 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 686
Notice code 686 (Default) — We have disallowed the amount claimed as First- Time Homebuyer Credit on page 2 of your tax return. …
What this IRS notice code means, and what to check before you reply.
What to do next
Start with these steps before you reply.
686
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 have disallowed the amount claimed as First- Time Homebuyer Credit on page 2 of your tax return. To qualify for the credit, either you or your spouse if married filing joint must be age 18 or older.
What it usually means
686 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.