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What To Do About the CP522 IRS Notice

Silas Bamigbola avatar image
Last updated 10/30/2024 by
Silas Bamigbola
Fact checked by
Ante Mazalin
Summary:
The CP522 IRS Notice is sent to taxpayers when the IRS is reviewing their existing installment agreement and requires updated financial information. Failing to provide this information on time may result in the termination of the installment agreement, leading to the taxpayer being responsible for the full balance of their tax debt. This article will walk you through the notice, what actions you should take, and how to prevent future issues with your IRS installment agreement.
Receiving an IRS notice can be stressful, and the CP522 notice is no exception. This particular notice indicates that the IRS is reviewing your installment agreement and requires updated financial information to continue with the agreed-upon payment plan. If you fail to respond by the deadline provided, your installment agreement may be terminated, leaving you responsible for paying the entire tax debt in full. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to understanding the CP522 notice, what steps to take, and how to avoid penalties and additional fees. By following the instructions in the notice and staying proactive, you can manage your IRS installment agreement effectively.

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What is a CP522 IRS notice?

The CP522 notice is issued when the IRS reviews your existing installment agreement. This typically happens when there is a need for updated financial information to reassess your ability to continue making payments under the agreement. The IRS uses this information to determine if the current payment terms are still appropriate based on your financial situation.
This notice is important because it means your agreement could be terminated if the IRS does not receive the necessary financial updates. Termination of the agreement means that the full amount of tax you owe becomes immediately due, and you could face additional penalties and interest.
Struggling with IRS notices? If you’ve received an IRS letter and aren’t sure how to handle it, you might want to explore professional tax relief options. Optima Tax Relief has helped thousands of people resolve their tax issues and get back on track with the IRS. Learn more about how they can assist you with your situation.

Why does the IRS review installment agreements?

The IRS periodically reviews installment agreements, particularly when they were originally set up for less than the standard minimum payment amount. These reviews ensure that the payment plan is still suitable based on your current financial situation. Your payment amount may increase, decrease, or stay the same, depending on the updated financial data you provide.

Pro Tip

Set up IRS account alerts online to get real-time notifications on any changes to your tax return or account. This helps you stay updated on adjustments and due dates.

What should you do when you receive a CP522 notice?

When you receive a CP522 notice, it’s critical to respond promptly to prevent your installment agreement from being terminated. Follow these steps to ensure you meet the IRS’s requirements:
  • Download Form 433-F: This is the Collection Information Statement, where you’ll need to provide updated details about your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
  • Complete Form 433-F accurately: Make sure to fill out every section of the form. Missing information could delay the process and result in the termination of your agreement.
  • Contact the IRS by the date on the notice: Call the IRS at 800-831-0273 before the deadline mentioned in your notice to review the information from Form 433-F. Do not mail the form as the IRS specifically requests a phone review to expedite the process.
  • Explore alternative payment options: If your financial situation has changed significantly, you may want to explore other payment options such as an offer in compromise or a short-term extension to pay off your debt in full.

What happens if you don’t respond to the CP522 notice?

If you fail to respond to the CP522 notice by the deadline, the IRS will terminate your installment agreement. This means that you will owe the entire remaining balance of your tax liability, and the IRS could begin collection actions, including garnishing your wages or levying your bank account.

Additional penalties and interest

In addition to losing the benefits of your installment agreement, failing to respond could result in increased penalties and interest on your outstanding balance. The longer the debt remains unpaid, the more you will owe in the long run. Therefore, it’s crucial to respond quickly and ensure that the installment agreement stays in place.

Pro Tip

Complete Form 433-F accurately to prevent delays in the IRS’s review of your installment agreement. Missing information can lead to termination of the agreement.

How to avoid issues with IRS installment agreements

There are several strategies you can use to avoid issues with your installment agreement and ensure smooth payment to the IRS:
  • Keep your financial information up-to-date: Regularly update your financial information with the IRS if your income or expenses change significantly. This will help ensure that your installment agreement stays realistic and manageable.
  • Pay more when possible: If you can afford to make higher payments, doing so will reduce the amount of time you remain in debt and decrease the amount of interest and penalties you’ll pay over time.
  • Explore alternative payment methods: If your financial situation improves, consider paying off the balance in full or negotiating a different payment plan with the IRS.

Seeking professional help

When dealing with a CP522 IRS notice, seeking the assistance of a tax professional, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a tax attorney, can be invaluable. These professionals are well-versed in IRS procedures and can help you navigate the complexities of your installment agreement. They can assist in negotiating with the IRS, ensuring all forms are accurately completed, and advising on the best course of action based on your financial situation.
Professional help can also be beneficial if your financial circumstances have changed dramatically, and you need to explore alternative payment options such as an offer in compromise or a renegotiated payment plan. Additionally, a tax professional can help you avoid errors that could lead to further penalties or the termination of your installment agreement.
If you’re unsure how to respond to the CP522 notice, contacting a professional early can save you time, reduce stress, and potentially avoid costly mistakes.

