IRS letters

Got a letter from the IRS?

Find your notice number (top or bottom right corner of the letter) and get a plain-English guide: what it means, how serious it is, the deadline and what to do next.

LT11Final notice: intent to levy and your right to a hearingVery urgent CP3219ANotice of deficiency (the "90-day letter")Very urgent CP503Second reminder: the balance is still unpaidUrgent CP504Notice of intent to levyUrgent Letter 525Proposed audit changes (the "30-day letter")Urgent CP2000The IRS thinks your return is missing incomeAct on it CP14You have a balance dueAct on it CP501Reminder: you still have a balance dueAct on it CP59The IRS has no record of your returnAct on it 5071CVerify your identityAct on it CP162Penalty for a late or incomplete partnership or S-corporation returnAct on it CP2501Your return may not match what was reportedCheck it CP11The IRS corrected your return, and you oweCheck it CP22AChanges to your return: you oweCheck it CP12The IRS corrected your return, and your refund changedGood to know CP49Your refund was used to pay a tax debtGood to know CP575Your new EINFor your records

Is it really from the IRS?

The IRS starts contact by mail. A real notice has a notice number and your tax year, and you can see it, with any balance, in your IRS online account. The IRS never demands payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer, and never threatens arrest. If in doubt, call the IRS using a number from IRS.gov, not one from the letter.

Free help

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent part of the IRS that helps when a problem isn't being resolved (Form 911, or 877-777-4778). Low Income Taxpayer Clinics represent people for free or a small fee, many in Spanish and other languages.

General information, not tax or legal advice. Always follow the dates and instructions printed on your own notice.