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Notice code 293 (Default) — We didn’t allow the amount claimed as Earned Income Credit on your tax return. You or your spouse mu…
We didn’t allow the amount claimed as Earned Income Credit on your tax return. You or your spouse must be at least 25, but less than 65 years old on December 31st of the tax year for which the tax return is being filed.
What this notice is saying
Use the free strategy session if the letter is unclear, high dollar, or collection language appears.
Read the deadline
Response or collection dates on the letter matter more than internet scare stories.
Match the facts
Compare the notice to your return, books, and third-party forms before you reply.
Pick a path
Pay, installment, relief, CNC, or hearing rights — fit-checked to your cash and liability.
Keep books honest
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What to do next
Practical steps before fear takes the wheel. Bound from irs_notice.what_to_do.
Immediate steps
Resolves at publish from the catalog row.
What the IRS language says
We didn’t allow the amount claimed as Earned Income Credit on your tax return. You or your spouse must be at least 25, but less than 65 years old on December 31st of the tax year for which the tax return is being filed.
What it usually means
293 is in our IR Manual catalog. Official wording is dense — we translate it for business owners and individuals and map realistic next steps.
Related
Related paths
Most IRS letters sit next to books, tax, or cash-flow stress.
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