IRS Notices & Letters
What to Do When You Get an IRS Notice
A letter from the IRS can feel alarming, but almost every notice has a clear next step. Here's what the most common ones mean and how we help you respond.
Don't Ignore the Letter
The single most important thing to do with any IRS notice is read it and act before the deadline printed on it — ignoring it almost always makes the problem bigger, not smaller.
- 1. Don't ignore it. An unanswered notice typically leads to a follow-up notice with a shorter deadline and fewer options.
- 2. Check the deadline. Most notices give a specific number of days to respond, dispute, or pay. Mark it and act with time to spare.
- 3. Don't pay or agree to anything right away. Some notices contain errors; others propose changes you're allowed to dispute. Understand what you'd be agreeing to before you respond.
Common IRS Notices, Explained
IRS collection notices tend to follow a pattern, from a first reminder to a final warning before enforcement. Here are the ones we see most often.
- CP2000 — Proposed changes to your return
- Income or payment information the IRS received from an employer, bank, or other payer doesn't match what you reported. It isn't a bill — it's a proposed adjustment you can agree with, partly agree with, or dispute, usually within about 30 days of the notice date.
- CP14 — Balance due
- The first notice telling you that you owe money on a tax account, with the amount owed and a payment due date.
- CP501 — First reminder notice
- A reminder that a balance from an earlier notice is still unpaid.
- CP503 — Second reminder notice
- A second reminder sent because an earlier notice went unanswered.
- CP504 — Notice of intent to levy (state refund)
- A stronger warning: if the balance isn't paid or resolved, the IRS can seize a state tax refund and move toward filing a federal tax lien. It's one of the last notices before the final notice below.
- LT11 / Letter 1058 — Final notice of intent to levy
- The final notice before the IRS can levy wages, bank accounts, or other property. It also starts a 30-day window, under IRC §6330, to request a Collection Due Process hearing with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.
How We Help
When you bring us a notice, we start by reading it line by line and requesting your IRS transcripts, so we're working from the full picture of your account — not just the page in front of you.
From there, once you sign Form 2848, Kathryn can respond to the notice, request more time if needed, correct errors, and talk through next steps directly with the IRS — so you're not doing any of it alone.
Related IRS Help
IRS Audit Representation
Facing a correspondence, office, or field audit? We represent you so you don't face the IRS alone.
Back Taxes & Unfiled Returns
Behind on filing or paying? We help you get caught up and back in good standing with the IRS.
Payment Plans & Offers in Compromise
Owe more than you can pay right now? We walk you through the IRS programs that may be able to help.
Also behind on filing? See Back Taxes & Unfiled Returns, or get your current-year return filed correctly with Tax Preparation.
Common Questions
I got a CP2000 notice. Does that mean I'm being audited?
No. A CP2000 is an automated notice comparing your return to income reported by third parties — it isn't a full audit. It's a proposed change you can agree with, partly agree with, or dispute with documentation.
What happens if I miss the deadline on a notice?
The IRS generally moves on to the next notice in the series, which usually comes with less time and fewer options. If you've missed a deadline, contact the IRS or us as soon as possible rather than waiting.
What's the difference between CP504 and the final notice (LT11 or Letter 1058)?
CP504 warns that the IRS can take a state tax refund and start the lien process. LT11/Letter 1058 is the final notice before a levy on wages or bank accounts, and it starts a 30-day window to request a Collection Due Process hearing.
Can I just call the number on the notice myself?
Yes, you always can — representation is optional. Many people call us instead because they'd rather have someone who talks to the IRS regularly handle the conversation.
Do you need the original letter to help me?
It helps a lot if you have it, but it's not required — once you sign a power of attorney, Kathryn can request your account transcripts directly from the IRS. Please don't send the notice or any documents through this website; we'll set up secure document sharing once you're a client.
General information only — not tax advice for your situation. A professional relationship begins only after a signed engagement letter.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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