IRS letters › CP501
Notice CP501
Reminder: you still have a balance due
A follow-up sent when an earlier bill such as a CP14 hasn't been paid. Interest and penalties are still adding up.
What it means
The IRS hasn't received full payment or heard from you about an earlier bill. This reminder shows the updated amount.
What to do
- Pay the balance, or set up a payment plan on IRS.gov.
- If you already paid, compare the dates. Payments can cross in the mail. Check your IRS online account.
- If you disagree with the amount, call the number on the notice.
Don't
- Don't wait for the next reminder. Each one moves closer to enforced collection.
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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.
The law behind it
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.
Other letters
General information, not tax or legal advice. Always follow the dates and instructions printed on your own notice.