An IRS notice is a letter about a return, a balance, or a request for records. Do not ignore it. Most notices include a response date. This page restates the IRS “Understanding your IRS notice or letter” pages. It is not a determination of what any one letter means.
Find the notice number and the deadline
The notice number is usually in the upper-right corner (for example, CP14 or CP2000). Read the letter for the tax year, the amount, and the date by which the IRS asks for a reply or payment. Keep the envelope. Bring the letter when you call.
Common notices
- CP14 — a balance due. The IRS page “Understanding your CP14 notice” explains the letter.
- CP2000 — a proposed change when information the IRS received does not match the return. See “Understanding your CP2000 notice.”
- CP501 and CP503 — reminders that a balance is still unpaid.
Some letters ask for copies of forms already filed. Some propose a change you can agree with or dispute by the date on the notice. The IRS explains each series on IRS.gov.
Watch for scams
The IRS says it generally makes first contact by mail. It does not demand that you pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire to a personal account, and it does not threaten arrest in an unexpected phone call or email. If a message asks for that, see the IRS tax-scams page and do not send money or data to the sender.
If the letter is about an audit or a proposed change to a return we prepared, Audit Assistance is the service page. If it is a balance, a missing return, or another tax problem, see Tax Problem Assistance.
Call or send a message
Questions about your return? Call (352) 419-4633 or use the contact form. There is no online booking. Appointments are Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
IRS sources
This page restates IRS.gov material. Confirm the current-year instructions before you file.