IRS Tax Notices and Letters.
What They Mean and What to Do.
Receiving a notice from the IRS can be unsettling. The IRS issues dozens of types of notices to inform taxpayers of problems with their return, unpaid balances, identity verification requests, or proposed changes.
Knowing how to interpret and respond to these notices is critical. And if you’re unsure or overwhelmed, a tax attorney can help protect your rights and resolve the issue efficiently.
This guide provides an overview of common IRS notices and letters, helping you navigate the complexities of tax communications and take informed action.
Common IRS Notices and Letters
Below is a categorized list of frequent IRS notices and letters. Click on each to learn more about its purpose and the recommended steps to address it.
▸ CP Notices (Computer Paragraph Notices)
CP11 – Changes to your return, balance due
CP12 – Changes to your return, refund or no amount due
CP14 – First notice for a balance due on taxes
CP49 – Refund applied to past-due taxes
CP90 – Final notice of intent to levy and your right to a hearing
CP91 – Intent to levy Social Security benefits
CP2000 – Proposed changes based on income matching
CP3219A – Statutory Notice of Deficiency
▸ LT Letters (Letter Tracers / Collection Process)
LT11 – Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing
LT16 – Reminder of balance due
LT18 – You didn’t respond to a previous notice
LT24 – Intent to levy
LT38 – Balance due warning
LT39 – Collection contact letter
LT75 – Notice of Levy for State Refund
▸ Audit and Examination Letters
Letter 525 – 30-day letter (proposed changes, can request Appeals)
Letter 531 – Notice of Deficiency
Letter 692 – Request for taxpayer contact (exam-related)
Letter 915 – Partial disallowance letter
Letter 906 – Closing agreement (Audit conclusion)
▸ Collection Due Process / Appeals
Letter 1058 – Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Right to Hearing
Letter 3172 – Notice of Federal Tax Lien Filing
Letter 3174 – Intent to seize (enforced collection)
Letter 3171 – Lien on your property
Letter 1153 – Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) proposal
▸ ID Verification and Fraud Prevention
Letter 5071C – Request to verify your identity
Letter 4883C – Identity verification for a tax return
Letter 5447C – Confirmation of your identity
Letter 5747C – In-person ID verification
▸ Other Important IRS Letters
Letter 226J – Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (ACA-related)
Letter 147C – EIN verification
Letter 2603C – Disallowance of claim or refund
Letter 2625C – No reply to prior correspondence
Letter 3641C – Notice of penalty or interest
Navigating IRS Communications
Understanding the nature of the notice you've received is the first step in addressing any tax-related issues. Each notice contains specific information about your tax situation and outlines the actions you need to take.
If you're uncertain about the implications of a notice or how to respond, it's advisable to consult with a tax professional who can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances.
▸ Need Assistance?
Dealing with IRS notices can be complex and time-sensitive. Our experienced tax attorney is here to help you interpret the notices, communicate with the IRS on your behalf, and develop a strategy to resolve any issues.
Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your tax concerns.