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Connecticut DRS Refund Protection Notice: How to Verify and Get Your Refund

By Andrew Nocera, Tax Preparer & Small-Business Finance Consultant, Enhance Finance LLC (serving all of Connecticut from Shelton). Updated November 2026.

A Refund Protection Notice means something on a Connecticut return filed in your name triggered DRS's fraud screening, so DRS is holding the refund until you confirm it's really you. It's usually quick to clear.

CT DRSRespond directly
What it isAn identity check before DRS releases your CT income tax refund.
DeadlineVerify as soon as you can. DRS can't release the refund until you do.
Official pageCT DRS: Refund Protection Program
On this page
  1. What the Refund Protection Notice is
  2. Why you got it
  3. Is there a deadline?
  4. What to do, step by step
  5. Common mistakes
  6. When to get help
  7. FAQ

What the Refund Protection Notice is

DRS says its refund protection program "will curb identity theft and fraudulent tax refunds." Some taxpayers due a refund are notified "when the refund protection program indicates the possibility of identity theft and a fraudulent claim." The notice asks you to verify your identity by answering a few questions "where the correct answer should only be known to the specific taxpayer."

Why you got it

DRS says: "Some of the information from the tax return submitted in your name has automatically triggered this further review." It doesn't mean you did anything wrong. DRS says the questions come from public records, "but the responses will usually only be familiar to the actual taxpayer."

Is there a deadline?

In DRS's words: "DRS cannot release your refund until assured that your refund is not being issued to someone posing as you." The refund waits until you verify, so do it as soon as the notice arrives.
Is it real? Check any DRS letter by logging in to myconneCT directly (type portal.ct.gov/DRS-myconneCT yourself) instead of using a link or number from an unexpected email or text. More warning signs: scam checklist.

What to do, step by step

  1. Have the Refund Protection Notice in hand. DRS says you must have it before you start.
  2. Go to the official page (CT DRS: Refund Protection Program) and choose Verify your Identity. Get there by typing portal.ct.gov/DRS yourself, not from a link in an email or text.
  3. Answer the questions. If you get some wrong, DRS says you'll be able to answer a second short series of questions.
  4. If online verification doesn't work, DRS asks for a copy of your driver's license (or state-issued ID or passport) and any W-2s for the tax year you're filing for, or your last pay stub. Per the Refund Protection problems page, fax them to 959-200-4792, or mail them to Department of Revenue Services, ATTN: Fraud Unit, 450 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, CT 06103.
  5. Allow processing time. DRS says paperwork is reviewed in the order received and "The process can take 10-12 days to complete."
  6. Need to call? DRS says the notice gives a specific, secure toll-free number, 855-842-1441, and that this is "the only way to contact DRS in order to quickly clear a refund that is due to you."

Common mistakes

  • Ignoring it. The refund stays on hold.
  • Starting without the notice in front of you.
  • Calling a number that isn't on the notice or the DRS page.
  • Sending W-2s for the wrong tax year. They should match the return DRS is holding.
  • Assuming it's a scam without checking. Compare the phone number with 855-842-1441 from the DRS FAQs.
Didn't file a Connecticut return for that year? Then someone else may have filed in your name. Contact DRS at the number on the notice right away, and check the identity theft sections on our letters page, because the same thief may have filed a federal return too.

When to get help

Respond directly to DRS. Only you can verify your identity. We can help you find the right W-2 or pay stub, check that the return DRS is holding matches what you filed, and work out next steps if you didn't file it.

Respond directly. Answer the agency yourself by the dates above. We can still help you read the letter and get your records together: book a 30-minute call or see all booking options.

General information, not advice for your situation. Not tax, legal, investment, or insurance advice. Agency rules and procedures change; always follow the instructions and dates on your own notice and check the official sources below.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Connecticut making me verify my identity before my refund?

DRS says information on the return submitted in your name automatically triggered a review. Verifying helps make sure your refund is not stolen by someone who has stolen your identity.

What if I answer the verification questions wrong?

DRS says you will be able to answer a second short series of questions. If you cannot answer those, your refund cannot be released until DRS tax investigations staff work with you to confirm your identity.

What do I send if online verification does not work?

DRS asks for a copy of your driver's license, state-issued ID or passport, plus any W-2s for the tax year or your last pay stub. Fax them to 959-200-4792 or mail them to the DRS Fraud Unit, 450 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, CT 06103.

How can I tell the Refund Protection Notice is real?

DRS says the notice provides a specific, secure toll-free number, 855-842-1441. Use that number or the official DRS Refund Protection Program page on portal.ct.gov.

How long does it take after I send documents?

DRS says documents are reviewed in the order received, and the process can take 10 to 12 days to complete.

Sources (checked November 10, 2026)

  • CT DRS, Refund Protection Program (purpose, notice, Verify your Identity, notice in hand): portal.ct.gov
  • CT DRS, Refund Protection Program FAQs (why selected, second series of questions, 855-842-1441): portal.ct.gov
  • CT DRS, Refund Protection problems page (documents, fax 959-200-4792, Fraud Unit mailing address, 10-12 days): portal.ct.gov

Refund on hold and not sure what DRS needs? Get your documents together with a Connecticut tax preparer.

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