🧾 IRS Tax Notices

Receiving a letter from the IRS can feel intimidating, especially when it includes codes, deadlines, or unfamiliar language.

This page explains common IRS tax notices by type, what they usually mean, and why they’re sent.

📬 Why the IRS Sends Notices 

IRS notices are most often sent to:

• Request information or clarification
  
  

• Notify you of a balance, change, or review
  
  

• Confirm action already taken
  
  

• Resolve mismatches in reported information
  
  

Many notices are informational, not enforcement-related.

📄 Common IRS Tax Notices (By Type) 

Below are some of the most common IRS notices people receive and search for. 

🧾 CP2000 — Income Mismatch Notice 

Sent when information reported by employers or banks doesn’t match a tax return.

Usually means:

• A discrepancy was detected
  
  

• The IRS is proposing a change
  
  

• This is not a bill yet

🧾 CP14 — Balance Due Notice 

Sent when the IRS believes taxes are owed.

Usually means:

• A balance was assessed
  
  

• Penalties or interest may apply
  
  

• Payment options or follow-up notices may come later

🧾 CP501 / CP503 — Reminder Notices 

Follow-up reminders about a balance due.

Usually means:

• Earlier notices were sent
  
  

• The IRS is requesting attention
  
  

• No immediate enforcement has occurred yet

🧾 CP504 — Intent to Levy (State Refund) 

Often misunderstood as immediate action.

Usually means:

• The IRS may offset a state tax refund
  
  

• It does not mean wages or bank accounts are being taken yet

🧾 Letter 12C — Missing Information Request 

Sent when a return can’t be processed.

Usually means:

• Forms or signatures are missing
  
  

• Verification is needed
  
  

• Processing is paused until resolved

🧾 Letter 4883C / 5071C — Identity Verification 

Sent to confirm identity before processing a return.

Usually means:

• The IRS flagged possible identity issues
  
  

• No fraud determination has been made
  
  

• Action is required to continue processing

🧾 Audit Notice (Various Letters) 

Sent when a return is selected for review.

Usually means:

• The IRS is requesting documentation
  
  

• Most audits are correspondence-based
  
  

• Many are resolved by mail

⏳ What Usually Happens Next 

After an IRS notice:

• A response period applies
  
  

• Additional letters may follow
  
  

• Processing may pause or resume
  
  

• Many issues resolve without escalation
  
  

IRS timelines are often slow and predictable, not immediate.

🧠 What People Commonly Worry About 

People often worry that:

• They’re in serious trouble
  
  

• Money will be taken immediately
  
  

• Criminal penalties apply
  
  

• An audit is guaranteed
  
  

Most IRS notices are routine and administrative.

🚦 What People Often Do Next 

People commonly:

• Read the notice code (CP, Letter #)
  
  

• Check response deadlines
  
  

• Compare it to past notices
  
  

• Look up the notice type for clarity
  
  

Understanding the type of notice is the most important first step.

🔗 Related Letters You May See 

Final Notice Letter — What It Means

Wage Garnishment Notice — What It Means

Court Summons Letter — What It Means

ℹ️ Important Note 

This page provides general information only and does not offer tax or legal advice. IRS notices and procedures can vary. Always rely on official IRS documents and sources for confirmation. 

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