You got a letter from the IRS. Here’s what it probably says and what to do next.
The IRS sends millions of notices every year. Most of them follow a predictable pattern, and the notice number in the top corner tells you almost everything you need to know. This guide walks through the ones you are most likely to see, what each one means, and how much time you have to respond.
What it says:
You owe federal tax for a specific year. The letter lists the amount, the tax period, and a due date (usually about 21 days from the notice date).
Why you got it:
A return was filed showing a balance due but not paid, or the IRS made an adjustment that created a balance.
Deadline:
21 days from the notice date to avoid additional penalties.
What your rep will do:
Review whether the balance is correct, confirm whether any payments are missing, and discuss options (payment plan, offer in compromise, hardship status).
What it says:
The IRS compared your return to income records from third parties (W-2s, 1099s) and found differences. The letter lists what they think you should have reported and how much additional tax they propose.
Why you got it:
Income reported to the IRS by an employer or payer does not match what appeared on your return — or was missing entirely.
Deadline:
30 days to respond (agree, disagree, or ask for more time).
What your rep will do:
Check whether the IRS is right, check whether you actually owed the income, and prepare a response. A CP2000 is a proposal — not a final bill.
What it says:
The balance from your earlier CP14 is still unpaid.
Deadline:
Typically 21 days.
What your rep will do:
If a plan hasn’t been put in place yet, this is the point to get one moving. Options are still wide open here.
What it says:
Stronger language than CP501 — same balance still unpaid. A levy warning is coming next.
Deadline:
Typically 10 to 15 days.
What your rep will do:
Move fast. Secure a resolution pathway before escalation.
What it says:
If you don’t pay, the IRS intends to levy your state tax refund and file a federal tax lien.
Deadline:
30 days.
What your rep will do:
Engage before the next notice (LT11) lands. This is the last step before wage and bank levies become legally possible.
What it says:
The IRS intends to levy your bank accounts, wages, and other property. You have the right to a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing.
Deadline:
30 days — this one is critical. File Form 12153 within 30 days to preserve your CDP rights.
What your rep will do:
File the CDP request immediately to stop the levy clock and open a formal appeals channel.
What it says:
The same rights and same stakes as LT11, issued by a Revenue Officer instead of the automated system.
Deadline:
30 days, same as LT11.
What your rep will do:
Request the CDP hearing and begin direct communication with the Revenue Officer on the case.
What it says:
The IRS is questioning whether a return was really filed by you or whether the income on it matches their records. They are pausing the return (and any refund) until you verify.
Deadline:
Usually 30 days.
What your rep will do:
Help you gather the identity and income documentation the IRS is asking for, and respond in the way the letter specifies (online portal, mail, or phone).
What it says:
The IRS received your return but needs additional information or a missing form before they can finish processing it.
Deadline:
Usually 20 days.
What your rep will do:
Figure out exactly what is missing (often a health coverage form, a withholding statement, or a supporting schedule) and respond with the right document.
Every IRS notice has a code in the top-right corner — it starts with CP, LT, or Letter. Send your representative that code along with the date of the letter and they can tell you exactly what it is and what needs to happen.
An IRS letter is a conversation, not a verdict. Every notice has an intended response. Your representative knows the playbook for each one — share the letter as soon as it arrives and the rest is a process, not a crisis.