IRS Letters and Notices: What To Do If You Got One
LH
Last updated 03/15/2024 by
Lee HuffmanIt’s scary when you receive an unexpected envelope in the mail from the IRS. An IRS Letter or Notice can mean any number of outcomes, but not all are bad. This ultimate guide to IRS Letters and Notices will describe the types of notices that may come and explain what they mean. Then it will direct you to more in-depth resources that will help you figure out your next steps.
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What should you do if you receive a letter from the IRS?
Whatever you do, please do NOT throw it away. Ignoring a letter from the IRS could be a costly mistake. The Internal Revenue Service will only contact taxpayers with form letters if they need to communicate something important to you, such as:
- Balance due.
- You are due a larger or smaller refund.
- They have a question about your return.
- Information about stimulus payments.
- You need to confirm your identity.
- They need additional information.
- Issues with the payment method.
- They changed your return.
- There are delays in the processing of your return.
- To confirm receipt of your identity theft claim.
- A levy was applied.
- You were selected for an audit.
Read the content to determine your next steps
Open correspondence from the Internal Revenue Service with care. Please take a moment to read it in full, then look for the identifying code to find out what to do next. You will find the IRS Letter (LTR) or Notice (CP) number in either the top-right or bottom-right corner of the document you’ve received.
If you’re scared, confused, or need help, speak with a tax professional who has expertise in dealing with the Internal Revenue Service.
Respond by the due date
If there is a due date associated with the, make sure that you meet that deadline. People who do not reply in time may be subject to interest and penalties. Additionally, you could lose your rights to appeal the IRS decision.
Sending correspondence via certified mail costs more than a stamp, but those receipts prove that you responded by the deadline.
Pay the amount requested
If the IRS asks for payment and you agree with the amount, pay it as soon as possible. If you cannot pay the amount in full, pay as much as you can. This will minimize the interest and penalties that the IRS may charge you.
The interest and penalties charged by the IRS may be higher than the rates found on personal loans. Follow this link to explore your loan options.
Keep copies of everything
You need to keep all of your documents together in a safe place. If you’ve received an IRS Letter or Notice, create a file that contains the notice, all correspondence, and any supporting documents together. Documentation comes in handy for future replies or if you need to involve a professional to help you.
Contact a tax professional
If you think you may be in trouble with the Internal Revenue Service, get help from an expert. This is particularly important if there is a risk the Internal Revenue Service could see your behavior as tax evasion or fraud. It’s also wise to get advice from professionals when you can’t afford to repay your tax debt. Many tax relief programs are available to help you reduce your tax liability.
The Ultimate Guide to Internal Revenue Service Letters and Notices Article
This ultimate guide to IRS Letters and Notices provides valuable information about what the notice means. Additionally, we provide links to in-depth resources that give more information and guidance about your next steps.
IRS Letters and Notices
Here are the most common types of letters and notices and what they mean. You can find the letter or notice number on the top or bottom right-hand corner. For detailed information about these communications, taxpayers can go to our ultimate guide article to learn more.
IRS Letters and Notices
Here are the most common types of IRS Letters and Notices and what they mean. You can find the IRS Letter or Notice number on the top or bottom right-hand corner.
