Decoding the Mail: Understanding the Types of IRS Letters

Receiving a letter from the IRS is rarely a cause for celebration.

That official-looking envelope in your mailbox can trigger a wave of anxiety, leaving you wondering, “What do I owe now?” or, “Did I do something wrong?” It’s no wonder that dealing with the IRS is a common source of stress for taxpayers, especially those facing a complicated tax situation or potential audit.

Before you let those worries take over, however, take a breath. Understanding the types of IRS letters and notices — and knowing what actions to take to follow up on them — can help you respond to these communications with more confidence.

Why Does the IRS Send Letters?

Reasons for the IRS to Send Letters

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sends out an enormous volume of letters and notices to taxpayers each year. These communications serve various purposes, all aimed at ensuring compliance with tax laws and proper management of tax accounts.

Here are some of the reasons you might receive a letter from the IRS:

Request for Information

The IRS might request additional information or documents to verify details on your tax return or clarify discrepancies. Sometimes, this might be to verify your eligibility for a tax credit or to confirm income information the agency has received from other sources.

Account Update

Some notices might provide updates on your tax account, such as changes to your balance due, confirmation of payments received, or adjustments to your refund amount. You might also receive a notice if the IRS has applied part or all of your refund to offset other tax debts or outstanding federal debts, such as student loans.

Notification of Balance Due

If you owe taxes, you’ll receive a balance due notice outlining the amount you owe and instructions for making payments.

Notification of Refund

In the best-case scenario, the IRS might send you a letter confirming a refund, explaining the amount you’re due and when to expect it.

Proposed Changes to Your Return

If the IRS proposes adjustments to your tax return that could impact your tax liability, they’ll notify you through specific letters. This might involve a change to your income, filing status, or deductions.

Notification of Intent to Take Action

In more serious situations, the IRS sends letters outlining its intended actions if tax debts remain unpaid. These might include filing a federal tax lien, levying assets (seizing property or wages), or initiating other collection efforts.

Understanding why the IRS is sending you a letter is the first step to taking the appropriate action.

Identifying Your IRS Letter or Notice: What to Look For

Decoding IRS Letters (CP Example)

It’s important to read the letter or notice you’ve received carefully before you panic. Each communication will include key identifying elements that will help you decode it.

Here’s what to look for:

Notice or Letter Code

In the upper right corner, you’ll find a unique code, often starting with “CP” or “LTR,” followed by a series of numbers. These codes provide a clue as to the letter’s purpose.

Date

Take note of the date the letter was issued. You’ll need to know it in order to meet deadlines for responses or payments.

Tax Year

The letter will specify the tax year it pertains to (e.g., 2023) so you can easily locate the corresponding tax return. This might be for the current tax year or a prior tax year.

Tax Period

For notices related to employment or business taxes (like quarterly payroll tax filings), the tax period in question will be identified.

Tax Period Shown

Some notices might reference a specific date range or period within the tax year.

Outstanding Balance

If you owe money to the IRS, the notice will state the amount due.

Requested Information

If the IRS is seeking specific documents, tax records, tax information, or additional information, the body of the letter will outline those requests.

Due Date

Pay close attention to any deadlines mentioned in the letter for responding, making payments, or taking other actions. There could be consequences if you fail to take appropriate action by these deadlines.

Once you understand these key elements, you’ll be better equipped to interpret the letter’s content and respond accordingly.

Common IRS Notices

The IRS uses a vast array of notice and letter codes to communicate with taxpayers, each of which has a specific purpose. Here’s an overview of the most common types of IRS letters:

CP Notices

CP notices often relate to individual income tax returns or taxpayer accounts. They can range from simple balance-due reminders to more complex notices about proposed tax changes. Some of the most frequently sent CP notices include:

CP14: Notice of Balance Due

This is one of the most common notices. If you owe taxes and haven’t paid the amount by the due date, you’ll receive a CP14 notice outlining your balance and payment options, as well as the potential consequences of non-payment.

If you’re unable to pay the full balance, the IRS might allow you to set up a payment plan, also known as an installment agreement, to pay off your debt over time.

CP2000: Underreporter Inquiry

If the IRS receives income information from your employer, bank, or other sources that doesn’t match what you reported on your return, they’ll send you a CP2000. This notice will outline the discrepancies, propose adjustments to your original return, and calculate the potential additional tax or refund owed.

