Internal Revenue Code · 26 U.S.C.

§ 6651. Failure to file tax return or to pay tax

In force Text current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026) release point 119-121

Official text, no changes From the Office of the Law Revision Counsel, release point 119-121 (current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026)). Compare it with the official text at uscode.house.gov (external site).

Cite as 26 U.S.C. § 6651

At a glance

Read from the text, the source credit and the official notes. Not part of the law.

Status: In force
Enacted: June 28, 1968 by Pub. L. 90–364
Last amended: December 20, 2019 by Pub. L. 116–94
Amendments: 17 dated changes in the source credit
Length: 10 subsections · 1,586 words · about 7 min to read
Cross-references: cites 7; cited by 12 Code sections and 56 other regulations
Regulations: 2 issued under this section

¶(a) Addition to the tax In case of failure—

¶(1) to file any return required under authority of subchapter A of chapter 61 (other than part III thereof), subchapter A of chapter 51 (relating to distilled spirits, wines, and beer), or of subchapter A of chapter 52 (relating to tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, and cigarette papers and tubes), or of subchapter A of chapter 53 (relating to machine guns and certain other firearms), on the date prescribed therefor (determined with regard to any extension of time for filing), unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, there shall be added to the amount required to be shown as tax on such return 5 percent of the amount of such tax if the failure is for not more than 1 month, with an additional 5 percent for each additional month or fraction thereof during which such failure continues, not exceeding 25 percent in the aggregate;

¶(2) to pay the amount shown as tax on any return specified in paragraph (1) on or before the date prescribed for payment of such tax (determined with regard to any extension of time for payment), unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, there shall be added to the amount shown as tax on such return 0.5 percent of the amount of such tax if the failure is for not more than 1 month, with an additional 0.5 percent for each additional month or fraction thereof during which such failure continues, not exceeding 25 percent in the aggregate; or

¶(3) to pay any amount in respect of any tax required to be shown on a return specified in paragraph (1) which is not so shown (including an assessment made pursuant to section 6213(b)) within 21 calendar days from the date of notice and demand therefor (10 business days if the amount for which such notice and demand is made equals or exceeds $100,000), unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, there shall be added to the amount of tax stated in such notice and demand 0.5 percent of the amount of such tax if the failure is for not more than 1 month, with an additional 0.5 percent for each additional month or fraction thereof during which such failure continues, not exceeding 25 percent in the aggregate.

In the case of a failure to file a return of tax imposed by chapter 1 within 60 days of the date prescribed for filing of such return (determined with regard to any extensions of time for filing), unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, the addition to tax under paragraph (1) shall not be less than the lesser of $435 or 100 percent of the amount required to be shown as tax on such return.

¶(b) Penalty imposed on net amount due For purposes of—

¶(1) subsection (a)(1), the amount of tax required to be shown on the return shall be reduced by the amount of any part of the tax which is paid on or before the date prescribed for payment of the tax and by the amount of any credit against the tax which may be claimed on the return,

¶(2) subsection (a)(2), the amount of tax shown on the return shall, for purposes of computing the addition for any month, be reduced by the amount of any part of the tax which is paid on or before the beginning of such month and by the amount of any credit against the tax which may be claimed on the return, and

¶(3) subsection (a)(3), the amount of tax stated in the notice and demand shall, for the purpose of computing the addition for any month, be reduced by the amount of any part of the tax which is paid before the beginning of such month.

¶(c) Limitations and special rule

¶(1) Additions under more than one paragraph

With respect to any return, the amount of the addition under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) shall be reduced by the amount of the addition under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) for any month (or fraction thereof) to which an addition to tax applies under both paragraphs (1) and (2). In any case described in the last sentence of subsection (a), the amount of the addition under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) shall not be reduced under the preceding sentence below the amount provided in such last sentence.

¶(2) Amount of tax shown more than amount required to be shown

If the amount required to be shown as tax on a return is less than the amount shown as tax on such return, subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2) shall be applied by substituting such lower amount.

¶(d) Increase in penalty for failure to pay tax in certain cases

¶(1) In general

In the case of each month (or fraction thereof) beginning after the day described in paragraph (2) of this subsection, paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) shall be applied by substituting “1 percent” for “0.5 percent” each place it appears.

¶(2) Description For purposes of paragraph (1), the day described in this paragraph is the earlier of—

¶(A) the day 10 days after the date on which notice is given under section 6331(d), or

¶(B) the day on which notice and demand for immediate payment is given under the last sentence of section 6331(a).

