At a glance
- Find the notice number (like CP2000) in the top or bottom right corner
- Note the response date; it matters more than anything else on the page
- The IRS starts contact by mail, never by text or social media
- Audits, appeals and collection cases are referred to an Enrolled Agent, CPA or attorney
First steps
- Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Open it the day it arrives.
- Check that it's real. Sign in to your IRS Online Account to see notices and balances, or call the number on irs.gov, not just the one on the letter.
- Read what it's about and the date you need to respond by.
- Compare it with your return and your records. The IRS can be wrong.
- Respond by the date, even if only to say you disagree and are sending documents. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Common letters
- CP2000: income reported to the IRS (a 1099 or W-2) doesn't match your return. It's a proposal, not a bill, and you can agree or disagree with documents.
- CP14: you have a balance due. Pay it, or set up a payment plan before it grows.
- CP12 or CP11: the IRS changed your return, often a credit or a math item, and your refund or balance changed.
- 5071C, 4883C or 5747C: the IRS needs to verify your identity before it processes a return with your name on it.
- CP501, CP503, CP504: reminders that a balance is still unpaid, getting more serious each time.
Spotting a scam
- The IRS doesn't demand payment by gift card, wire transfer or crypto.
- It doesn't threaten arrest or deportation.
- It doesn't contact you first by text, email or social media about a bill or refund.
- Payments go to the "United States Treasury" or through irs.gov, never to a person.
How we can help
We can read the letter with you, explain what it's asking, check it against your return, and help you gather the documents for your reply. If it points to a mistake on a return, we can prepare an amended return.
Alph Coleman, owner, is a PTIN holder and Authorized IRS e-file Provider, not an Enrolled Agent, CPA or attorney, so we can't represent you before the IRS. If the letter opens an audit or an appeal, or the case moves to collections, we refer you to a credentialed professional who can.
If an IRS problem is causing you financial hardship, the free Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to help.
Questions about your situation?
Book a free 15-minute call. Year-round help from the same team, and you can call us when an IRS letter shows up in July.
Free 15-minute callNot ready yet? Get a reminder in JanuaryOfficial sources: IRS: Understanding your notice or letter ↗ · IRS: Tax scams and consumer alerts ↗ · Taxpayer Advocate Service ↗
Updated October 2026 for 2026 returns filed in 2027. General information only, not tax advice for your situation. Rules can change; your situation is confirmed when we prepare your return.
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