IRS notice decoder
Bills for a balance due
Every bills for a balance due notice and letter we have decoded, by number. Open one for what it means, the date that counts and the first steps.
- CP14the first bill for a balance due
A CP14 is the first bill: the IRS shows a balance due on a return. Here is how to read it, check it and pay or set up a plan by the date on it.
- CP14Hyou owe an individual shared responsibility payment
A CP14H bills an individual shared responsibility payment for an earlier year without health coverage. No lien or levy, but refunds can be offset.
- CP71a reminder that a balance is still unpaid
A CP71 is a reminder of a balance still owed that needs attention, with a passport warning. Here is how to check it and pay or set up a plan.
- CP71Aa reminder for a balance in non-collectible status
A CP71A reminds you of a balance the IRS has put in non-collectible status. If nothing has changed, the IRS says no action is needed now.
- CP71Ca yearly reminder of an unpaid balance
A CP71C is a yearly reminder that a tax balance is still unpaid. It also explains that a seriously delinquent debt can affect your passport.
- CP71Da yearly reminder of an unpaid balance (with a revenue officer)
A CP71D is a yearly reminder of an unpaid tax balance. If a revenue officer already has your case, contact them about payment options.
- CP134Byour tax deposits don't cover the tax you reported
A CP134B says the deposits credited to your business account fall short of the tax on your return. Check your records and pay the gap by the date on it.
- CP161a balance due, with the math shown
A CP161 says you have an unpaid balance and shows how the IRS figured it. Here is how to check the math and the payments, and what to do by the date on it.
- CP162a penalty for not filing a partnership return electronically
A CP162 charges a partnership a penalty for not e-filing a return that had to be filed electronically. Pay by the date on it, or explain why it doesn't apply.
- CP215a civil penalty has been charged
A CP215 says the IRS charged a civil penalty. The notice names the penalty, the amount and the due date. Pay, set up a plan or dispute it by that date.
- CP501a reminder that a balance is still unpaid
A CP501 is a reminder: an earlier bill went unpaid or unanswered. Here is how to check the balance and pay or set up a plan by the date on it.
- CP503the second reminder about an unpaid balance
A CP503 is a second reminder: earlier notices about the same balance went unanswered. Here is how to check it and pay or set up a plan by the date on it.