CP21B: Notice of Requested Changes

This notice serves as confirmation that the IRS has made the changes to your tax return you requested for a specific tax year. If you get a CP21B in the mail, you can expect to receive a refund check within two to three weeks.

Math Error Notices

While not technically a distinct category, these notices are often included with CP letters. The IRS might send a notice (for example, a CP2000) that identifies a simple mathematical error on your original return. The notice will explain the error and how it affects your refund or balance due.

Notice of Federal Tax Lien Filing (LT11)

An LT11 notice is serious business. It means the IRS is taking steps to secure their claim to your property (real estate, vehicles, etc.) due to a significant unpaid tax debt. This notice typically follows multiple ignored balance-due notices and is a strong indicator that the agency intends to escalate its collection actions.

Notices Regarding Tax Credits

The IRS might use different notices to address credits claimed on your tax return.

For example, the agency might send a CP75 or CP75A notice if there are questions or adjustments related to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claimed on your return. They could be requesting additional information to verify your eligibility or explaining a reduction in the credit amount.

If the IRS determines that you’re ineligible for a tax credit you claimed, they’ll adjust your return accordingly.

Need Help Understanding a Specific Notice or Figuring Out Your Next Steps?

Ramy Shabana, seasoned tax attorney and founder of Tax Relief Counsel, can help you understand your IRS notice and take prompt action to stay in the clear. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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Other Important IRS Notices

Beyond CP notices, the IRS may send a wide range of other notices to address specific tax matters. Here are just a few:

Audit Notices

While any IRS letter can be nerve-racking, an audit notice often triggers high levels of stress for taxpayers. If your tax return has been selected for examination, the IRS will send you one of the following types of audit notices with further details:

Letter 566: Examination of Income Tax Return

This letter formally informs you of the audit. It specifies the tax year being looked at, the type of audit (correspondence or field audit), and the information and documentation you’ll need to provide.

CP2000

As mentioned, a CP2000 notice can also be considered an audit notice, as the IRS is proposing changes to your return based on their findings.

Collection Notices

When a tax debt remains unpaid, the IRS ramps up its collection efforts. These letters become increasingly urgent, culminating in potential asset seizures:

  • CP501: Reminder notice: A first reminder that you have an unpaid tax balance.
  • CP503: Second notice: A follow-up reminding you of the outstanding amount, indicating that the IRS hasn’t received payment.
  • CP504: Final notice before levy: A final warning that the IRS will begin levying your assets if you don’t pay or make other arrangements.
  • LT11: Final notice of intent to levy: Confirmation of the IRS’s plans to initiate a levy, which might involve seizing funds from your bank account or garnishing your wages.

The LT11 notice also explains your right to request a collection due process (CDP) hearing to appeal the levy.

Statutory Notice of Deficiency (90-Day Letter)

Also known as a CP3219N, a Notice of Deficiency is sent when the IRS has completed an audit and proposes significant changes to your tax return. These changes often result in an increase in your tax liability (a larger balance due) or a reduction in your expected refund.

The 90-day letter is a critical notice, as it gives you 90 days from the date indicated on the letter to either pay the proposed deficiency or file a petition with the Tax Court.

If you disagree with the proposed changes, you can ask the Tax Court to review your case. You should consider taking this path if you believe you have grounds for an appeal.

Notices Related to Federal Employment Tax or Excise Taxes

Businesses often receive various notices from the IRS related to federal employment taxes (payroll taxes) or, less commonly, excise taxes. They may include:

Notice 941: Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return

This form (and associated notices) covers taxes withheld from employee wages, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes. The IRS might send balance-due notices, penalty notices for late filing or late payments, or requests for additional information regarding your 941 filings.

Notice CP250A: Change of Tax Filing Requirement

This notice is meant to inform business owners of changes to their federal employment tax filing requirement, which happens when their annual employment tax liability exceeds $1,000.

What to Do When You Receive an IRS Letter

No matter what type of letter or notice arrives in your mailbox, it’s critical not to ignore it. The IRS has significant power to collect unpaid taxes. While some letters might be simple reminders or requests for information, others could be warnings of impending collection actions.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps you should take to address your recent IRS notice:

Don’t Ignore It

The IRS won’t leave you alone just because you ignore its letters. In fact, doing so will only make things worse. Your best bet is to face the issue head-on.

