IP 2009(10)

Status Letters for Income Tax

This publication has been superseded by IP 2009(10.1)

Effective Date: Upon issuance.

Statutory Authority: Conn. Gen. Stat. §12-2.

1. What is a status letter?

DRS issues status letters for the Connecticut income tax. A status letter (also known as a Letter of Good Standing) is issued to a requesting taxpayer provided certain conditions are satisfied.

If DRS determines it is appropriate to issue a status letter, the letter will include the following information about a taxpayer as of the date it is issued:

• The taxpayer’s name and year of the last income tax return received and processed by DRS; and
• Any outstanding balance due or an attestation that the income tax liability has been paid.

A status letter does not declare the information included on the tax return(s) is correct. DRS may determine the information on the return(s) is incorrect and, to the extent allowed by law, may make an assessment against a taxpayer.

2. Why would a taxpayer request a status letter?

A taxpayer may request a status letter to determine if the taxpayer has any overdue tax returns that need to be filed or if the taxpayer has any outstanding tax liabilities with DRS.

3. Who may request a status letter?

A status letter may be requested by:

• An individual or, if a joint Connecticut income tax return is involved, either party;
• The fiduciary of a trust or estate; or
• A taxpayer’s authorized representative if the taxpayer has authorized the representative to request and receive a status letter. A properly completed LGL-001, Power of Attorney, must be submitted with the request.

4. What information must a taxpayer provide with the request for a status letter?

Requests for all income tax status letters must be made in writing. You may complete an Individual Income Tax Status Letter Request available on the DRS website, or provide a letter that includes the following:

• The taxpayer’s name, mailing address, and Social Security Number (SSN);
• The year(s) for which a status letter is requested;
• A written statement that clearly explains the reason for the status letter request;
• The name (if other than the taxpayer) to whom DRS is to address the status letter;
• The mailing address or facsimile number where DRS is to send the status letter;
• An original signature of the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative if the person is requesting the status letter on behalf of the taxpayer; and
• A properly executed LGL-001 if the person is requesting the status letter on behalf of the taxpayer.

5. How should a status letter request be delivered to DRS?

The taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative should fax the status letter request and a properly completed LGL-001, if applicable, to 860-541-4599 or mail the required documents to the address on the form.

DRS also accepts hand-delivered requests. The request must be signed by the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s authorized representative. DRS does not accept status letter requests made by email or telephone.

6. How long does it take for DRS to issue a status letter?

DRS makes every effort to issue a status letter within 48 hours of receipt. Requests are processed in the order in which DRS receives them.

Status letters may either be mailed to the address stated in the request or picked up from DRS. If a telephone number is provided, DRS will call the requester when the letter is available.

If the status letter request does not contain all required information, DRS will send a letter to the taxpayer listing the additional information needed before a status letter can be issued. If DRS does not receive the additional information from the taxpayer within 30 days from the date of the letter, the taxpayer’s request for a status letter will be considered withdrawn.

7. Can a taxpayer request an updated status letter after the taxpayer has rectified the problems noted in the first status letter?

Yes. A taxpayer may request an updated status letter that contains updated information after any outstanding liabilities are paid and any delinquent tax returns are filed. However, the updated request is considered a new request and it must be filed using the procedures outlined in this document.

Effect on Other Documents: This Informational Publication modifies and supersedes Informational Publication 2006(8.1), Status Letters for Income Tax.

Effect of This Document: An Informational Publication issued by Department of Revenue Services (DRS) addresses frequently asked questions about a current position, policy, or practice, usually in a less technical question and answer format.

For Further Information: Call DRS during business hours, Monday through Friday:

• 1-800-382-9463 (Connecticut calls outside the Greater Hartford calling area only); or
• 860-297-5962 (from anywhere).

Select Option 6 to speak to a representative.

TTY, TDD, and Text Telephone users only may transmit inquiries anytime by calling 860-297-4911.

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IP 2009(10)
Income Tax
Status Letters for Income Tax
Issued: 03/12/2009