IRS Letter or Notice Number | Notice Description |
---|---|
CP01 | The IRS verified your claim of identity theft and will monitor your account. |
CP01H | The IRS received a tax return with a social security number that belongs to a dead person. |
CP02H | Money is due on an amended return based on a grant received due to Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma. |
CP03C | You received the First-Time Homebuyer Credit for a house you purchased. |
CP04 | You may be eligible for tax deferment because either you or a spouse served in a combat zone, a qualified contingency operation, or a hazardous duty station during the tax year specified on your notice. |
CP08 | You may be entitled to additional money due to the Additional Child Tax Credit. |
CP10 | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed. |
CP10A | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed. |
CP11 | You owe money because the IRS amended your return due to a miscalculation. |
CP11A | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment also changed. |
CP11M | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed. |
CP12 | You are due a bigger refund because the IRS corrected one or more mistakes on your tax return. |
CP12A | The IRS made changes to correct the Earned Income Credit (EIC) claimed on your tax return. |
CP12E or CP12F | The IRS corrected a miscalculation on your return. |
CP12M | The IRS made changes to the computation of the Making Work Pay and/or Government Retiree Credits on your return. |
CP12R | The IRS made changes to the computation of the Rebate Recovery Credit on your return. |
CP13 | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
CP13A | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
CP13M | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay credit or the Government Retiree Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
CP13R | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Recovery Rebate Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
CP14 | You owe money on unpaid taxes. |
CP16 | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. The refund you were due was applied to other tax debts. |
CP21A | You owe money due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns. |
CP21B | You are due a refund due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns. The money should arrive within 2 to 3 weeks. |
CP21C | The IRS made the requested changes to your tax return. You will not receive a refund, and there is no tax due. Your balance is zero. |
CP21E | As a result of your recent audit, the IRS made changes to your tax return, and you owe money as a result of those changes. |
CP21I | The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes. |
CP22A | The IRS made the changes you requested, and you owe money as a result. |
CP22E | As a result of your recent audit, the IRS changed your tax return, and you now owe money. |
CP22I | The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes. |
CP23 | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You owe taxes due to these changes. |
CP24 | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes. |
CP24E | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes. |
CP25 | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You are not due a refund, nor do you owe any money. Your balance is zero. |
CP31 | You need to update your address because your refund check was returned to the IRS. |
CP45 | The IRS was unable to apply your overpayment to your estimated tax as you requested. |
CP49 | The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt. |
CP53 | Your refund check will be sent by mail because the IRS can’t provide your refund through direct deposit. |
CP57 | The bank declined your payment, so the IRS was unable to draft funds from your bank account. |
CP71 | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
CP71A | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
CP71C | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
CP71D | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
CP88 | The IRS is holding your refund because you haven’t filed one or more tax returns, and it believes you will owe tax. |
CP90 | The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy in a Collection Due Process hearing. |
CP91 | The IRS will levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes. |
CP120 | The IRS needs documentation of your tax-exempt status. |
CP120A | Your organization’s tax-exempt status has been revoked because it failed to file a Form 990 series return for three consecutive years. |
CP130 | You may no longer need to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) because your tax return filing requirements changed. |
CP152 | The IRS received your return. |
CP153 | The IRS will send your refund by mail because your direct deposit did not go through. |
CP161 | You have an unpaid balance due to the IRS. |
CP166 | Your monthly payment to the IRS did not go through due to insufficient funds in your bank account. |
CP178 | You may no longer owe excise tax because your tax return filing requirements changed. |
CP231 | You need to update your address because your refund was returned to the IRS. |
CP259 | You did not file the business tax return identified in the notice. |
CP259A | You should have filed these forms but did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, or Form 990-N (e-Postcard). |
CP259B | The IRS requires you to file these forms but did not – Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation. |
CP259C | The IRS believes that you are a private foundation, but did not file the required Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation. |
