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What does my IRS letter mean?

Type the code from the top right corner of your IRS notice or letter. You get the plain meaning, the typical deadline and the next steps, summarized from the IRS's own pages.

Find the code in the top right corner of your IRS letter (for example CP14, LT11 or 5071C).

All notices we cover (34)

Letter 4883C: verify your identity by phoneAction needed

A federal return was filed under your SSN or ITIN. To protect you from identity theft, the IRS needs you to verify your identity and the return so it can keep processing it. If you did not file, you must tell the IRS.

Typical deadline
Call the Taxpayer Protection Program number on the letter right away.

Next steps

  1. Do not file Form 14039 if you received this letter. Follow the letter instructions.
  2. Call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline on the letter.
  3. Have ready: the letter, the Form 1040 return it names (W-2 and 1099 forms are not returns), a return from a different year if you have one, and supporting documents for each return.
  4. If you did not file, tell the IRS right away. You may be a victim of identity theft.
  5. The hotline is for identity and return verification only, not refund status.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 20-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

5071C (CP5071 series): verify your identity and returnAction needed

A federal income tax return was filed under your Social Security number or ITIN. The IRS needs you to verify your identity and the return. If you did not file, you may be a victim of identity theft. If you did file, verifying lets the IRS keep processing it.

Typical deadline
Follow the instructions and dates on your notice.

Next steps

  1. Follow the instructions on the notice. If it offers online verification, use the IRS identity and return verification service it names.
  2. Have your notice and tax records ready. If you filed, you need the return for the year on the notice, a prior-year return if you have it, and supporting documents such as W-2 and 1099 forms.
  3. If you did not file, say so during verification.
  4. The contact information on the notice is for identity and return verification only, not for refund status.
  5. If you verify, you do not need Form 14039 unless the IRS says so. An IP PIN helps protect your number going forward.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 17-Mar-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

Letter 5747C: verify your identity in personAction needed

A federal return was filed under your SSN or ITIN. To protect you from identity theft, the IRS needs you to verify your identity and the return so it can keep processing it. You may need to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center. If you did not file, you must tell the IRS.

Typical deadline
Call the number on the letter right away to report that you did not file, or to schedule your appointment.

Next steps

  1. Do not file Form 14039 if you received this letter. Follow the letter instructions.
  2. If you did not file, call the Taxpayer Protection Program hotline on the letter.
  3. If you did file, call the Taxpayer Assistance Center number on the letter to schedule an in-person appointment.
  4. Bring the letter, the return it names, supporting documents, a valid government photo ID, and at least one more form of identification the letter lists.
  5. An authorized representative can attend, but you must be present to verify your identity.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 16-May-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP09: you may qualify for the Earned Income CreditAction needed

You may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit but did not claim it on your return.

Typical deadline
To respond online, send your documents within 30 days from the date of the notice.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice and complete the Earned Income Credit worksheet on Form 15111.
  2. If the worksheet shows you are eligible, mail the signed worksheet in the envelope provided, or upload it with the access code on the notice.
  3. If you are not eligible, do not return Form 15111.
  4. Publication 596 explains the Earned Income Credit.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 21-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP11: the IRS corrected your return, amount you owe changedAction needed

The IRS corrected one or more mistakes on your return. As a result, the amount you owe has changed.

Typical deadline
If you agree, pay by the date shown on the notice. If you disagree, contact the IRS by the date indicated.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice to see what changed on your return and how it changed what you owe.
  2. If you agree, pay by the date shown to avoid more penalties and interest.
  3. If you cannot pay in full, arrange to pay over time.
  4. Correct your own copy of the return, but do not send it to the IRS.
  5. If you disagree, contact the IRS at the number shown by the date indicated.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 11-Aug-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP12: the IRS corrected your return, refund due or changedFor your information

The IRS corrected one or more mistakes on your return. As a result, you are due a refund or your original refund amount changed.

