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IRS Letter 903: What Is It and How Should You Respond?

Silas Bamigbola avatar image
Last updated 10/30/2024 by
Silas Bamigbola
Fact checked by
Ante Mazalin
Summary:
IRS Letter 903 is a notification sent by the IRS to alert taxpayers of potential issues with their tax compliance status. This letter is typically issued when the IRS believes that a taxpayer is not fulfilling their tax obligations, such as failing to file required returns or underreporting income. Receiving this letter serves as a serious warning, indicating that the taxpayer’s account is under review, and further action may be taken if compliance is not achieved. In this article, we explain what Letter 903 entails, why it is sent, and how to respond to avoid penalties, audits, or further enforcement actions.
Receiving IRS Letter 903 can be an unsettling experience, as it signals that the IRS has identified potential compliance issues with your tax account. This letter often acts as a last warning, giving taxpayers the opportunity to correct their tax situation before more severe measures, such as audits or legal actions, are taken. Understanding the implications of Letter 903 and knowing how to respond promptly can help you resolve the matter and minimize any negative consequences. This article will break down what this letter means, the reasons behind its issuance, and the steps you can take to address the situation.

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Understanding IRS Letter 903

IRS Letter 903 is a warning letter sent by the Internal Revenue Service to individuals or businesses that the agency believes are not in compliance with tax laws. The purpose of this letter is to notify taxpayers of potential issues with their filing or payment history, giving them the opportunity to resolve discrepancies and avoid further action. Here are some of the main reasons why IRS Letter 903 might be issued:
  • Unfiled tax returns: The IRS may send this letter if you have failed to file required tax returns for one or more tax years.
  • Underreporting income: If the income reported on your tax return does not match the information received from employers, banks, or other financial institutions, the IRS may send Letter 903 to address this discrepancy.
  • Delinquent tax payments: The letter may also be issued if you owe back taxes and have not made arrangements to pay the amount due.
The letter serves as a serious reminder that your tax compliance status needs to be addressed promptly. Ignoring IRS Letter 903 can lead to audits, penalties, and even legal enforcement actions.

Pro Tip

If you receive IRS Letter 903, review your tax records for the past several years. Ensuring that all your returns are filed correctly and that there are no discrepancies in reported income can help you respond to the letter more effectively.

How IRS Letter 903 can affect you

Receiving IRS Letter 903 can have serious implications, as it indicates that the IRS is taking a closer look at your tax account. If you do not take action to resolve the issues raised in the letter, you could face several potential consequences:
  • Audits: One of the most common outcomes of ignoring IRS Letter 903 is a tax audit. The IRS may conduct a thorough examination of your financial records to ensure that your reported income and deductions are accurate.
  • Penalties and interest: If the IRS determines that you owe additional taxes, you may be subject to penalties for failure to file, failure to pay, or accuracy-related issues. Interest will also accrue on any unpaid balances.
  • Enforcement actions: In more severe cases, the IRS may initiate enforcement actions, such as filing tax liens, garnishing wages, or levying bank accounts to collect unpaid taxes.
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.

Steps to take if you receive IRS Letter 903

It’s crucial to take prompt and appropriate action if you receive IRS Letter 903. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to respond:
  • Review the letter: Carefully read IRS Letter 903 to understand the reason it was issued. The letter will typically specify the tax years in question and the nature of the compliance issue.
  • Check your tax records: Look through your records to verify whether you filed the required returns and reported your income accurately. If discrepancies are found, you may need to file amended returns.
  • File any missing returns: If you realize that you haven’t filed a required tax return, do so immediately to avoid additional penalties. Make sure to provide complete and accurate information.
  • Pay any taxes owed: If you owe back taxes, make arrangements to pay the balance or set up a payment plan with the IRS. Addressing outstanding debts promptly can help you avoid enforcement actions.
  • Respond to the IRS: If you need more time to gather information or respond to the letter, contact the IRS to request an extension. This can prevent the situation from escalating.

Pro Tip

Always keep copies of your tax returns, payment records, and correspondence with the IRS. This documentation can be crucial if you need to dispute an issue or prove compliance.

Why you may have received IRS Letter 903

There are various reasons why the IRS might issue Letter 903. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine the best course of action:

Failure to file required returns

The IRS requires individuals and businesses with income above a certain threshold to file tax returns. If you did not file, the IRS may send Letter 903 as a reminder of your filing obligations.

Income discrepancies

The IRS receives information from third-party sources, such as employers, banks, and investment companies. If the income reported on your tax return does not match the amounts reported to the IRS, this discrepancy can trigger Letter 903.