CP259D | You must file this form, but you did not – Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return. |
CP259E | You should have filed this form, but you did not – Form 990-N (e-Postcard) or Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. |
CP259F | The IRS requires you to file this form but did not – Form 5227, Split-Interest Trust Information Return. |
CP259G | The IRS requires you to file this form, but you didn’t – Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations. |
CP259H | As a tax-exempt political organization, you must file this form, but you did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. |
CP276A | You submitted your tax liability schedule incorrectly. The IRS typically charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty for this but did not this time. |
CP276B | The IRS did not receive the correct amount of tax deposits. It normally charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty but did not this time. |
CP297 | The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing. |
CP297A | The IRS has levied your assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing. |
CP298 | The IRS notifying you of its intent to levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes. |
CP501 | You have a balance due on one of your tax accounts. |
CP503 | You have an unpaid balance on one of your accounts, and the IRS has not heard from you. |
CP504 | You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy your state income tax refund to apply it to the amount you owe. |
CP504B | You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy certain property or rights to property to apply it to the amount you owe. |
CP521 | A reminder that you have an installment agreement payment due. |
CP523 | You have defaulted on your payment agreement. Therefore the IRS is terminating the agreement and will levy your assets. |
CP601 | Usted tiene un saldo pendiente de pago (dinero que le debe al IRS) en una de sus cuentas contributivas. |
CP603 | No hemos recibido respuesta de parte de usted y todavía tiene un saldo sin pagar en una de sus cuentas contributivas. |
CP604 | Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará cualquier reembolso de impuestos estatales al que tenga derecho y aplicarlo al pago de su deuda. |
CP604B | Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará ciertas propiedades o derechos de propiedad y lo aplicará al pago de su deuda. |
CP621 | Este aviso es para notificarle que usted tiene un plan de pagos a plazos vencido. Por favor, envíe el pago inmediatamente. |
CP623 | Este aviso es para informarle nuestra intención de cancelar su plan de pagos a plazos y confiscar (embargar) sus bienes. Usted incumplió en su acuerdo. |
CP711 | Nosotros realizamos cambios a su planilla debido a que entendemos que hubo un cálculo erróneo. Como resultado de estos cambios, usted adeuda dinero por sus contribuciones. |
CP721 | Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos. |
CP722 | Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos. |
CP771 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
CP772 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
CP773 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
CP774 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
CP959 | Usted no radicó su planilla de contribución de negocios identificada en este aviso. |
CP2000 | The income or payment information on file doesn’t match your tax return. The discrepancy may result in an increase or decrease in your tax due. |
CP3219A | The IRS has received information that is different from what you reported on your tax return. This may result in an increase or decrease in your tax. |
CP3219N | The IRS didn’t receive your tax return, so it calculated your return based on the information received from employers, financial institutions, and others. If you want to challenge the proposed tax, you have 90 days from the date of this notice. If you are outside the country, you have 150 days. |
Letter 0012C | The IRS needs additional information to process your tax return. |
Letter 0484C | The IRS wants a completed Financial Statement so it can determine your ability to pay. |
Letter 0525 | Updates you on proposed changes after an IRS examination. Any changes are explained and details the refund due or taxes owed. |
Letter 531 | IRS Notice of Deficiency. The information the IRS received about you was different from what you reported on your return. |
Letter 0668D(LP 68) | The IRS released their levy. |
Letter 0549C | Your tax bill was paid. |
Letter 0668D(LP 68) | The IRS released their levy. |
Letter 0681C | The IRS accepted your payment proposal. However, this is not a formal Installment Agreement. |
Letter 0757C | You did not adhere to the terms of your Installment Agreement. |
Letter LT 11 | The IRS plans to seize your property or rights to property. |
Letter 1058 | The IRS has not received your payment. It plans to seize your property or rights to property. |
Letter 1615 (LT 18) | You must respond to the IRS within 10 days of this notice regarding past due tax returns. |
Letter 1731 (LP 64) | The IRS is requesting your assistance in locating someone. You need to provide their address and work information. |
Letter 1737 (LT 27) | Complete and sign Form 433F, Collection Information Statement. |
Letter 1961C | Your application for a Direct Debit Installment Agreement was declined. It explains why and what you need to do to qualify. |
Letter 1962C | Your application for a Direct Debit Installment Agreement has been approved. It explains the fees and how to qualify for a Low Income Fee Reduction. |