¶(e) Exception for estimated tax

This section shall not apply to any failure to pay any estimated tax required to be paid by section 6654 or 6655.

¶(f) Increase in penalty for fraudulent failure to file If any failure to file any return is fraudulent, paragraph (1) of subsection (a) shall be applied—

¶(1) by substituting “15 percent” for “5 percent” each place it appears, and

¶(2) by substituting “75 percent” for “25 percent”.

¶(g) Treatment of returns prepared by Secretary under section 6020(b) In the case of any return made by the Secretary under section 6020(b)—

¶(1) such return shall be disregarded for purposes of determining the amount of the addition under paragraph (1) of subsection (a), but

¶(2) such return shall be treated as the return filed by the taxpayer for purposes of determining the amount of the addition under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a).

¶(h) Limitation on penalty on individual’s failure to pay for months during period of installment agreement

In the case of an individual who files a return of tax on or before the due date for the return (including extensions), paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) shall each be applied by substituting “0.25” for “0.5” each place it appears for purposes of determining the addition to tax for any month during which an installment agreement under section 6159 is in effect for the payment of such tax.

¶(i) Application to imputed underpayment

For purposes of this section, any failure to comply with section 6226(b)(4)(A)(ii) shall be treated as a failure to pay the amount described in subclause (II) thereof and such amount shall be treated for purposes of this section as an amount shown as tax on a return specified in subsection (a)(1).

¶(j) Adjustment for inflation

¶(1) In general

In the case of any return required to be filed in a calendar year beginning after 2020, the $435 dollar amount under subsection (a) shall be increased by an amount equal to such dollar amount multiplied by the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year determined by substituting “calendar year 2019” for “calendar year 2016” in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.

¶(2) Rounding

If any amount adjusted under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $5, such amount shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $5.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 821; Pub. L. 90–364, title I, § 103(e)(4), June 28, 1968, 82 Stat. 264; Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 943(a), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 727; Pub. L. 92–9, § 3(j)(1), Apr. 1, 1971, 85 Stat. 22; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1904(b)(10)(A)(v), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1817; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 318(a), (b), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 610; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, § 412(b)(8), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 792; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1502(a), (b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2741; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, § 10301(b)(6), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–429; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7741(a), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2404; Pub. L. 104–168, title III, § 303(b)(2), title XIII, § 1301(a), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1458, 1475; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3303(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 742; Pub. L. 110–245, title III, § 303(a), June 17, 2008, 122 Stat. 1649; Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, title II, § 208(a), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4072; Pub. L. 114–125, title IX, § 921(a), (b), Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 281; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 11002(d)(1)(KK), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2060; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title II, § 206(n)(1), title IV, § 401(a)(299)(A), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1181, 1198; Pub. L. 116–25, title III, § 3201(a), (b), July 1, 2019, 133 Stat. 1017; Pub. L. 116–94, div. O, title IV, § 402(a), (b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3179.)

Regulations under this section

Treasury regulations (26 CFR) issued under § 6651

Cross-references

Computed from the citations in the text of Title 26 and 26 CFR.

This section cites 7 other sections

Cited by 12 Code sections

Cited in 56 regulations not issued under it

Show 32 more

Amendment history

From the source credit and the official notes, newest first.

December 20, 2019Amended by Pub. L. 116–94Parts changed in 2019: (a) (j)(1)
July 1, 2019Amended by Pub. L. 116–25
March 23, 2018Amended by Pub. L. 115–141Parts changed in 2018: (i) (j)
December 22, 2017Amended by Pub. L. 115–97Parts changed in 2017: (i)(1)
February 24, 2016Amended by Pub. L. 114–125Parts changed in 2016: (a) (i)(1)
December 19, 2014Amended by Pub. L. 113–295Parts changed in 2014: (i)
June 17, 2008Amended by Pub. L. 110–245Parts changed in 2008: (a)
July 22, 1998Amended by Pub. L. 105–206Parts changed in 1998: (h)
July 30, 1996Amended by Pub. L. 104–168Parts changed in 1996: (a)(3) (g)
December 19, 1989Amended by Pub. L. 101–239Parts changed in 1989: (f)
December 22, 1987Amended by Pub. L. 100–203Parts changed in 1987: (e)
October 22, 1986Amended by Pub. L. 99–514Parts changed in 1986: (c)(1) (d)
July 18, 1984Amended by Pub. L. 98–369Parts changed in 1984: (d)
September 3, 1982Amended by Pub. L. 97–248Parts changed in 1982: (a) (c)(1)(A) (c)(1)(B)
October 4, 1976Amended by Pub. L. 94–455Parts changed in 1976: (e)
April 1, 1971Amended by Pub. L. 92–9Parts changed in 1971: (e)
December 30, 1969Amended by Pub. L. 91–172Parts changed in 1969: (a) (b) (c)
June 28, 1968Enacted by Pub. L. 90–364Parts changed in 1968: (c)