Typical deadline
If you agree, no response is required. If you disagree, contact the IRS by the date indicated.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice to see what changed and how it affected your refund.
  2. If you agree, you do not need to respond. A refund check should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks if you owe no other tax or debts the IRS must collect.
  3. Correct your own copy of the return, but do not send it to the IRS.
  4. If you disagree, contact the IRS at the number shown by the date indicated.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 11-Aug-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP14: you owe money on unpaid taxesAction needed

You owe money on unpaid taxes. The notice explains how much you owe and how to pay it.

Typical deadline
Pay by the due date on the notice. Interest is not charged if you pay the full amount by that date, but it accrues on any unpaid amount after it.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice to see how much you owe.
  2. Pay the full amount by the due date on the notice.
  3. If you cannot pay in full, apply for a payment plan. Contact the IRS by the payment due date.
  4. If you disagree, call the number in the notice and have your paperwork ready.
  5. A late payment penalty applies if you do not pay in full.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 23-Jun-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP161: you have an unpaid balance dueAction needed

You have an unpaid balance due. The notice explains how the IRS figured the amount.

Typical deadline
Contact the IRS within 10 days of the date of the notice if you think it made a mistake. Pay by the date on the notice.

Next steps

  1. Compare the figures on the notice with your tax return.
  2. Check the payments the IRS applied to see whether it counted all of yours.
  3. Contact the IRS within 10 days of the notice date if you think there is a mistake.
  4. Pay by the date on the notice, or contact the IRS to arrange payments if you cannot pay in full.
  5. A late payment or failure to deposit penalty applies if you do not pay in full.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 27-Jun-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP2000 series: income does not match what you reportedAction needed

Income or payment information the IRS received from third parties, such as employers or banks, does not match your return. The notice proposes changes to your return. It is not a bill, and your response may be required.

Typical deadline
Reply by the date listed on the notice.

Next steps

  1. Read the whole notice and compare it to your return and your income documents.
  2. Reply by the date listed. Sign the response form, say whether you agree or disagree, and include supporting documents.
  3. If you agree and have no other income, credits or expenses to report, follow the notice instructions. You do not need to amend your return.
  4. If you have other items to report, file Form 1040-X and write CP2000 on top of it.
  5. If you do not reply, the IRS may send another notice and a bill.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 14-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP22A: changes to your return, you oweAction needed

The IRS made changes to your tax return and you owe because of the changes.

Typical deadline
If you agree, pay by the date printed on the notice.

Next steps

  1. Call the toll-free number on the notice if you want to know what changed and why.
  2. If you agree, pay by the date printed on the notice and correct your own copy of the return.
  3. If you cannot pay in full, look at a payment plan, a temporary collection delay or an offer in compromise.
  4. If you disagree, call the number on the notice.
  5. Interest accrues if you do not pay by the date on the payment coupon.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 11-Aug-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP23: estimated tax payments differ, you oweAction needed

The IRS corrected your return because the estimated tax payments on it differ from what the IRS posted to your account. You owe a balance because of the change. The notice may cover other changes too.

Typical deadline
If you agree, pay by the date shown on the notice. If you disagree, contact the IRS by the date indicated.

Next steps

  1. Compare the payments listed on the notice with your records. Check that all your estimated payments and any prior-year credit are listed.
  2. If you agree, pay by the date shown to avoid more penalties and interest.
  3. If you cannot pay in full, arrange to pay over time.
  4. Correct your own copy of the return, but do not send it to the IRS.
  5. If you disagree or a payment was missed, contact the IRS at the number shown by the date indicated.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 20-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP24: estimated tax payments differ, you may have a creditFor your information

The IRS corrected your return because the estimated tax payments on it differ from what the IRS posted to your account. You may have a credit because of the change.

Typical deadline
If you agree, no response is required. If you disagree, contact the IRS by the date indicated.

Next steps

  1. Compare the payments listed on the notice with your records.
  2. If you agree, you do not need to respond. You should receive your remaining refund in 4 to 6 weeks if you owe no other taxes or debts the IRS must collect.
  3. Correct your own copy of the return, but do not send it to the IRS.
  4. If you disagree, contact the IRS at the number shown by the date indicated.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 17-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP2501: income does not match, you must respondAction needed

Income or payment information from third parties does not match what you reported. The notice explains proposed changes to your return. It is not a bill, but you must respond.

