CP276B: payroll deposits were late or short, no penalty this time

What a CP276B means

A CP276B says the IRS didn't receive the correct amount of timely tax deposits. It normally charges a federal tax deposit penalty for that, and decided not to this time. [1]source 1

That's a warning about the deposits themselves, not the paperwork. We'd look at payroll dates, the deposit schedule you're on and how deposits are being made.

Why people get one

• Some deposits for the period were late or too small. [1]source 1

First steps

1. Check your records to see whether current deposits are on time and in the right amounts. [1]source 1
2. Confirm your deposit schedule using the lookback rule on the IRS page. [1]source 1
3. Correct the copy of the return and liability schedule you kept. [1]source 1
4. Make deposits electronically unless an exception on the IRS page applies. [1]source 1

What not to do

• Don't assume it will be waived again. Deposit penalties grow with how late the deposit is.
• Don't fall behind on current deposits; that's the quickest way into collection for a business.
• Don't pay through a link or phone number in an unexpected email or text. Use irs.gov, typed in yourself.

Related notices

• Related CP276A The same kind of warning, about the liability schedule.
• Related CP136B The notice that sets your deposit schedule.

Keep reading

• Form 2848 (power of attorney)

Questions