What does your IRS letter mean?
Not in the decoder yet. Read it to us.
Call (281) 785-0460 Send it to us
That does not mean it is unusual. The IRS sends many different notices and letters. Read us the number and the date printed on it, and Blaga will tell you what it is and what it asks you to do.
Check the letters before the number too (CP, LT or Letter), in the top right corner. See every letter in the decoder.
Type the number from the top right corner of your letter, for example CP504 or LTR 1058. No number? Try a word like levy, lien or audit.
Which one is it?
Look at the letters printed just before the number, top right of the first page.
Still not sure? Call (281) 785-0460 and read it to us.
Which letter is it?
The number is in the top right corner of the first page, for example CP14 or LTR 1058. Type it above, tap a common one below, or see every letter the decoder covers.
- What it means
- Your deadline
- If it waits
- How an Enrolled Agent can help
Have Blaga read yours Full guide
Source: irs.gov. This is a plain-English summary, not advice on your case.
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- IRS letters
Find the CP or LTR number in the right corner of your IRS letter, then type it into the decoder. It tells you in plain words what the notice means, the response window irs.gov gives, what happens if you ignore it, and what to do first. Each result links to the official irs.gov page. Blaga Veleva, EA can then handle the reply.
Find your letter
Balances and collection
- CP14Balance due: you owe unpaid taxRespond by the date
- CP501Reminder: you still have a balance dueRespond by the date
- CP503Second reminder: unpaid balanceUrgent
- CP504Notice of intent to levyUrgent
- CP504BNotice of intent to levy (business)Urgent
- CP71Annual reminder of a balance dueRespond by the date
- CP161Balance due on a business or other returnRespond by the date
- CP523Intent to end your installment agreementUrgent
- CP90Final notice of intent to levy and your right to a hearingAct now
- CP297Final notice of intent to levy and your right to a hearingAct now
- LT11Final notice of intent to levy (LT11 or Letter 1058)Act now
- CP91Intent to levy your Social Security benefitsAct now
- Ltr 3172Notice of federal tax lien filing and your right to a hearingAct now
- CP40Your account was assigned to a private collection agencyRespond by the date
Proposed changes and audits
- CP2000Proposed changes to your tax return (income mismatch)Urgent
- CP2501Income on your return doesn't match IRS recordsRespond by the date
- CP3219AStatutory notice of deficiencyAct now
- Ltr 525General 30-day letter (audit results)Urgent
- Ltr 566Audit initial contact letterUrgent
- CP75Audit of your Earned Income Credit; refund on holdUrgent
- CP05We are reviewing your returnRead and keep
- Ltr 12CWe need more information to process your returnRespond by the date
Changes to your return
Returns the IRS has not received
Balance due reminders
These letters say you owe and ask you to pay. They are the cheapest stage to act, before levy notices start.
- CP14: the first bill for unpaid tax.
- CP501: a reminder of the balance.
- CP503: the second reminder.
- CP71: an annual reminder of a balance due.
- CP161: a balance due on a business or other return.
- CP22A: the IRS changed your return and you now owe.
Can't pay in full? See payment plans.
Final notices before a levy
These warn that the IRS intends to seize wages, bank funds or other assets. Several carry a 30-day right to a Collection Due Process hearing.
- CP504: notice of intent to levy.
- CP523: intent to end your installment agreement.
- CP90 and CP297: final notice of intent to levy and your right to a hearing.
- LT11 or Letter 1058: final notice of intent to levy.
- CP91: intent to levy Social Security benefits.
More on stopping an IRS levy.
Federal tax lien
A lien is a public claim on your property for unpaid tax. It can affect your credit, and the lien letter comes with a 30-day window to ask for a hearing.
- Letter 3172: notice of federal tax lien filing and your right to a hearing.
Unfiled returns
These say the IRS has no record of a return it expected from you. The fix is a filed return, or Form 15103 explaining why none was due. Left alone, the IRS may figure your tax for you.
Audits and income mismatches
These letters question your return or ask for proof.
- CP2000: proposed changes from an income mismatch.
- CP2501: income doesn't match IRS records.
- Letter 566: audit initial contact.
- CP75: Earned Income Credit audit, refund on hold.
- Letter 525: audit results, 30 days to protest.
- Letter 12C: more information needed.
- CP05: your return is being reviewed.
See IRS audit help.
Notice of deficiency and Tax Court
This is the legal step after a proposed change goes unresolved. It is often called a 90-day letter, and it is the one notice where a missed date can't be fixed by calling the IRS.
- CP3219A: statutory notice of deficiency, with a Tax Court petition date the IRS can't extend.
Identity verification
These letters mean a return filed with your Social Security number was put on hold as possible identity theft. The IRS won't process it until you respond.
- Letter 5071C: verify your identity online.
- Letter 4883C: verify your identity by phone.
Not sure a letter is real? IRS.gov says to call 800-829-1040. Source: IRS guide to notices.
Questions people ask
Q1Where is the notice number on my IRS letter?
IRS.gov says the CP or LTR number is in the right corner of the letter. Type it into the decoder with or without spaces.
Q2What should I do if my notice isn't in the decoder?
Search irs.gov for the number, or upload the letter through the consult form and Blaga Veleva, EA will look at it.
Q3Do I have to reply to every IRS letter?
No. IRS.gov says you generally don't need to reply unless the notice asks you to. If it does, act by the due date to protect your rights.
Q4Can an Enrolled Agent answer IRS letters for me?
Yes. With a signed Form 2848, Blaga can speak and write to the IRS for you, from her office at 5629 FM 1960 West, Suite 221, or remotely through a secure portal.
Q5Which IRS letters are the most urgent?
Final notices of intent to levy, the lien letter and the notice of deficiency carry fixed windows: 30 days for a Collection Due Process hearing and the Tax Court date printed on a CP3219A. Open those first.