ERC audit

IRS Letter 6612: What It Means and How to Respond

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was designed to help businesses recover from the financial hardships of COVID-19. Unfortunately, as the IRS increases enforcement, many business owners are now receiving IRS Letter 6612, a notice that their ERC claim has been selected for audit or examination.

This letter can be intimidating, but it’s not an automatic employee retention credit disallowance. Instead, it’s an opportunity to prove that your ERC claim is legitimate.

With the right documentation and professional guidance, you can protect your refund and avoid a costly ERC disallowance.
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overview

What is IRS Letter 6612?

What it means:

RS Letter 6612 notifies you that your ERC claim is under review. It’s typically issued by the IRS Examination Division to begin a formal audit of one or more tax periods where you claimed the Employee Retention Credit.

Key points to understand:

  • The IRS will hold your refund while the audit is in progress.
  • You may receive a follow-up IRS Form 4564 (Information Document Request), sometimes called an IRS Letter 4564, outlining specific records you must provide.
  • The audit focuses on verifying whether your business met the eligibility criteria and correctly calculated the ERC.

Receiving a 6612 Letter does not mean you did anything wrong. It simply means the IRS wants to confirm that your claim aligns with program requirements.

Why It Happens:

There are several reasons the IRS may issue Letter 6612:

  • High refund amounts: Larger claims often draw more scrutiny.
  • Incomplete documentation: Missing or unclear eligibility records can trigger review.
  • Data mismatches: If reported wages, revenue, or employee counts don’t align with IRS records.
  • Industry targeting: Certain industries with frequent claims are being examined more closely.
  • Random sampling: Some cases are selected as part of routine audit programs.

The IRS has made ERC enforcement a priority, sending both Letter 6612 and IRS Form 4564 IDRs as part of a broader effort to prevent ERC disallowance fraud and recover improper claims.

How to respond:

Responding effectively to IRS Letter 6612 can make the difference between a smooth review and a full ERC disallowance. Here’s what to do:

1. Read the Letter Carefully

Identify which quarters are under audit, what documentation is required, and the response deadline (usually around 30 days).

2. Gather Your Evidence

Prepare all supporting materials, including:

  • Copies of government orders showing operational suspension or restrictions.
  • Quarterly gross-receipts data to demonstrate decline in revenue.
  • Detailed payroll registers showing qualified wages.
  • PPP loan records and calculations showing no wage overlap.
  • A summary explaining how your business met eligibility requirements.

3. Prepare for IRS Form 4564 (Information Document Request)

In most cases, the IRS will issue a Form 4564 audit request — also referred to as a form 4564 information document request or IRS Letter 4564.

This document lists every piece of evidence the IRS expects to see. Be sure to respond to every item listed. Missing even one category of records can delay your case or lead to disallowance.

4. Respond Promptly and Professionally

Submit all requested materials by the due date, clearly labeled and organized. If you need extra time, you can request an extension before the deadline.

5. Consult an ERC Tax Professional

Experienced ERC attorneys and tax professionals know how to communicate effectively with the IRS, structure responses, and anticipate potential ERC disallowance arguments. A well-crafted reply can significantly improve your outcome.

Sell Your Employee Retention Credit and Strengthen Your Working Capital Position Today.

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How We Can Help

We’ve helped countless businesses successfully respond to IRS Letter 6612. Our network of CPA’s and Tax Attorneys can help:
Review your notice and identify what the IRS is requesting.
Help you compile and organize the required documentation.
Draft a professional response that addresses each issue clearly.
Represent you in communications with the IRS or Appeals if necessary.
If you’ve received a Letter 6612, don’t face it alone. Acting quickly can make all the difference in preserving your ERC refund.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does IRS Letter 6612 mean my ERC is disallowed?

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No. Letter 6612 is an audit notice, not a disallowance letter. It means the IRS needs more information before deciding. A disallowance would come later through a Letter 105C or Letter 106C if the IRS ultimately denies your claim.

What is IRS Form 4564 or Letter 4564?

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IRS Form 4564, sometimes referred to as IRS Letter 4564, is the Information Document Request (IDR) used during audits. It lists specific documents you must provide, such as payroll reports, financial statements, and proof of government shutdowns.

How much time do I have to respond to Letter 6612?

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Typically, the IRS gives about 30 days to reply. Always check your letter for the exact due date, and request an extension early if you need more time.

What happens if I ignore Letter 6612?

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If you fail to respond, the IRS may deny your ERC claim outright and issue an employee retention credit disallowance letter. You could also face repayment demands plus penalties and interest.

Secure Your Business’s Future Today

Don’t leave your ERC claims to chance. Contact One Eagle Advisory for expert guidance on maximizing your benefits, defending your claims, and recovering from losses.