Read the Notice Carefully

Take the time to review the notice in its entirety. Pay close attention to the following:

  • Notice or letter code: Indicates the nature of the tax issue.
  • Date: The date the notice was sent.
  • Tax year: The year the notice pertains to.
  • Tax period: May be applicable for business taxes.
  • Outstanding balance: What you owe the IRS.
  • Requested information: The specific documents, tax records, or information you need to provide.
  • Due date: The deadline to respond or make a payment.

These elements will tell you what the notice is about and what you need to do to resolve the underlying issue.

Gather the Necessary Information or Documents

If the IRS is requesting specific information or forms, locate them promptly and double-check them for accuracy prior to submission.

Respond to the IRS

Whether you’re providing information, paying your balance, or making a request, it’s essential to reply to the IRS by the due date specified in the notice.

Consider Your Options

Depending on the type of notice you receive, you may have the option to:

  • Make a payment if you agree with the amount due.
  • Request a payment agreement to set up a payment plan.
  • Appeal a determination if you believe a tax adjustment is incorrect.
  • Request a CDP hearing if the IRS intends to levy your assets.

Make sure to read the included instructions carefully to better understand what steps you’ll need to take.

Spotting IRS Scams

Not all communications that appear to originate from the IRS are legitimate. Here are some red flags that can help you identify potential scams:

Unexpected Contact

The IRS initiates most contact through regular mail. Be wary of unexpected calls, emails, or text messages claiming to be from IRS agents. If you receive an unusual call, don’t give out any personal or financial information.

Threatening Language

The IRS will never threaten you with arrest, legal action, or deportation if you don’t pay immediately. These are tactics scammers use to intimidate their victims into handing over money.

Demands for Specific Payment Methods

Scammers often pressure taxpayers to make payments using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies. The IRS provides a list of legitimate payment options, which you can find on the agency’s website.

Requests for Personal Information via Email or Phone

The IRS generally won’t request sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, over email or phone. Being asked for this information over these channels should give you pause.

What to Do If You’re Targeted for a Scam

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by an IRS scam or have received a suspicious letter or notice, here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do:

Don’t Engage with the Scammer

If you’re on the phone, hang up as soon as your suspicions arise. If you’ve received a link via email or text message, refrain from clicking it.

Report the Scam to the IRS

You can report the scam online using the IRS’s “Report Phishing and Online Scams” page. You can also contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at [email protected].

Contact a Tax Professional

If you’re ever unsure about the legitimacy of an IRS communication, it’s a good idea to reach out to a qualified tax professional. They can help you verify the notice, protect your rights, and advise you on the best course of action.

When to Seek Professional Help

While you can handle some IRS notices on your own, seeking guidance from a tax professional is crucial under the following circumstances:

  • You’re unsure what the notice means or what actions to take.
  • You disagree with the IRS’s assessment, such as proposed tax changes or penalties.
  • You’re facing a complex tax issue, such as one that requires you to discuss your tax liability or refund with a former spouse.
  • You need help responding to a 90-day letter, understanding your appeal options, or preparing for a CDP hearing.

Issues like these are best tackled under the supervision of a knowledgeable tax professional, who will be familiar with the relevant tax laws and IRS procedures needed to resolve the matter.

How a Tax Lawyer Can Help

When you work with the dependable tax professionals at Tax Relief Counsel, you’ll enjoy the following advantages:

  • Knowledgeable interpretation: We’ll break down complex IRS language into clear, easily understandable terms, explaining the nuances of your notice.
  • Strategic guidance: Our team will help you develop the most effective response strategy based on your individual tax situation.
  • Effective communication: We’ll handle all communication with the IRS on your behalf, meeting key deadlines, submitting accurate responses, and protecting your rights.
  • Peace of mind: Dealing with the IRS can be stressful. We’ll take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life.

Contact us for a free, private consultation today, and let us put our experience to work for you.

