IRS Notice CP63: Refund held — missing return
Quick answerYour refund is being held because the IRS has no record of a return you were required to file for another year.
Letter / noticeCP63
MeaningRefund held — missing return
Action needed?Yes — see steps
What happens next
The refund is released (or applied to a balance) once the missing return is processed.
Advertisement
What you should do
- File the missing return
- If you already filed it, send a copy with the notice
Scam check: the IRS first contacts you by mail. Use only the phone numbers printed on your letter or on IRS.gov — never ones from a text, email or unofficial site.
Frequently asked questions
What does IRS Notice CP63 mean?
Your refund is being held because the IRS has no record of a return you were required to file for another year.
What should I do?
File the missing return If you already filed it, send a copy with the notice
How long does it take?
The refund is released (or applied to a balance) once the missing return is processed.
Sources
- IRS: Understanding your IRS notice or letter
- IRS: Get Transcript
- Taxpayer Advocate Service (independent help inside the IRS)
Written by the editorial team and checked against the official sources above. See our editorial policy.
By the TranscriptCodes Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-11-12.