Delinquent tax payments

If you have an outstanding tax liability and have not arranged to pay it, the IRS may issue Letter 903 as a warning before taking further enforcement action.

How to resolve issues with IRS Letter 903

Addressing IRS Letter 903 promptly and correctly can help you avoid penalties and more severe consequences. Here’s how to resolve the issues raised in the letter:

Filing overdue tax returns

If you have unfiled tax returns, make sure to submit them as soon as possible. Be thorough in preparing the returns and ensure all required forms and schedules are included.

Correcting discrepancies in reported income

If you find errors in your reported income, file an amended return with the correct information. Be sure to include documentation, such as W-2 forms or 1099s, to support your corrections.

Setting up a payment plan

If you owe taxes and cannot pay the full amount immediately, consider setting up an installment agreement with the IRS. This allows you to make manageable payments while avoiding additional penalties.

Pro Tip

You can request a payment plan online through the IRS website if you owe less than $50,000 in back taxes. This is often quicker than contacting the IRS by phone.

The risks of ignoring IRS Letter 903

Ignoring IRS Letter 903 can lead to significant risks and consequences:
  • Increased penalties: Failure to respond to the letter may result in the IRS imposing additional penalties, including fines for failure to file or pay.
  • Wage garnishment or tax liens: The IRS may take legal action to collect unpaid taxes, such as garnishing wages or placing liens on your property.
  • Possible criminal charges: In rare and severe cases, ignoring the IRS’s warnings could result in criminal charges for tax evasion or fraud.

Managing tax compliance effectively

Staying compliant with tax obligations can help you avoid receiving letters like IRS Letter 903 in the future. Here are some tips to manage your tax responsibilities effectively:
  • File your returns on time: Avoid penalties by filing your tax returns by the deadline, even if you cannot pay the full amount due.
  • Pay promptly: Always make efforts to pay your tax bill by the due date to avoid interest and penalties. If you can’t afford the full payment, consider arranging a payment plan with the IRS.
  • Keep accurate financial records: Maintaining detailed and accurate records of your income, expenses, and other financial transactions can help ensure that your tax returns are correct and complete.
  • Review IRS notices carefully: If you receive any correspondence from the IRS, review it thoroughly and respond accordingly. Many issues can be resolved quickly if addressed promptly.
  • Use professional tax help if needed: If your tax situation is complex, consider seeking assistance from a tax professional. They can help you file correctly, manage any discrepancies, and navigate IRS notices.
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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I receive IRS Letter 903?

If you receive IRS Letter 903, carefully review the letter to understand the compliance issues the IRS has identified. Then, verify your records to ensure that your tax returns were filed correctly, or if there are any discrepancies. If necessary, file any overdue returns, correct any errors, and make arrangements to pay any taxes owed. Promptly responding to the letter can help you avoid further penalties or enforcement actions.

How long do I have to respond to IRS Letter 903?

The IRS generally expects a timely response to Letter 903. While the letter does not always specify a strict deadline, it is advisable to address the issues within 30 days. Failing to respond promptly may lead to additional penalties, interest, or enforcement actions, such as audits or tax liens.

Can IRS Letter 903 lead to a tax audit?

Yes, ignoring IRS Letter 903 or failing to resolve the issues it raises can result in a tax audit. The IRS may choose to examine your financial records in detail to determine whether your reported income and deductions are accurate. Responding to the letter and addressing any discrepancies can reduce the likelihood of an audit.

Will IRS Letter 903 affect my credit score?

Receiving IRS Letter 903 does not directly impact your credit score. However, if you fail to address the issues and the IRS takes enforcement actions, such as filing a tax lien, it could negatively affect your credit. Resolving the letter’s issues promptly can help you avoid these consequences.

What if I cannot afford to pay the taxes I owe?

If you owe taxes and cannot afford to pay the full amount immediately, it is important to still file your tax returns. You can apply for a payment plan with the IRS, which allows you to pay the owed amount in installments. Additionally, you may qualify for an offer in compromise, which settles your tax debt for less than the full amount. It’s better to make payment arrangements than to ignore the situation, as interest and penalties will continue to accumulate.
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

  • IRS Letter 903 is issued when the IRS identifies potential compliance issues, such as unfiled tax returns, income discrepancies, or unpaid taxes.
  • Ignoring the letter can lead to audits, additional penalties, and enforcement actions like tax liens or wage garnishments.
  • Addressing the letter promptly by filing missing returns, correcting discrepancies, or paying owed taxes can help avoid further complications.
  • Setting up a payment plan with the IRS is a viable option if you cannot pay the full amount immediately.
  • Maintaining accurate tax records and responding to IRS notices in a timely manner are essential for staying compliant.

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