IRS Notice Codes: A Quick Reference Guide

To help you identify and address your specific notice, we’ve provided a comprehensive table detailing the many types of IRS notices and what they mean:

Notice Code Description Topic Category
CP01 Identity theft indicator placed on your account Identity Theft
CP01A Provides an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) Identity Theft
CP01C Acknowledgment of identity theft documentation; account marked with indicator Identity Theft
CP01H Unable to process return; SSN belongs to deceased person SSN
CP01S Identity theft claim received; will contact with refund or request for information Identity Theft
CP02H Balance due because of amending return to show Hurricane grant Balance Due
CP03C May need to file a form to report ownership change for first-time homebuyer credit Credit
CP04 Deployment to combat zone; need to file return Filing
CP05 Holding refund for review of treaty benefits and Schedule A deductions Deductions
CP05A Examining return; need documentation Verification
CP05B Holding refund; need to verify income Refund
CP06 Audit of return for premium tax credit; holding refund ACA
CP06A Audit of return for premium tax credit; need documentation ACA
CP07 Holding refund; need to review treaty benefits or Schedule A Deductions
CP08 Possible eligibility for Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) Refund
CP09 Possible eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Refund
CP10 Change made to return affects estimated tax payments for next year Estimated tax credit
CP11 Changes made to return result in balance due Balance due
CP11A Changes to return (EITC) result in balance due Balance due
CP11M Changes to computation of Making Work Pay Credit Return error
CP12 Changes made to correct return Refund
CP12A Changes to correct EITC on return EITC
CP12E/12F Changes to correct miscalculation on return Return error
CP12M Changes to computation of Making Work Pay/Government Retiree Credits Return error
CP12R Changes to computation of Rebate Recovery Credit Return error
CP13 Changes to return result in a balance of zero Zero balance
CP13A Changes to return due to error with EITC Zero balance
CP13M No tax liability or refund after adjustments for Making Work Pay Credit Zero balance
CP13R Changes to return involving Recovery Rebate Credit result in zero balance Zero balance
CP14 Balance due on unpaid taxes Balance due
CP14A/B/C/D/E Balance due on unpaid taxes Balance due
CP14H Balance due on Shared Responsibility Payment (SRP) ACA
CP14I Penalties charged for not taking out IRA minimum Penalty
CP15B Penalties charged for unpaid employment or excise taxes Penalty
CP15H SRP assessment due to income change ACA
CP16 Changes made to return affect refund, offset for other tax debts Refund
CP18 Incorrect claiming of deductions/credits Balance due
CP19 Amount of tax owed increased due to incorrect deductions/credits Deductions
CP20 Refund less than expected due to incorrect deductions/credits Deductions
CP2000 Underreporter inquiry Underreporter
CP2005 Accepted information provided; case closed Underreporter
CP2006 Accepted information provided; awaiting determination Balance due
CP2057 Need to file amended return Amended return
CP21A Changes requested to return result in balance due Balance due
CP21B Changes requested to return result in a refund Refund
CP21C Changes requested to return, resulting in no change to balance Zero balance
CP21E Changes made to return after examination Review
CP21H Change to SRP Balance due
CP21I Changes to IRA taxes resulting in a balance due Balance due
CP22A Requested changes to return result in balance due Balance due
CP22E Changes due to recent audit result in balance due Balance due
CP22H Changes to return also change SRP Balance due
CP22I Changes to IRA distributions resulting in balance due Balance due
CP23 Balance due from difference in estimated tax payments and amount credited Balance due
CP24 Changes to return due to difference between estimated tax payments and amount posted to account Refund
CP24E Overpayment credit due to difference between estimated tax payments and credited amount Refund
CP25 Zero balance due to changes in estimated tax payments Zero balance
CP2501 Payment information discrepancy Underreporter
CP2566 No tax return received; tax calculated based on income info ASFR
CP2566R No response to CP63 (holding refund); tax calculated based on income info ASFR
CP27 Potential eligibility for EITC Review
CP30 Penalty charged for underpayment of estimated tax Penalty
CP301 Confirmation of visiting IRS website and registering for service Identity theft