Typical deadline
Return the response form by the date listed.

Next steps

  1. Review the whole notice and follow its instructions.
  2. Sign the response form and send it back by the date listed. Both spouses must sign if you filed jointly.
  3. If you disagree, include a signed statement explaining why, plus documents that support your claim.
  4. If you include an amended return (Form 1040-X), write CP2501 at the top.
  5. Reply by upload, fax or mail, as the notice describes.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 14-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP27: you may qualify for the Earned Income CreditAction needed

The IRS records show you may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit but you did not claim it on your return.

Typical deadline
Follow the dates in the notice. If you qualify and send Form 15112, a refund should come in 6 to 8 weeks.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice and complete the EIC eligibility worksheet on Form 15112.
  2. If you are eligible, sign and date Form 15112 and mail it in the envelope provided.
  3. If you are not eligible, do not return the form.
  4. If you are eligible, the IRS says a refund should come in 6 to 8 weeks if you owe no other tax or debts. If it denies the credit, it sends a letter of explanation.
  5. If you hear nothing after 8 weeks, call the IRS toll-free line to check status.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 21-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP297: intent to levy, right to a hearingUrgent: act now

The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to a Collection Due Process hearing.

Typical deadline
Check the notice for the date by which you must request a hearing, and act before it.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice carefully. It explains the IRS action.
  2. Pay what you owe, or request a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.
  3. To appeal the intent to levy, request a Collection Due Process hearing on Form 12153.
  4. You can learn about an offer in compromise if you cannot pay in full.
  5. You can authorize someone, such as an accountant, to contact the IRS for you with Form 2848.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 21-Nov-2025, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP3219A: proposed change to your tax, Tax Court rightsUrgent: act now

The IRS found that your income tax needs to be adjusted based on information from others, such as an employer or bank. The notice is not a bill or an audit. It proposes a change, explains how the amount was figured, and explains how you can challenge it in U.S. Tax Court.

Typical deadline
Reply by the date listed on the notice. The notice describes a 90-day response period. If you want to go to Tax Court, file the petition by the date on the notice. The Tax Court cannot consider a late petition, and talking with the IRS does not extend that date.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice closely. Amounts on the enclosed Form 5564 may differ from a prior notice.
  2. If you agree, reply with the enclosed Form 5564 as the notice instructs.
  3. If you disagree, reply right away with the information you want considered and a signed statement.
  4. If an income document is wrong, ask the payer for a corrected one and tell the IRS you are waiting for it.
  5. To challenge in Tax Court, follow the notice instructions and file the petition by the date listed.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 20-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP49: your refund was applied to a tax debtFor your information

The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt.

Typical deadline
No response date. If you still owe a balance, pay it or ask about a payment plan.

Next steps

  1. If you still owe money after the refund was applied, pay online or apply for a payment plan.
  2. If you already have a payment plan for that tax year, keep making payments.
  3. If part of the refund was yours and the debt is your spouse's, you may be able to claim your share with Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation.
  4. If only part of the refund was used, the rest should arrive by check within 3 weeks unless you owe other taxes or debts.
  5. If you disagree, call the number on the notice with your paperwork ready.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 21-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP501: reminder that you owe a balanceAction needed

A reminder that you owe a balance on one of your tax accounts. The IRS has not received your payment or a response to the earlier notice.

Typical deadline
Pay by the due date shown on the notice.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice for the amount, the due date and your payment options.
  2. Pay by the due date, or apply for a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.
  3. If you disagree, call the toll-free number on the notice.
  4. You may request an appeal under the Collection Appeals Program (CAP) before collection action, by following the notice.
  5. If you do nothing, the IRS can file a notice of federal tax lien, and interest and penalties keep growing.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 22-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP503: second reminder that you owe a balanceAction needed

A second reminder that you still owe a balance. The IRS has not received your payment or a response to earlier notices.

