 scale(0.75)'%3E%3Crect x='6' y='14' width='52' height='36' rx='4' fill='%23e9dcbc' stroke='%2322262b' stroke-width='3'/%3E%3Cpath d='M8 17l24 18 24-18' fill='none' stroke='%2322262b' stroke-width='3' stroke-linejoin='round'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='46' cy='40' r='9' fill='none' stroke='%239c2f22' stroke-width='2.5'/%3E%3Cpath d='M40 40h12' stroke='%239c2f22' stroke-width='2'/%3E%3C/g%3E%3Ctext x='58' y='33' font-family='Rockwell, Georgia, serif' font-weight='700' font-size='24' fill='%2322262b'%3EIRS Letters and Forms%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Notice code 189 (Default) — We changed the amount claimed as a standard deduction on page 2 of your tax return. We used the tota…
We changed the amount claimed as a standard deduction on page 2 of your tax return. We used the total deductions reported on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, attached to your tax return rather than the standard deduction. This resulted in a lower taxable income.
What to do next
Start with these steps before you reply.
189
Read the notice carefully and note any deadline. Gather returns, notices, and payment records. Book a free strategy session before responding if the amount is large, unclear, or collection language appears.
What the IRS language says
We changed the amount claimed as a standard deduction on page 2 of your tax return. We used the total deductions reported on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, attached to your tax return rather than the standard deduction. This resulted in a lower taxable income.
What it usually means
189 is in our IR Manual catalog. Official wording is dense — we translate it for business owners and individuals and map realistic next steps.
Related
Find another letter
Every notice in this library, sorted the way the IRS numbers them.