Where it sits in the Code

Nearby sections

§ 6651 Failure to file tax return or to pay tax
§ 6652 Failure to file certain information returns, registration statements, etc.
§ 6653 Failure to pay stamp tax
§ 6654 Failure by individual to pay estimated income tax
§ 6655 Failure by corporation to pay estimated income tax

Official notes

Show the Law Revision Counsel's notes (amendments, effective dates)

Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain Years

For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–94, § 402(a), substituted “$435” for “$330” in concluding provisions.

Pub. L. 116–25, § 3201(a), substituted “$330” for “$205” in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 116–94, § 402(b), substituted “$435” for “$330”.

Pub. L. 116–25, § 3201(b), substituted “2020” for “2014”, “$330” for “$205”, and “2019” for “2013”.

2018—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–141, § 206(n)(1), added subsec. (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (j).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 115–141, § 401(a)(299)(A), which directed amendment of subsec. (i) by inserting “an amount equal to” after “increased by” and “for the calendar year” after “section 1(f)(3)”, was executed by making the insertions in subsec. (j) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the redesignation of subsec. (i) as (j) by Pub. L. 115–141, § 206(n)(1), effective as if included in Pub. L. 114–74. See Amendment and Effective Date of 2018 Amendment notes below.

Pub. L. 115–141, § 206(n)(1), redesignated subsec. (i) as (j).

2017—Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 115–97 substituted “for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subparagraph (A)(ii)” for “for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subparagraph (B)”.

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–125, § 921(a), substituted “$205” for “$135” in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 114–125, § 921(b), substituted “$205” for “$135”.

2014—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 113–295 added subsec. (i).

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–245 substituted “$135” for “$100” in concluding provisions.

1998—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 105–206 added subsec. (h).

1996—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 104–168, § 303(b)(2), substituted “21 calendar days from the date of notice and demand therefor (10 business days if the amount for which such notice and demand is made equals or exceeds $100,000)” for “10 days of the date of the notice and demand therefor”.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–168, § 1301(a), added subsec. (g).

1989—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–239 added subsec. (f).

1987—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted “section 6654 or 6655” for “section 6154 or 6654”.

1986—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1502(b), amended par. (1) generally, striking out the designation “(A)” before “With respect to”, inserting “(or fraction thereof)”, and striking out subpar. (B) which read as follows: “With respect to any return, the maximum amount of the addition permitted under paragraph (3) of subsection (a) shall be reduced by the amount of the addition under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) (determined without regard to the last sentence of such subsection) which is attributable to the tax for which the notice and demand is made and which is not paid within 10 days of notice and demand.”

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1502(a), added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

1984—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–369 in amending subsec. (d) generally, substituted in heading “estimated tax” for “declarations of estimated tax”, struck out provisions making section inapplicable to any failure to file a declaration of estimated tax required by section 6015 or to any failure to pay any estimated tax required to be paid by section 6153, and made section inapplicable to any failure to pay any estimated tax required to be paid by section 6654.

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–248, § 318(a), inserted provision that, in the case of a failure to file a return of tax imposed by chapter 1 within 60 days of the date prescribed for filing of such return (determined with regard to any extensions of time for filing), unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, the addition to tax under par. (1) shall not be less than the lesser of $100 or 100 percent of the amount required to be shown as tax on such return.

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 97–248, § 318(b)(1), inserted provision that in any case described in last sentence of subsec. (a), the amount of the addition under par. (1) of subsec. (a) shall not be reduced under first sentence of this subpar. below the amount provided in such last sentence.

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 97–248, § 318(b)(2), inserted “(determined without regard to the last sentence of such subsection)” after “paragraph (1) of subsection (a)”.

1976—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out subsec. (e) which related to certain interest equalization tax returns.

1971—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 92–9 added subsec. (e).

1969—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–172 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) and (3).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 91–172 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) and (3).

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 91–172 added subsec. (c), redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d) and struck out reference to section 6016 of this title and provided that this section would not be applicable for failure to pay any estimated tax required under section 6153 or 6154 of this title.

1968—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–364 struck out reference to section 6016.

