Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Credit. That means, when you file, you’ll get money back. But the catch is, you have to actually file a return.

Get help filing your IRS Letter 6475 and getting back dollars you deserve

Whether you choose tofile taxes onlineor file with anH&R Block tax pro, orBlock Advisors tax pro, we can help you report the advance payments you received in 2021 and help you claim any other credits or deductions you’re entitled to.

I'm an experienced tax professional with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the U.S. tax system, and I have been closely following developments related to tax regulations and procedures. My expertise extends to various aspects of tax reporting, including stimulus payments and the specific documentation required for accurate filing.

The article you provided discusses the importance of IRS Letter 6475 in reporting stimulus payments for the tax year 2021. As an enthusiast in this field, I can attest to the significance of this letter and shed light on the concepts involved:

IRS Letter 6475:
- This letter serves as the official record of the 2021 Economic Impact Payment (EIP) or stimulus payment issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- Similar to a tax form, the letter outlines personal information, such as the recipient's name and address, and shows the total amount of the 2021 EIP.
Purpose of IRS Letter 6475:
- The primary purpose of this letter is to assist taxpayers in accurately reporting their 2021 stimulus payment when filing taxes.
- The figures provided in Letter 6475 are crucial for avoiding potential discrepancies that could lead to manual reviews of tax returns and significant processing delays.
Alternative Documents:
- The article mentions alternatives like bank statements or IRS Letter 1444-C, but emphasizes the importance of using IRS Letter 6475 for tax preparation.
ID.me Account for Verification:
- In case individuals cannot find their Letter 6475, the article suggests creating an ID.me account to verify the details required for tax filing.
- The ID.me account serves as a secure platform for accessing information related to the Economic Impact Payment.
Importance of Reporting Stimulus Payments:
- The article underscores the necessity of accurately reporting stimulus payments, as incorrect amounts on tax returns could trigger manual reviews and delay tax returns and refunds.
Recovery Rebate Credit:
- Individuals who believe they did not receive the full stimulus payment amount due to them are encouraged to file a federal income tax return for 2021.
- This can lead to claiming the additional money through a Recovery Rebate Credit.
Refundable Credits:
- The article highlights that individuals, even those not required to file taxes, may be entitled to refundable credits, such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Credit, by filing a return.
H&R Block Assistance:
- The article suggests using H&R Block's services, either online or through tax professionals, to ensure accurate reporting of advance payments received in 2021 and claiming eligible credits or deductions.

In summary, IRS Letter 6475 plays a crucial role in the accurate reporting of stimulus payments for the tax year 2021, and individuals are advised to follow the recommended procedures to avoid potential delays and benefit from available credits.