Got a Letter from the IRS? Here's What It Actually Means.
The IRS sends millions of notices every year — most are routine and many require no action or a simple response. The key is knowing which kind you have. Find your notice type below, or upload it to get a plain-language explanation instantly.
Have your IRS notice with you? Upload it for an instant plain-language breakdown — what it means, how serious it is, and exactly what to do.
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The notice code is usually printed in the upper right corner of your letter — it starts with CP, LT, or a number.
The IRS found income on your tax return that doesn't match what employers or financial institutions reported. They're proposing a change to your taxes.
Read it carefully. If you agree, sign and return the response form with payment if due. If you disagree, respond within 60 days with documentation showing the income was already reported or doesn't apply.
You filed your return but didn't pay the full amount you owed. This is the first official notice that a balance is due.
Pay the full amount by the due date to stop interest from accumulating. If you can't pay in full, set up a payment plan (installment agreement) at IRS.gov to avoid further penalties.
A follow-up to a CP14 you didn't respond to. The IRS is reminding you of an unpaid balance and warning that additional action may follow.
Pay immediately or set up a payment plan. Do not ignore this — the next notices (CP503, CP504) escalate toward enforcement action.
The IRS is warning that they intend to levy (seize) your wages, bank accounts, or other assets if you don't pay or contact them.
Act immediately. Pay in full, set up a payment plan, or call the IRS to discuss hardship options. A tax professional can help negotiate an Offer in Compromise or Currently Not Collectible status.
The IRS received a tax return with your Social Security Number but couldn't verify your identity. They want to confirm the return was filed by you, not someone else.
Go to IRS.gov/identity-verification or call the number on the notice. Have your prior year tax return, Social Security card, and a government-issued photo ID ready. Your refund will be held until you verify.
This is the IRS's final warning before they begin enforcing collection through wage garnishment, bank levies, or liens on your property.
This is serious. Contact the IRS immediately or hire a tax professional. You have 30 days to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing — this pauses enforcement while you appeal.
The IRS corrected a math error on your return and is sending you a larger refund than you claimed.
Review the notice to confirm the change makes sense. If you agree, just wait for the corrected refund. If you think it's wrong, respond within 60 days.
Your estimated tax payments didn't match what you reported on your return. There may be a small balance due or a small refund.
Review whether you made all the payments shown. If you agree with the change, pay any balance or cash the refund. If you disagree, respond with payment records.
Common Questions
🚨 Never Ignore These
- → LT11 / Letter 1058 — Final Notice Before Levy (30-day window to appeal)
- → CP504 — Notice of Intent to Levy (act within days)
- → Any notice with a deadline date that has passed or is within 2 weeks
- → Any notice referencing an audit or examination — respond or it proceeds without you
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