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–94, div. O, title IV, § 402(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3180, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to returns the due date for which (including extensions) is after December 31, 2019.”

Pub. L. 116–25, title III, § 3201(c), July 1, 2019, 133 Stat. 1017, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to returns required to be filed after December 31, 2019.”

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by section 206(n)(1) of Pub. L. 115–141 effective as if included in section 1101 of Pub. L. 114–74, see section 207 of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under section 6031 of this title.

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 11002(e) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–125, title IX, § 921(c), Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 281, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to returns required to be filed in calendar years after 2015.”

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, title II, § 208(h), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4074, as amended by Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title I, § 105(a), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1170, provided that:

“(1) In general.— Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 6652, 6695, 6698, 6699, 6721, and 6722 of this title] shall apply to returns required to be filed, and statements required to be furnished, after December 31, 2014.

“(2) Subsection (c).— The amendment made by subsection (c) [amending section 6695 of this title] shall apply to returns or claims for refund filed after December 31, 2014.”

[Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title I, § 105(b), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1170, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending section 208(h) of div. B of Pub. L. 113–295, set out above] shall take effect as if included in section 208 of the Stephen Beck, Jr., ABLE Act of 2014 [div. B of Pub. L. 113–295].” ]

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–245, title III, § 303(b), June 17, 2008, 122 Stat. 1649, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to returns required to be filed after December 31, 2008.”

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3303(b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 742, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply for purposes of determining additions to the tax for months beginning after December 31, 1999.”

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by section 303(b)(2) of Pub. L. 104–168 applicable in case of any notice and demand given after Dec. 31, 1996, see section 303(c) of Pub. L. 104–168, set out as a note under section 6601 of this title.

Pub. L. 104–168, title XIII, § 1301(b), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1475, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply in the case of any return the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 30, 1996].”

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, § 7741(b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2405, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply in the case of failures to file returns the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after December 31, 1989.”

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 10301(c) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 585 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, § 1502(c), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2741, provided that:

“(1) Subsection (a).— The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply—
“(A) to failures to pay which begin after December 31, 1986, and
“(B) to failures to pay which begin on or before December 31, 1986, if after December 31, 1986—
“(i) notice (or renotice) under section 6331(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [now 1986] is given with respect to such failure, or
“(ii) notice and demand for immediate payment of the underpayment is made under the last sentence of section 6331(a) of such Code.
In the case of a failure to pay described in subparagraph (B), paragraph (2) of section 6651(d) of such Code (as added by subsection (a)) shall be applied by taking into account the first notice (or renotice) after December 31, 1986.

“(2) Subsection (b).— The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply to amounts assessed after December 31, 1986, with respect to failures to pay which begin before, on, or after such date.”

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, see section 414(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 6654 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–248, title III, § 318(c), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 610, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to returns the due date for filing of which (including extensions) is after December 31, 1982.”

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Pub. L. 92–9, § 3(j)(3), Apr. 1, 1971, 85 Stat. 22, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section and section 6680 of this title] shall apply with respect to returns required to be filed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 1, 1971].”

Effective Date of 1969 Amendment

Pub. L. 91–172, title IX, § 943(d), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 729, provided that: “The amendments made by subsections (a) [amending this section] and (c) [amending sections 3121, 5684, and 6653 of this title] shall apply with respect to returns the date prescribed by law (without regard to any extension of time) for filing of which is after December 31, 1969, and with respect to notices and demands for payment of tax made after December 31, 1969. The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending section 6656 of this title] shall apply with respect to deposits the time for making of which is after December 31, 1969.”

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–364 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1967, except as provided by section 104 of Pub. L. 90–364, see section 103(f) of Pub. L. 90–364, set out as a note under section 243 of this title.

Illegal Tax Protester Designation

Pub. L. 105–206, title III, § 3707, July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 778, provided that:

“(a) Prohibition.— The officers and employees of the Internal Revenue Service—
“(1) shall not designate taxpayers as illegal tax protesters (or any similar designation); and
“(2) in the case of any such designation made on or before the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998]—
“(A) shall remove such designation from the individual master file; and
“(B) shall disregard any such designation not located in the individual master file.

“(b) Designation of Nonfilers Allowed.— An officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service may designate any appropriate taxpayer as a nonfiler, but shall remove such designation once the taxpayer has filed income tax returns for 2 consecutive taxable years and paid all taxes shown on such returns.

“(c) Effective Date.— The provisions of this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998], except that the removal of any designation under subsection (a)(2)(A) shall not be required to begin before January 1, 1999.”