Typical deadline
Pay the entire balance by the due date shown on the notice to avoid additional penalties and interest.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice for the amount, due date and payment options.
  2. Pay by the due date, or ask about a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.
  3. Call the toll-free number on the notice by the payment due date if you have questions or disagree.
  4. If you already took corrective action, still call so your account shows it.
  5. If you do nothing, the IRS may file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 16-Dec-2025, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP504: Notice of Intent to LevyUrgent: act now

You have an unpaid balance. This is a Notice of Intent to Levy. If you do not pay right away, the IRS can levy your income and bank accounts, seize property or rights to property, and take your state income tax refund. It also explains passport denial or revocation for seriously delinquent tax debt.

Typical deadline
Pay the amount due immediately.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice for how much you owe and your payment options.
  2. Pay immediately. If you cannot pay in full, pay what you can and contact the IRS right away about a payment plan.
  3. The online payment agreement tool is the fastest way to get an installment agreement approved.
  4. If you disagree, call the toll-free number on the notice.
  5. You may request a Collection Appeals Program (CAP) appeal before collection action, by following the notice.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 16-Dec-2025, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP523: intent to end your installment agreementUrgent: act now

The IRS intends to terminate your installment agreement and levy your assets because you defaulted on the agreement. This also covers CP523 (SP) and CP623.

Typical deadline
Contact the IRS as soon as possible, and no later than 30 days from the date of the notice. Make your payment before the termination date on the notice.

Next steps

  1. Make your payment before the termination date to keep the agreement.
  2. Contact the IRS right away to see whether you can reinstate the agreement. A fee or full payment of any new tax may apply.
  3. Read the notice to see why the IRS says you defaulted.
  4. If you do not respond, the IRS ends the agreement and can file a federal tax lien or levy wages and bank accounts.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 04-Apr-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP53: direct deposit failed, refund check comingFor your information

The IRS could not direct deposit your refund, so it is sending a refund check by mail.

Typical deadline
The check should arrive 4 weeks from the date of the notice. Call the number on the notice if it has not arrived after 4 weeks.

Next steps

  1. Wait for the check. It should arrive 4 weeks from the notice date.
  2. If it has not arrived after 4 weeks, call the number on the notice.
  3. The IRS mails refund checks only to your address of record. If you moved, update it with the number on the notice or with Form 8822.
  4. Next year, check the bank details in the Refund section when you file.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 01-Feb-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP59: no record of your prior-year returnAction needed

The IRS has no record that you filed your prior-year personal tax return.

Typical deadline
File immediately, or explain why you do not need to file. If you filed within the last eight weeks, you do not need to do anything.

Next steps

  1. If you filed in the last eight weeks, do nothing.
  2. If you did not file, or it has been more than eight weeks, check that the name, SSN or TIN and tax year on the notice match your return, then mail a signed and dated copy. Check that your return was not rejected.
  3. If you believe the IRS made a mistake, complete Form 15103, Form 1040 Return Delinquency.
  4. If you owe and cannot pay in full, you can request a payment plan.
  5. Not filing can cost you refunds or credits, because the law sets strict time limits, and penalties and interest keep accruing if you owe.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 26-Aug-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP60: a payment was removed from your accountAction needed

The IRS removed a payment that it had applied to your account by mistake. The notice gives the date and amount of the payment removed.

Typical deadline
Pay any amount you owe by the date stated on the notice.

Next steps

  1. Check the date and amount of the payment removed against your records.
  2. Pay what you owe by the date on the notice. If you cannot pay in full, pay what you can and arrange a payment plan.
  3. If you believe the payment was removed in error, mail the IRS a copy of your proof of payment to the address on the notice.
  4. You can authorize someone to contact the IRS for you with Form 2848.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 30-Jan-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP71: unpaid balance needs your attentionAction needed

You still have an unpaid balance on one of your tax accounts and it needs your immediate attention. The notice also explains that the State Department can deny or revoke a passport for seriously delinquent tax debt.

Typical deadline
Respond now. The notice shows the amount and dates for your account.

