What do the letters "I", "F", "B", and "N" on an IRS acknowledgment report indicate?

These letters are IRS Debt Indicator codes, and they indicate whether the taxpayer has any outstanding debt. If the taxpayer has a "I", "F", or "B" debt indicator, the refund will be applied to the debt owed before any amount is refunded to the taxpayer. The IRS Debt Indicator will be listed on IRS Acknowledgment Reports and within Client Status under the Summary tab, as Debt Code.

Debt Indicator

Explanation

N

None; the taxpayer has no outstanding debt to the federal government.

I

The taxpayer owes back taxes to the IRS. For inquiries, the taxpayer may contact the IRS at (800) 808-4262.

F

The taxpayer has a debt with one or more of the agencies managed by the Financial Management System. This debt could be for student loans, child support, etc. For inquiries, the taxpayer may contact the FMS at (800) 304-3107.

B

The taxpayer owes both the IRS and the Financial Management System