CP21B

A CP21B is good news on IRS letterhead: the changes you requested to your return were made, and a refund is on its way — the IRS's page says within two to three weeks of the notice.

“We made the changes you asked for and you're due a refund within two to three weeks, unless it's offset against other debts. If interest is included, remember it's taxable next year. If you never requested a change, call us.”

The only clocks run in your favor: call if three weeks pass with no refund. The one flag worth acting on is a change you never requested — that's a call-the-number situation, since it can indicate someone else touched the account.

• The notice, for the refund amount and date math
• Your adjustment request or amended return, to confirm the change matches
• A note to report any included interest as income next year
• Nothing else — unless the change wasn't yours

• Chasing a refund that doesn't arrive on the stated schedule
• Investigating a change you didn't request
• Confirming the adjusted figures are what you asked for
• Handling the offset case, where the refund went to another debt