 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 701 (Default) — We didn’t allow your spouse’s exemption and earned income credit (EIC). Your spouse’s Social Securit…
What this IRS notice code means, and what to check before you reply.
What to do next
Start with these steps before you reply.
701
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 didn’t allow your spouse’s exemption and earned income credit (EIC). Your spouse’s Social Security Number (SSN) was missing or the last name provided doesn’t match our records or the records provided by the Social Security Administration. Note: To be eligible for EIC, you, your spouse, and qualifying child or children must use a correct name and SSN issued
What it usually means
701 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.