what does the " REF" in letter indicates

[ashwini.2106]

hi...
can anyone tell me , what does the "Ref" , which we write below the "subject" as follows, indicates in a formal letter. I mean, at the "sub" , we write the total gist of the letter. At the "Ref" what we should write??

Date

To Address

Sir,

Sub:

Ref:










I

 

[Barb_D]

In reference to. It refers to some other document that has already been sent. While the subject is the overall reason, the reference is to a specific document.

Subject: Allegation of underpayment of taxes
Ref: Your letter of Dec 22, 2010, file #1233445

Dear Mr. Bowman:
etc.

In my experience, the "Dear Sir" or "Dear Mr. Smith" comes below both the subject and the reference line.

 

[lauralie2]

There's also:

Ref. is an abbreviation for reference
It is written in front of a code at the top of business letters and documents. The code refers to a file where all the letters and documents about the same matter are kept. (BUSINESS)
Our Ref: JAH/JW.

 

[ashwini.2106]

thank you so much...................

In reference to. It refers to some other document that has already been sent. While the subject is the overall reason, the reference is to a specific document.

Subject: Allegation of underpayment of taxes
Ref: Your letter of Dec 22, 2010, file #1233445

Dear Mr. Bowman:
etc.

In my experience, the "Dear Sir" or "Dear Mr. Smith" comes below both the subject and the reference line.