CP30A Penalty reduced or removed for underpayment of estimated tax Penalty
CP32 Replacement refund check sent Refund
CP3219A Information differs from return Deficiency notice
CP3219N No tax return received; Notice of Deficiency (90-day letter) Deficiency notice
CP32A Call to request refund check Refund
CP39 Refund from you or spouse used to pay past-due tax debt Balance due
CP42 Refund amount changed due to application to taxes owed Refund
CP44 Delay in processing refund due to taxes owed Balance due
CP45 Overpayment could not be applied to estimated tax as requested Overpayment
CP49 Refund used to pay tax debt Overpayment
CP501 Balance due on tax account Balance due
CP501H Balance due on SRP account ACA
CP503 Unpaid balance on tax account; no response to previous notice Balance due
CP503H Unpaid balance on SRP ACA
CP504 Unpaid balance on account; final notice Balance due
CP515I Balance due; unfiled prior-year tax return Balance due
CP516 Missing prior tax return(s); reminder Filing
CP518I Missing prior tax return(s); final notice Filing
CP51A Balance due on Form 1040/1040A/1040EZ Balance due
CP51B Refund due on Form 1040/1040A/1040EZ Refund
CP51C Zero balance on account after computing Form 1040/1040A/1040EZ Zero balance
CP52 Correction to claimed self-employment taxes Self-employment tax
CP521 IRS installment payment due Installment agreement
CP523 Installment agreement defaulted; intent to terminate and levy assets Levy
CP523H Intent to terminate installment agreement Installment agreement
CP53 Direct deposit of refund unsuccessful; reissue sent by mail Direct deposit
CP53A Direct deposit unsuccessful; research in progress; reissue in 8–10 weeks Direct deposit
CP53B Direct deposit unsuccessful; research in progress; reissue in 8–10 weeks Direct deposit
CP53C Direct deposit unsuccessful; research in progress (questionable payments) Direct deposit
CP53D Direct deposit rejected; issuing paper check instead Direct deposit
CP547 Receipt of Form 2848, Form 706, or Tax Information Authorization; Centralized Authorization File (CAF) number assigned CAF
CP54B Different name/ID number on return; need more information Name/SSN
CP54E Different name/ID number on return; need more information Name/SSN
CP54G Different name/ID number on return; need more information Name/SSN
CP54Q Need updated name/SSN; no response to previous notice Name/SSN
CP560A Child assigned an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) ATIN
CP560B One-year extension granted for child’s ATIN ATIN
CP561A Child’s ATIN expires in 3 months ATIN
CP561B Extension for child’s ATIN expires in 3 months ATIN
CP561C Child’s ATIN has expired ATIN
CP562A Incomplete Form W-7A; need more information ATIN
CP562C Need more information to process extension for child’s ATIN ATIN
CP563 Need more information to process Form W-7A ATIN
CP565 Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assigned ITIN
CP565SP ITIN assigned (Spanish) ITIN
CP566 Need more information to process ITIN application ITIN
CP567 ITIN application rejected ITIN
CP57 Penalty assessed for insufficient funds Penalty
CP59 No record of prior tax return(s) being filed Filing
CP60 Payment erroneously applied; removed from account Payment
CP601 Balance due (Spanish) Balance due
CP603 Unpaid balance, no response (Spanish) Balance due
CP604 Unpaid balance; levy/state tax offset warning (Spanish) Balance due
CP615I Past-due amount for prior year taxes; action needed (Spanish) Balance due
CP616 Reminder that tax payment is due (Spanish) Balance due
CP618I Prior tax return(s) missing; final notice (Spanish) Filing
CP62 Payment applied to account Payment
CP621 Installment agreement payment overdue (Spanish) Installment agreement
CP623 Installment agreement defaulted; intent to terminate and levy (Spanish) Levy
CP63 Holding refund; unfiled returns expected to result in taxes owed Refund
CP701B IRS needs more information to process tax return (Spanish) Identity theft
CP701C Account flagged for identity theft (Spanish) Identity theft
CP701S Identity theft claim received; refund or more information forthcoming (Spanish) Identity theft
CP71 Reminder of unpaid balance, penalty, and interest owed Balance due
CP711 Balance due from changes on tax return (Spanish) Balance due
CP712 Changes made to correct math error (Spanish) Return error
CP713 Changes made to correct math error; zero balance (Spanish) Zero balance
CP714 Past-due amount owed (Spanish) Balance due
CP71A Reminder of outstanding balance; payment needed to avoid additional penalties Balance due
CP71C Tax, penalty, and interest still owed; payment needed to avoid further penalties Balance due