Pro Tip

If you can afford to pay more than your current installment, it’s a good idea to do so. This will reduce interest and penalties over time, saving you money.

Consequences of ignoring the CP522 notice

Failing to respond to the CP522 notice can have serious consequences. If you don’t provide the required financial information by the deadline, the IRS will terminate your installment agreement. This means the full balance of your tax debt will become due immediately, and the IRS may take aggressive collection actions to recover the amount owed.
Consequences of ignoring the notice include:
  • Immediate termination of your installment agreement.
  • The IRS may garnish your wages or levy your bank account to collect the owed amount.
  • Additional penalties and interest will accrue on your unpaid tax balance.
  • Your credit score could be negatively impacted if a lien is placed against your assets.
It’s essential to respond to the CP522 notice promptly to avoid these potential consequences and keep your payment plan intact.
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Frequently asked questions

What is an IRS installment agreement?

An IRS installment agreement allows taxpayers to pay their tax debt over time in monthly installments, rather than paying the full amount at once. This can be helpful for individuals who are unable to pay their tax balance in full by the due date. The IRS offers several types of installment agreements, including short-term and long-term plans, depending on your financial situation and the amount owed.

What should I do if I can’t afford my current installment agreement payments?

If your financial circumstances have changed and you can no longer afford your current installment payments, it’s important to notify the IRS as soon as possible. You can request a modification to your payment plan by providing updated financial information, such as through Form 433-F, to demonstrate your inability to pay the current amount. The IRS may adjust your payment terms or explore alternative solutions such as an offer in compromise.

How do I avoid penalties while on an installment agreement?

To avoid penalties and additional interest while on an installment agreement, ensure that you make all your payments on time and in the correct amount. Missing payments or paying less than the agreed-upon amount could lead to penalties, interest, or even the termination of your agreement. Additionally, try to pay off your balance as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of interest you accrue over time.

Can I set up an installment agreement if I owe more than $50,000?

Yes, you can still set up an installment agreement if you owe more than $50,000, but it requires additional steps. You will need to provide more detailed financial information by completing Form 433-F and working closely with the IRS to determine an appropriate payment plan based on your financial situation. The IRS may request supporting documentation to review your ability to pay.

What happens if my installment agreement is terminated?

