Reply by the date on the notice
CP2000: Proposed changes to your return
The income on your return does not match what employers, banks or brokers reported to the IRS.
IRS notice guide
Got a letter from the IRS? Start here.
Find the notice number in the top or bottom right corner of the first page, then pick it below. Each page explains what the letter means, how long you have, and what to do today. Written by Paige Fernald, an Enrolled Agent.
Is it really from the IRS? The IRS starts contact by mail, not by email, text, social media or a surprise phone call demanding payment. To check a letter, sign in to your IRS online account at irs.gov (type the address yourself) and look for the same balance or notice there, or call us.
Urgent: act now
CP3219A: Statutory Notice of Deficiency
The IRS intends to assess extra tax. You have 90 days to take the case to the U.S. Tax Court.
Reply by the date on the notice
CP14: Balance due
The IRS's first bill: you owe tax on a return, and it shows the amount and the due date.
Reply by the date on the notice
CP501: Reminder: you still have a balance
A reminder that a balance is still unpaid after an earlier notice.
Act within days
CP503: Second reminder: balance still unpaid
The IRS has not heard from you about an unpaid balance. A lien can follow.
Urgent: act now
CP504: Notice of intent to levy
The IRS can now take your state tax refund, and may file a lien and move toward other property.
Urgent: act now
LT11 or Letter 1058: Final notice of intent to levy
The IRS's final notice before it can levy wages, bank accounts and other property. 30 days to request a hearing.
Check it, usually no rush
CP12: The IRS changed your refund
The IRS corrected what it sees as a mistake on your return, and your refund changed.
Act within days
Letter 5071C: Verify your identity
The IRS is holding a return filed under your name until you confirm you filed it.
Reply by the date on the notice
Massachusetts DOR: Notice of Intent to Assess, and assessments
Massachusetts proposes extra tax (Notice of Intent to Assess), then bills it (Notice of Assessment).
Do not see your notice?
The IRS sends hundreds of different letters. If yours is not listed, the same rules apply: find the date it asks you to respond by, read every page, and do not ignore it. Then send it to us and we will tell you what it means.
Why an Enrolled Agent
Enrolled Agents are enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers on notices, audits, collections and appeals. With your signed Form 2848, Paige can talk to the IRS for you. What an Enrolled Agent does.