Next steps

  1. Pay your balance online if you can. Interest and penalties stop being added once it is paid in full.
  2. If you cannot pay in full, pay what you can and set up a payment plan for the rest.
  3. Ask about a temporary delay of collection if you face financial hardship, or check an offer in compromise.
  4. If you paid in the last 21 days, payments can take up to 21 days to post. You may disregard the notice if you paid in full in that time.
  5. If you do not respond, interest keeps accruing, penalties may apply and future refunds may be offset.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 27-Aug-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP71C: unpaid balance, possible lien and collection agencyAction needed

You still have an unpaid balance that needs your immediate attention. If you do not pay or set up a payment plan, the IRS may file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien and may assign your account to a private collection agency.

Typical deadline
Respond now. The notice shows the amount and dates for your account.

Next steps

  1. Pay your balance online if you can, or mail payment with the bottom part of the notice.
  2. If you cannot pay in full, pay what you can and set up a payment plan for the rest.
  3. Ask about a temporary delay of collection if you face financial hardship, or check an offer in compromise.
  4. If you paid in the last 21 days, payments can take up to 21 days to post. You may disregard the notice if you paid in full in that time.
  5. If you do not respond, a lien may be filed and interest and penalties keep growing.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 27-Aug-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP71D: unpaid balance, possible lien and collection agencyAction needed

You still have an unpaid balance that needs your immediate attention. If you do not pay or set up a payment plan, the IRS may file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien and may assign your account to a private collection agency.

Typical deadline
Respond now. If you are already working with a revenue officer, contact that officer.

Next steps

  1. If you already work with a revenue officer, contact them to discuss payment options.
  2. Pay your balance online if you can, or mail payment with the bottom part of the notice.
  3. If you cannot pay in full, pay what you can and set up a payment plan for the rest.
  4. Ask about a temporary delay of collection if you face financial hardship, or check an offer in compromise.
  5. If you do not respond, a lien may be filed and interest and penalties keep growing.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 27-Aug-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP75: audit of the Earned Income Credit on your returnAction needed

The IRS is auditing your return and needs documents to verify the Earned Income Credit you claimed. It is holding the EIC, Additional Child Tax Credit and possibly other credit parts of your refund until the audit ends.

Typical deadline
Send the documents the notice asks for by the date in the notice.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice and the enclosed forms. They list what you must send.
  2. Gather copies of the requested documents and complete the response form, showing which items each document covers.
  3. Send everything at the same time and make sure it is easy to read.
  4. Send by the IRS upload tool, by fax, or by mail with the notice stub, in that order of preference.
  5. You may want to review the notice with your tax preparer. Having a return selected does not mean you made an error.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 01-Oct-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP87A: same dependent claimed on another returnAction needed

The IRS received another return claiming a dependent or qualifying child with the same Social Security number as one on your return. The notice lists the last four digits of each number in question.

Typical deadline
No response date. Review your return, and amend if you claimed someone who does not qualify.

Next steps

  1. Compare the numbers on the notice with the Social Security card for each dependent you listed.
  2. If you are entitled to claim the dependent, you do not need to write or send anything.
  3. If you listed someone who does not qualify, file Form 1040-X to correct your return.
  4. If the numbers do not match your card, you used a wrong number. You do not need to act, but use the correct one next year.
  5. The IRS cannot tell you who the other taxpayer is. If someone else is using your or your dependent's number, contact the IRS.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 21-Jul-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP90: intent to levy, right to a hearingUrgent: act now

The IRS intends to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes and is informing you of your right to a Collection Due Process hearing.

Typical deadline
Check the notice for the date by which you must request a hearing, and act before it.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice carefully. It explains the IRS action.
  2. Pay what you owe, or request a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.
  3. To appeal, request a Collection Due Process hearing on Form 12153, using the document upload tool and the access code on your notice, or by mail.
  4. If you cannot pay, contact the IRS to discuss options. Seriously delinquent tax debt can block a U.S. passport.
  5. You can authorize someone to contact the IRS for you with Form 2848.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 06-Nov-2025, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP91: intent to levy Social Security benefitsUrgent: act now

The IRS intends to levy up to 15% of your Social Security benefits for unpaid taxes.