Letter 2050 (LT 16) | The IRS is trying to collect unpaid taxes from you from returns that have been filed or from returns that have not been filed. |
Letter 2257C | The IRS is providing the payoff amount that you requested. |
Letter 226-J | An IRS letter to large employers notifying them that they may be liable for an Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (ESRP). |
Letter 2271C | A request for an Installment Agreement has been approved. It explains the fees and how to qualify for a Low Income Fee Reduction. The letter may also request missing information. |
Letter 2272C | An IRS letter explaining why your request to pay the balance due in installments was declined. |
Letter 2273C | A confirmation letter of your request to pay the balance due in installments. It contained the amount to pay, fees charged, and where to send payment. Instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction included. |
Letter 2318C | A response to a request to pay taxes due to payroll deductions. It also explains the fees that are charged. |
Letter 2357C | The IRS is admitting that it did not send you the balance due notices that it should have. |
Letter 2603C | The IRS accepted your installment agreement. The IRS will file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien on your personal property. |
Letter 2604C | The IRS has accepted your request for installment payments. This IRS letter provides the monthly payment, the address where to send it, and the fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction. |
Letter 2761C | The IRS is requesting your combat zone service dates to ensure that it provides you with the special provisions and protection of the combat zone deferment. Copies of military orders or other documentation to support your time served may be requested. Civilians working in support of the Armed Forces may be required to provide a Letter of Authorization or a letter from their employer. |
Letter 2789C | An annual reminder notice, as required by law, of the balance due to the IRS. It explains that penalties and interest continue to accrue until the balance is fully paid. |
Letter 2840C | Confirms your Installment Agreement request and includes the payment amount and due date. This IRS letter explains the fees charged for paying monthly and explains how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify). |
Letter 3030C | Provides an explanation of the tax, penalty, and interest still due on your account. |
Letter 3127C | A confirmation of your request to make a change to your Installment Agreement. This IRS letter explains the fees for the change. Changes can be to the payment amount or due date, or it can include additional liabilities. |
Letter 3174 | A reminder of taxes due after the IRS has sent a Notice of Intent to Levy. |
Letter 3217C | The IRS has accepted your request to pay the balance in installments. This IRS letter provides your payment amount, the due date, and fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on applying for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify). |
Letter 3228 (LT 39) | A request to pay the balance due within 10 days using the envelope provided. |
Letter 3500 | The IRS has received your documents, and it needs additional time to review them. |
Letter 3572 | Your Federal Income Tax Return has been selected for examination. The IRS auditor requests that you call to schedule an audit appointment. |
Letter 4883C | The IRS received your federal income tax return but needs more information to verify your identity in order to process your tax return accurately. |
Letter 4903 (LT 26) | You must file your tax returns immediately. The IRS has previously contacted you, but it did not receive a response. |
Letter LP 47 | The IRS is trying to locate the person identified in the letter and is requesting that you provide their new address. |
Letter LP 59 | The IRS has not received a response to the notice of levy it previously sent. |
Audit Letter 2205 | The IRS manages audits either by mail or through an in-person interview to review your records. The interview may be at an IRS office (office audit) or the taxpayer’s home, place of business, or accountant’s office (field audit). |
Letter 915 | You recently underwent an audit, and the IRS informs you that you now owe taxes. |
What Should You Do Next?
The key takeaway here is to never ignore a letter from the IRS. Find out what the letter or form asks for and take action before the deadline to avoid penalties. You may need to provide additional information to prove you qualify for a credit (e.g., child tax credit) or additional documentation for your business expenses.
Most of us do not have experience working with the IRS, and tax laws can be complicated and confusing. Even the guides on the IRS website can be confusing for taxpayers. This is why we recommend consulting with a tax professional who can provide the best guidance for your situation.
The bottom line is not to delay communicating with the IRS or with a tax professional if needed. Read the content of your letter from the IRS. Collect your tax records and keep all your information together. If you have a tax issue, documentation and responsiveness are key.
LH
Lee Huffman is a former financial planner and corporate finance manager who now writes about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance, and other personal finance topics. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less, and live better.
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