IRS notices

IRS notices, explained

Use this index to understand what a notice is trying to tell you. When you need the same facts on your account, Brevitax Discovery reports show what posted, what Strategy options fit, and what execution steps are open.

Reviewed August 2026 · Joseph Lancaster, Founder

Balance due & reminders

  • First balance due after the IRS processed your return — amount owed plus interest and penalties.

  • CP501 / CP503

    What to do next →

    Reminder notices before stronger collection — balance still due and time-sensitive.

Unfiled returns

  • Delinquent return notice — the IRS believes you still need to file for one or more years.

  • CP515 / CP516

    What to do next →

    Request to file or balance tied to unfiled years — compliance before collection escalates.

  • Substitute for return — the IRS filed for you using income it has; you may owe more than you expect.

  • Refund hold because the IRS shows an unfiled return for a year on your account.

Exams & proposed changes

  • Proposed changes to your return — income or payments on your return do not match what the IRS received.

  • Statutory Notice of Deficiency — 90-day window to petition Tax Court if you disagree.

Collection & levy path

  • Intent to levy — the IRS warns it may take wages, bank accounts, or other property if you do not respond.

  • Final notice with Collection Due Process rights — last chance to appeal before levy with limited exceptions.

  • Final notice before levy on a specific balance — urgent response window.

  • Intent to terminate your installment agreement — missed payment or new balance broke the plan.

Common questions

What is an IRS notice code?

IRS notices use CP (computer-generated) or LT (letter) codes — for example CP14 (first balance due), CP504 (intent to levy), or LT11 (final notice with CDP rights). The code tells you the topic; your account transcript shows what actually posted.

Should I pay the amount on an IRS notice?

Compare the notice to your account transcript first. Payments, credits, or processing delays may have changed the balance since the notice printed. If you agree, pay by the deadline; if you disagree, respond with documentation.

What is the difference between a notice and an account transcript?

A notice is a letter about one moment in time. An account transcript is the full IRS ledger — assessments, payments, penalties, refunds, and collection actions in posting order.

Which IRS notices are most urgent?

Intent-to-levy and final notices — CP504, CP90, and LT11 — require immediate attention. CP14 and CP501 are earlier in the chain but still time-sensitive.

How can Brevitax help with IRS notices?

Brevitax organizes account transcripts and explains what posted in plain language — so you can match notices to the ledger, see collection posture, and decide next steps without hiring a relief firm.

See the notice on your account

Brevitax matches notices to your Discovery timeline so you can see what posted, what is still processing, and what deserves a response.

See my tax account

How to review an IRS notice → · Need help with paperwork? Do It With Me →

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