CP71D Reminder notice of tax, penalty, and interest owed Balance due
CP71H Reminder notice of unpaid SRP balance Balance due
CP72 Frivolous return identified; no basis in tax law Frivolous return
CP721 Changes requested for IRA contributions result in a balance due (Spanish) Balance due
CP721B Changes requested result in a refund; refund issued in 2–3 weeks (Spanish) Refund
CP721C Changes requested result in zero balance (Spanish) Zero balance
CP721E Changes requested result in taxes owed (Spanish) Balance due
CP721I Changes to return result in additional taxes owed for IRA contributions (Spanish) Balance due
CP722 Changes requested result in taxes owed (Spanish) Balance due
CP722E Changes from recent audit result in taxes owed (Spanish) Balance due
CP722I Changes to return result in additional taxes owed for IRA contributions (Spanish) Balance due
CP74 Form 8862 received; eligibility confirmed for certain tax credits EITC
CP749 All or part of refund used to pay tax debt (Spanish) Payment
CP75 Audit of return; further documentation required; may affect EITC and/or dependent credits EITC
CP759 No record of prior tax return(s) being filed (Spanish) Filing
CP75A Audit of return; need to verify EITC, exemptions, and filing status EITC
CP75C Banned from claiming EITC due to past violation EITC
CP75D Audit of return; need to verify income and withholding; may affect EITC, etc. EITC
CP76 EITC allowed; refund expected within 8 weeks (if no other tax debts) EITC
CP77 Intent to levy assets; notice of CDP hearing rights Levy
CP771 Balance due reminder — tax, penalties, and interest (Spanish) Balance due
CP772 Balance due reminder — tax, penalties, and interest (Spanish) Balance due
CP773 Balance due reminder — tax, penalties, and interest (Spanish) Balance due
CP774 Balance due reminder — tax, penalties, and interest (Spanish) Balance due
CP79 EITC denied; cannot be claimed until eligibility proven EITC
CP79A EITC denied due to recklessness; ineligible for 2 years EITC
CP79B EITC denied due to fraud; ineligible for 10 years EITC
CP80 Payments/credits applied to account, but return is missing Filing
CP81 Missing return for specific year, refund claim deadline approaching Filing
CP87A Duplicate dependent or qualifying child claimed on another return Duplicate TIN
CP87B Claimed exemption while being claimed as dependent exemption on another return Duplicate TIN
CP87C Same dependent claimed on another return (income exceeds exemption) Duplicate TIN
CP87D Dependent on your return also filed jointly; may not qualify for EITC Duplicate TIN
CP88 Holding refund; unfiled returns and expected tax liability Filing
CP90 Intent to levy assets; notice of CDP hearing rights Levy
CP90C Levy action taken on assets; notice of CDP hearing rights Levy
CP91 Intent to levy up to 15% of Social Security benefits; notice of CDP hearing rights Levy
CP92 Levy action taken on state tax refund; notice of CDP hearing rights Levy
CP94 Restitution-based assessment made per court order Levy
Letter 0012C Information needed to reconcile advance payments of Premium Tax Credit (PTC) General
Letter 0484C Collection Information Statement requested (433F/433D) or unable to pay/transfer General
Letter 0549C Balance due on account paid General
Letter 0681C Proposal to pay accepted General
Letter 0757C Installment privilege terminated General
Letter 1961C Installment agreement for direct debit 433-D General
Letter 1962C Installment agreement granted/revised General
Letter 2257C Total balance due General
Letter 2271C Installment agreement revisions for direct debit General
Letter 2272C Installment agreement cannot be considered due to unpaid balance General
Letter 2273C Installment agreement granted; terms explained General
Letter 2357C Abatement of penalties and interest General
Letter 2603C Installment agreement granted; notice of federal tax lien General
Letter 2604C Pre-assessed installment agreement General
Letter 2761C Request for combat zone service dates General
Letter 2789C Taxpayer response to reminder of balance due General
Letter 2800C Incorrect W-4 (withholding allowance) General
Letter 2801C Not entitled to claim exempt status General
Letter 2802C Withholding does not comply with IRS guidelines General
Letter 2840C Confirmation of direct debit installment agreement (DDIA) General
Letter 3030C Balance due explained; tax and Interest not paid General
Letter 3127C Revision or reinstatement of installment agreement General
Letter 3217C Installment agreement accepted; terms explained General
Letter 4281-A Get Transcript incident; notice of unsuccessful attempt to use taxpayer SSN to access transcripts General
