The IRS sends letters for specific reasons tied to your tax account

The IRS mails letters when something on your tax return needs attention, when you owe money, when they need more information from you, or when they are making a change to your account. The letter will say exactly why they are writing — usually in the first paragraph or in a section labeled "Reason for this letter." Most letters are routine and do not mean you are in trouble. Some require you to respond by a deadline; others are just notifications.

The IRS does not call or email you first about tax matters. If you received a call or email claiming to be from the IRS, it was not from them. Real IRS letters arrive by mail, have an IRS address on them, and include a specific notice number (like CP2000 or CP14).

Key Takeaways

  • Every IRS letter states the reason in the opening section and includes a notice number that tells you what type of issue it is.
  • Letters about money you owe give you a deadline to pay or respond, usually 30 days from the letter date.
  • Letters asking for documents or information will list exactly what they need and where to send it.
  • If you do not understand the letter or disagree with what the IRS says, you can respond in writing or call the number on the letter.

Common reasons the IRS sends letters

Discrepancies between your return and IRS records: The IRS receives income reports from employers, banks, and other sources. If those reports do not match what you reported on your tax return, they send a letter asking you to explain the difference or to agree that a correction is needed. This is the most common type of letter.

Missing or incomplete information: If you did not sign your return, did not include a required form, or left a line blank that should have been filled in, the IRS will ask you to send the missing piece or to file an amended return.

Changes to your account: The IRS may send a letter to tell you they adjusted your return, applied a payment you sent, or changed your filing status or address in their system. These are often just confirmations, but read them to make sure the change is correct.

Money you owe: If the IRS calculated that you underpaid your taxes, they send a bill with the amount, interest, and any penalties. The letter will include a deadline to pay and instructions for payment options.

Refund status: Some letters tell you your refund has been delayed, held, or applied to a debt you owe to the IRS or another agency.

What the notice number on your letter means

Every IRS letter has a notice number in the top right corner or upper left. This number tells you what type of issue the letter is about. You do not need to memorize these, but knowing the number helps you find information about your specific situation.

CP14: You owe taxes. The IRS is asking you to pay the balance shown.

CP2000: The IRS received income reports (like W-2s or 1099s) that do not match your return. They are proposing a change and asking you to agree or explain the difference.

CP12: The IRS received a payment from you and is confirming they applied it to your account.

CP05: Your refund was delayed or held because the IRS is reviewing your return or because you owe a debt.

CP501: The IRS is about to take collection action (like seizing a bank account or wage garnishment) if you do not respond or pay within 30 days.

If your letter has a different notice number, the IRS website has a searchable tool where you can enter the number and read what it means.

How to respond to an IRS letter

Read the letter all the way through before you do anything. The IRS will tell you what they need from you and by when. Most letters give you 30 days to respond from the date on the letter.

If the letter asks for documents or information, gather what they are asking for and send it to the address listed in the letter. Do not send documents to the IRS office that issued the letter unless the letter specifically says to do so. Include a copy of the letter itself or the notice number so the IRS knows which account the documents belong to. Send everything by mail or through the IRS online portal if the letter mentions one.

If the letter says you owe money and you cannot pay the full amount, you can still respond. The IRS offers payment plans and can sometimes reduce penalties if you have a good reason for underpaying. Call the number on the letter to discuss your options.

If you disagree with what the letter says, you can respond in writing explaining why. Include copies (not originals) of any documents that support your position. The IRS will review your response and either agree with you or explain why they stand by their position.

What happens if you do not respond to an IRS letter

If you ignore a letter that asks for a response, the IRS will assume you agree with what they said. If the letter was about money you owe, they may start collection actions like placing a levy on your bank account, garnishing your wages, or filing a lien against your property.

If you missed the deadline, you can still respond. Write to the IRS and explain why you are late, then send the information or payment they asked for. The IRS will consider a late response, though they may have already moved forward with collection steps. If that has happened, you can ask them to reverse those actions once your account is brought current.

If you never received the letter, the IRS may have mailed it to an old address. If your address has changed, update it with the IRS as soon as possible. You can do this on the IRS website, by phone, or by mail.

Letters about refunds, credits, and notices of action

Not every IRS letter is a problem. Some letters simply tell you that your refund is on the way, that a credit has been applied to your account, or that the IRS has finished reviewing your return. Read these letters to confirm the information is correct, but you usually do not need to respond.

If a letter says your refund has been held or delayed, it will explain why. Common reasons include the IRS is verifying your identity, you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit and the IRS is reviewing it, or you owe a debt to another agency (like student loans or child support) and the refund is being applied to that debt. These letters usually include a phone number you can call if you have questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad if the IRS sends me a letter?

Not necessarily. Many IRS letters are routine — they confirm a payment, ask for a missing form, or notify you of a small change. Even letters about money you owe are not criminal matters; they are civil tax issues. The IRS sends letters as their standard way of communicating about accounts.

What should I do if I think the IRS letter is wrong?

Write a response explaining why you disagree and include copies of documents that support your position. Send it to the address on the letter before the deadline. The IRS will review your response and either adjust your account or send you a letter explaining their decision.

Can I call the IRS instead of writing back?

Yes. The letter includes a phone number you can call. Have your letter and tax return in front of you when you call. Be prepared for long wait times, especially during tax season. If you call, ask the representative to make a note in your file about what you discussed.

What if I lost the IRS letter?

Contact the IRS using the phone number from a previous letter, or call the main IRS line. Tell them your Social Security number and tax year, and they can tell you what the letter was about and what deadline you have. You can also create an account on IRS.gov to view your account history and any notices the IRS has sent.

Do I need to hire a tax professional to respond to an IRS letter?

You do not have to, but you can if you want help. For simple letters asking for a missing form or confirming a payment, you can respond yourself. For letters about money you owe or disputes over income, some people find it helpful to have a tax professional or enrolled agent review the letter first.