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Most IRS letters can be resolved if you answer on time. Bring us the letter and we will explain what it says, what the IRS wants and how to respond, in English or Spanish.
Find the date on the letter and the deadline to respond. Missing it can cost you your right to appeal.
It is usually in the top or bottom right corner, for example CP2000, CP14 or LT11. It tells you what kind of letter it is.
Pull out the tax return for that year and the W-2s or 1099s the IRS mentions. Check whether the IRS is right.
Answer in writing with copies of your documents, not originals, and keep a copy of everything you send.
If you agree and owe money, pay or request a payment plan. If you disagree, say so with your proof. Payment plans and resolutions
| Notice | What it means | Time to act |
|---|---|---|
| CP2000 | Income or payments reported to the IRS don't match your return. The IRS proposes a change; it is not a bill or a formal audit. | Usually 30 days from the notice date |
| CP14 | You have a balance due. | Pay or contact the IRS by the date shown |
| CP501, CP503 | Reminders that the balance is still unpaid. | By the date shown |
| CP504 | Notice of intent to levy. The IRS cannot levy with this notice alone; a final notice comes next. | By the date shown |
| LT11 or Letter 1058 | Final notice of intent to levy, with your right to a Collection Due Process hearing. | 30 days to request a hearing (Form 12153) |
| Letter 3172 | A federal tax lien was filed. | 30 days to request a hearing |
| Letter 525 or 950 | Results of an exam (audit) with proposed changes. | 30 days to file a protest with IRS Appeals |
| Letter 531 or CP3219A | Notice of deficiency. | 90 days to petition the U.S. Tax Court |
No. Some letters only ask you to confirm your identity or explain a change to your refund. Others propose more tax or warn about collection. The notice number, usually in the top or bottom right corner (for example CP2000 or LT11), tells you which one you have.
It depends on the letter. The response date is printed on it. A CP2000 usually gives 30 days from the notice date. A final notice of intent to levy (LT11 or Letter 1058) gives 30 days to request a hearing, and a notice of deficiency gives 90 days to go to Tax Court.
You can, but answering in writing by the deadline, with copies of your documents, leaves a record. Keep a copy of everything you send. Check that the letter is real: the IRS usually contacts people first by mail and does not demand payment by gift card or wire transfer.
You still need to respond. The IRS offers payment plans and, in some cases, other options. We can review the letter, check whether the amount is right and help you ask for a plan.
Yes. We help with federal and Minnesota letters, in English or Spanish.
If the IRS opened an audit, see audit representation.
General information, not legal or tax advice.