Letter 4281-B Get Transcript incident; notice of successful attempt to use taxpayer SSN to access transcripts General
Letter 4281-C Notice of data loss/disclosure to potentially impacted individuals General
Letter 4281-E Get Transcript incident; primary taxpayer notified of possible SSN disclosure of others on return General
Letter 4281-F Get Transcript incident; notification for individuals indirectly related to the accessed account General
Letter 4281-G Get Transcript incident; notification that taxpayer’s SSN was used to access transcripts General
Letter 4458C Monthly installment payment not received General
Letter 4883C Return received; more information needed to process General
Letter 5071C Return received; identity verification needed to process Identity theft
Letter 5591 PTC non-filer letter General
Letter 5591A PTC non-filer letter General
Letter 5596 PTC non-filer letter General
Letter 5598 Return filed without attaching Form 8962; need to file amended return General
Letter 5599 Return filed without attaching Form 8962; need to file amended return General
Letter 5600C May have overpaid SRP on 2014 return General
Letter 5821 Need to renew ITIN to file a return General
Letter 5821 (SP) Need to renew ITIN to file a return (Spanish) General
Letter 5858 Form 1095-A received; must reconcile PTC General
Letter 5858 (SP) Form 1095-A received; must reconcile PTC (Spanish) General
Letter 5862 Form 1095-A received; must reconcile PTC General
Letter 5862 (SP) Form 1095-A received; must reconcile PTC (Spanish) General
LP47 Request for assistance in locating taxpayer (for employers) Address update
LP59 Previous levy notice received; no response Levy
LP61 Need information about current or former employee Taxpayer info request
LP62 Information request about taxpayer to resolve tax matter Taxpayer info request
LP64 Request for assistance in locating taxpayer Locate taxpayer
LP68 Release of levy notice Levy
LT11 Notice of intent to levy for overdue taxes Levy
LT14 Past-due taxes; unable to reach taxpayer Balance due
LT16 Enforcement action may be taken to collect taxes Balance due
LT18 No response to previous requests for overdue return Balance due
LT24 Received installment agreement offer; more information needed Balance due
LT26 No response to previously requested information for a specific tax period Information request
LT27 Need to file Form 433-F for payment plan Installment agreement
LT33 Payment received, but outstanding balance remains Balance due
LT39 Legal requirement to issue reminder of overdue taxes Balance due
LT40 Trying to collect taxes; may contact others to verify info Balance due
LT41 Trying to collect unfiled returns or SRP; may contact others to verify info Balance due
LT73 Notice of levy to collect unpaid federal employment taxes Employment tax
LT75 Federal tax unpaid; levy issued to collect Levy
SP64 Request for assistance in locating taxpayer (Spanish) Locate taxpayer
ST11 Notice of intent to levy for overdue taxes (Spanish) Levy
ST14 Balance due on unpaid taxes (Spanish) Balance due
ST16 Enforcement action may be taken to collect taxes (Spanish) Balance due
ST18 Enforcement action may be taken to collect taxes (Spanish) Balance due
ST24 Received installment agreement offer; more information needed (Spanish) Balance due
ST26 No response to previously requested information for a specific tax period (Spanish) Information request
ST27 Need to file Form 433-F for payment plan (Spanish) Installment agreement
ST33 Payment received, but outstanding balance remains (Spanish) Balance due
ST39 Legal requirement to issue reminder of overdue taxes (Spanish) Balance due
ST40 Trying to collect taxes; may contact others to verify info (Spanish) Balance due
ST41 Trying to collect unfiled returns or SRP; may contact others to verify info (Spanish) Balance due
ST73 Notice of levy to collect unpaid federal employment taxes (Spanish) Employment tax
ST75 Federal tax unpaid; levy issued to collect (Spanish) Levy

Disclaimer: This post provides general information and should not be considered tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance tailored to your specific tax situation.

Ramy Shabana

Lawyer

Ramy Shabana, an award-winning attorney, is renowned for his expertise in tax law. Recognized as a “Top Lawyer” by Hour Detroit Magazine, he is a trusted authority in navigating complex tax challenges for individuals and businesses. With a focus on both domestic and international tax law, Ramy offers unparalleled guidance in audits, collections, and international tax complexities.

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