If your installment agreement is terminated, the full balance of your tax debt becomes due immediately. The IRS may begin collection actions, such as garnishing your wages or levying your bank account, to recover the amount owed. To prevent termination, ensure that you respond promptly to any IRS requests, including the CP522 notice, and make your payments on time. If your agreement is terminated, contact the IRS immediately to see if you can reinstate it or negotiate a new plan.
Need help understanding other IRS letters and notices? Visit our comprehensive guide to IRS Letters and Notices or search for the document you received in the table below.
IRS Letter or Notice Number
Notice Description
CP01The IRS verified your claim of identity theft and will monitor your account.
CP01HThe IRS received a tax return with a social security number that belongs to a dead person.
CP02HMoney is due on an amended return based on a grant received due to Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma.
CP03CYou received the First-Time Homebuyer Credit for a house you purchased.
CP04You 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.
CP08You may be entitled to additional money due to the Additional Child Tax Credit.
CP10Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed.
CP10AYour 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.
CP11You owe money because the IRS amended your return due to a miscalculation.
CP11AYour 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.
CP11MYour 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.
CP12You are due a bigger refund because the IRS corrected one or more mistakes on your tax return.
CP12AThe IRS made changes to correct the Earned Income Credit (EIC) claimed on your tax return.
CP12E or CP12FThe IRS corrected a miscalculation on your return.
CP12MThe IRS made changes to the computation of the Making Work Pay and/or Government Retiree Credits on your return.
CP12RThe IRS made changes to the computation of the Rebate Recovery Credit on your return.
CP13The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero.
CP13AThe 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.
CP13MThe 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.
CP13RThe 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.
CP14You owe money on unpaid taxes.
CP16The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. The refund you were due was applied to other tax debts.
CP21AYou owe money due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns.
CP21BYou 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.
CP21CThe 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.
CP21EAs a result of your recent audit, the IRS made changes to your tax return, and you owe money as a result of those changes.
CP21IThe IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes.
CP22AThe IRS made the changes you requested, and you owe money as a result.
CP22EAs a result of your recent audit, the IRS changed your tax return, and you now owe money.
CP22IThe IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes.
CP23The 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.
CP24The 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.
CP24EThe 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.
CP25The 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.
CP31You need to update your address because your refund check was returned to the IRS.
CP45The IRS was unable to apply your overpayment to your estimated tax as you requested.
CP49The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt.
CP53Your refund check will be sent by mail because the IRS can’t provide your refund through direct deposit.
CP57The bank declined your payment, so the IRS was unable to draft funds from your bank account.
CP71A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP71AA reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP71CA reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP71DA reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest.
CP88The IRS is holding your refund because you haven't filed one or more tax returns, and it believes you will owe tax.
CP90The 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.
CP91The IRS will levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes.
CP120The IRS needs documentation of your tax-exempt status.
CP120AYour organization’s tax-exempt status has been revoked because it failed to file a Form 990 series return for three consecutive years.
CP130You may no longer need to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) because your tax return filing requirements changed.
CP152The IRS received your return.
CP153The IRS will send your refund by mail because your direct deposit did not go through.
CP161You have an unpaid balance due to the IRS.
CP166Your monthly payment to the IRS did not go through due to insufficient funds in your bank account.
CP178You may no longer owe excise tax because your tax return filing requirements changed.
CP231You need to update your address because your refund was returned to the IRS.
CP259You did not file the business tax return identified in the notice.
CP259AYou 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).
CP259BThe 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.
CP259CThe 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.
CP259DYou must file this form, but you did not – Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return.
CP259EYou 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.
CP259FThe IRS requires you to file this form but did not – Form 5227, Split-Interest Trust Information Return.
CP259GThe IRS requires you to file this form, but you didn’t – Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations.
CP259HAs 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.
CP276AYou submitted your tax liability schedule incorrectly. The IRS typically charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty for this but did not this time.
CP276BThe IRS did not receive the correct amount of tax deposits. It normally charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty but did not this time.
CP297The 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.
CP297AThe IRS has levied your assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing.
CP298The IRS notifying you of its intent to levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes.
CP501You have a balance due on one of your tax accounts.
CP503You have an unpaid balance on one of your accounts, and the IRS has not heard from you.
CP504You 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.
CP504BYou 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.
CP521A reminder that you have an installment agreement payment due.
CP523You have defaulted on your payment agreement. Therefore the IRS is terminating the agreement and will levy your assets.
CP601Usted tiene un saldo pendiente de pago (dinero que le debe al IRS) en una de sus cuentas contributivas.
CP603No hemos recibido respuesta de parte de usted y todavía tiene un saldo sin pagar en una de sus cuentas contributivas.
CP604Usted 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.
CP604BUsted 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.
CP621Este aviso es para notificarle que usted tiene un plan de pagos a plazos vencido. Por favor, envíe el pago inmediatamente.
CP623Este aviso es para informarle nuestra intención de cancelar su plan de pagos a plazos y confiscar (embargar) sus bienes. Usted incumplió en su acuerdo.
CP711Nosotros 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.
CP721Hicimos 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.
CP722Hicimos 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.
CP771Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP772Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP773Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP774Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP959Usted no radicó su planilla de contribución de negocios identificada en este aviso.
CP2000The 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.
CP3219AThe 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.
CP3219NThe 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 0012CThe IRS needs additional information to process your tax return.
Letter 0484CThe IRS wants a completed
Letter 0525Updates you on proposed changes after an IRS examination. Any changes are explained and details the refund due or taxes owed.
Letter 531IRS 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 0549CYour tax bill was paid.
Letter 0681CThe IRS accepted your payment proposal. However, this is not a formal Installment Agreement.
Letter 0757CYou did not adhere to the terms of your Installment Agreement.
Letter LT 11The IRS plans to seize your property or rights to property.
Letter 1058The 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 1737 (LT 27)Complete and sign Form 433F, Collection Information Statement.
Letter 1961CYour application for a Direct Debit Installment Agreement was declined. It explains why and what you need to do to qualify.
Letter 1962CYour application for a
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 2257CThe IRS is providing the payoff amount that you requested.
Letter 226-JAn IRS letter to large employers notifying them that they may be liable for an Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (ESRP).
Letter 2271CA 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 2272CAn IRS letter explaining why your request to pay the balance due in installments was declined.
Letter 2273CA 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 2318CA response to a request to pay taxes due to payroll deductions. It also explains the fees that are charged.
Letter 2357CThe IRS is admitting that it did not send you the balance due notices that it should have.
Letter 2603CThe IRS accepted your installment agreement. The IRS will file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien on your personal property.
Letter 2604CThe 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 2761CThe 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 2789CAn 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 2840CConfirms 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 3030CProvides an explanation of the tax, penalty, and interest still due on your account.
Letter 3127CA 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 3174A reminder of taxes due after the IRS has sent a Notice of Intent to Levy.
Letter 3217CThe 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 3500The IRS has received your documents, and it needs additional time to review them.
Letter 3572Your Federal Income Tax Return has been selected for examination. The IRS auditor requests that you call to schedule an audit appointment.
Letter 4883CThe 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 47The IRS is trying to locate the person identified in the letter and is requesting that you provide their new address.
Letter LP 59The IRS has not received a response to the notice of levy it previously sent.
Audit Letter 2205The 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 915You recently underwent an audit, and the IRS informs you that you now owe taxes.

Key takeaways

  • The CP522 IRS Notice is issued when the IRS is reviewing your installment agreement and requires updated financial information.
  • If you fail to respond, your installment agreement will be terminated, and you’ll owe the full balance of your tax debt.
  • Complete Form 433-F with accurate financial details and call the IRS by the date on your notice to avoid penalties.
  • Explore alternative payment options if your financial situation has changed significantly.
  • Always stay proactive and keep your financial information up-to-date with the IRS to avoid complications with your payment plan.

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