Notice code 539

Notice code 539 (Default) — We changed the amount claimed as Prior Year Earned Income or Additional Child Tax Credit Prior Year …

We changed the amount claimed as Prior Year Earned Income or Additional Child Tax Credit Prior Year Income on page 2 of your return. When you elect to use Prior Year Earned Income to compute either Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit you must use that same amount for both credits.

What to do next

Start with these steps before you reply.

539

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 Prior Year Earned Income or Additional Child Tax Credit Prior Year Income on page 2 of your return. When you elect to use Prior Year Earned Income to compute either Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit you must use that same amount for both credits.