Typical deadline
Act right away. The notice explains the IRS action and its dates.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice carefully.
  2. Pay what you owe, or request a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.
  3. Do not contact the Social Security Administration. It cannot stop the levy. Contact the IRS at the number on the notice.
  4. Ask about a temporary delay of collection if you are in financial hardship.
  5. You can authorize someone to contact the IRS for you with Form 2848.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 05-Nov-2025, we checked it 2026-10-01.

CP92: state tax refund levied, right to a hearingUrgent: act now

The IRS levied your state tax refund for unpaid taxes and is informing you of your right to a Collection Due Process hearing.

Typical deadline
Check the notice for the date by which you must request a hearing, and act before it.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice carefully. It explains the IRS action.
  2. Pay what you owe, or request a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.
  3. To disagree, request a Collection Due Process hearing on Form 12153. Upload it with the access code on your notice, or mail it to the address on the notice.
  4. If you cannot pay right away, contact the IRS to discuss options. You may be blocked from getting or renewing a U.S. passport.
  5. You can authorize someone to contact the IRS for you with Form 2848.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 05-Nov-2025, we checked it 2026-10-01.

LT11 or Letter 1058: intent to seize your propertyUrgent: act now

The IRS has not received payment for overdue taxes and intends to seize your property or rights to property. You must contact the IRS immediately.

Typical deadline
Contact the IRS immediately. The letter explains how and by when to request an appeal of the proposed levy.

Next steps

  1. Pay your unpaid balance. Paying in full stops interest and penalties from being added.
  2. If you cannot pay in full, pay what you can and, if your filings are current, request an installment agreement. If you owe less than $50,000 you may be able to use the online payment agreement tool.
  3. If you already paid or think a payment was not credited, send proof of payment to the address at the top of the letter.
  4. You may request an appeal of the proposed levy by following the letter instructions (a Collection Due Process hearing).
  5. If you do nothing, the IRS can levy wages, bank accounts and other property, and may file a federal tax lien.

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 30-Jan-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

LT16: unpaid taxes or missing returnsAction needed

The IRS is trying to collect unpaid taxes from you, or its files show it is missing tax returns from you. Taking action can avoid enforcement, which can include seizing assets or wages and filing a federal tax lien.

Typical deadline
Act as soon as possible. The notice lists your specific dates.

Next steps

  1. Read the notice. Following its instructions may stop enforcement action.
  2. File any missing returns as soon as possible. You must be current on your filings to apply for an installment agreement.
  3. Pay your balance. If you cannot pay in full, pay what you can and set up an installment agreement for the rest.
  4. If you already filed a return the IRS lists as missing and it has been over 10 weeks, send a signed copy again.
  5. If the tax is in doubt or you cannot resolve a disagreement, you are entitled to a hearing with the Office of Appeals (see Publication 1660).

Source: IRS page, IRS page updated 05-May-2026, we checked it 2026-10-01.

Information only, not tax advice. Final answers depend on your full tax situation.

Email me this result and deadline reminders

Optional. We send this result and the reminders you ask for. We do not sell your information.

Questions and answers

Where do I find my notice code?

Look in the top right corner of the letter. It reads something like Notice CP14 or Letter 4883C. The IRS also prints the tax year and the date you must respond by.

Is a CP2000 a bill?

No. The IRS says a CP2000 notice is not a bill and your response may be required. It proposes changes to your return because income reported by others does not match what you reported. Reply by the date listed on the notice.

What if I missed the date on my notice?

The date printed on your own notice is the one that counts. If you are close to it or past it, contact the IRS at the number on the notice or bring the letter to us right away. For some letters, such as a notice of deficiency (CP3219A), the IRS says the Tax Court deadline cannot be extended.

Can this tool replace reading my letter?

No. It summarizes IRS notice pages in plain language and links to each one. Your letter has your own amounts, dates and instructions, and those control. If your code is not listed, we will read it with you for free.

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