Opening your mailbox to find an IRS letter is nerve-wracking. Whether it’s a short notice or a multi-page document, that official-looking envelope is enough to make anyone feel uneasy.

The good news? Not every IRS letter means you’re in serious trouble. Many are routine notices that can be resolved quickly—as long as you know what you’re looking at and what steps to take.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of IRS letters, explain what each one means, and walk you through what to do next. Whether it’s a balance due notice, an income discrepancy, or a final warning, understanding your IRS letter is the first step toward resolving it.

Common Types of IRS Letters and What They Mean

The IRS sends out dozens of different letters and notices each year, depending on the situation. While there are many types of correspondence, a few specific notices tend to show up more often than others.

Below are six of the most common IRS letters taxpayers receive—along with what they mean and how to handle them if one ends up in your mailbox.

1. CP14 – Balance Due Notice

The CP14 is one of the most common IRS letters—and often one of the first signs that something may be off with your tax return. This notice is sent when the IRS believes you owe a tax balance that hasn’t been paid.

It will outline the amount due, the tax year in question, and a deadline to pay or respond. The balance may include penalties and interest if the original payment deadline has passed.

What to do:

If you agree with the notice, it’s best to pay the balance by the due date to avoid additional penalties. If you can’t pay in full, you may be able to request a payment plan or other tax relief options.

If you don’t agree with the amount, you’ll want to review your return and any supporting documents. It may be necessary to contact the IRS or a tax professional to dispute the notice or clarify the issue.

2. CP2000 – Underreported Income

If the income reported on your tax return doesn’t match what the IRS has on file—usually from third-party sources like employers or banks—you may receive a CP2000 notice. This doesn’t necessarily mean you did something wrong, but it does signal a discrepancy that needs to be resolved.

The CP2000 will show what the IRS believes your income should be, based on the records they received (often 1099s or W-2s), and calculate a proposed adjustment to your taxes.

What to do:

Review the notice carefully alongside your original return. If you agree, you can sign and return the response form with any payment due. If you disagree, you’ll need to respond with supporting documentation that explains your position. Ignoring it could result in a tax bill with added penalties and interest.

3. CP501 / CP503 – Reminder Notices

These are follow-up letters sent after a CP14 balance due notice. CP501 is typically the first reminder, and CP503 is the next in line if the balance remains unpaid. While not as urgent as a levy notice, they signal that the IRS has not received payment and is escalating collection efforts.

What to do:

Pay attention to these notices—they’re a warning sign that more aggressive collection actions could follow. If you can pay, do so promptly. If not, now is a good time to explore payment plans or tax relief options before things get more serious.

4. LT11 – Final Notice of Intent to Levy

The LT11 is one of the more serious IRS letters. It’s a final notice that the IRS intends to levy your assets—such as wages, bank accounts, or other property—if you do not resolve your tax debt.

You have the right to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing within 30 days of the date on the letter. Missing that deadline can result in the IRS moving forward with enforcement actions.

What to do:

Do not ignore this notice. Contact a tax professional immediately if you’re unsure how to respond. You may be able to stop the levy by setting up a payment plan, submitting an Offer in Compromise, or proving financial hardship.

5. CP75 – Earned Income Credit Verification

The CP75 notice is typically sent when the IRS needs more information to verify your eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). They may ask for documentation such as proof of income, relationship to dependents, or residency.

During this review, any refund you expected will be held until the verification process is complete.

What to do:

Follow the instructions in the notice and submit the requested documents by the deadline. Make sure everything is accurate and complete to avoid further delays. If you’re unsure which documents to send, a tax professional can help you respond correctly and protect your refund.

6. CP90 – Intent to Levy (Final Warning)

Similar to the LT11, the CP90 is a final warning that the IRS intends to seize your assets to satisfy a tax debt. This notice includes your right to request a Collection Due Process hearing within 30 days.

The CP90 may arrive certified and is a clear signal that the IRS has exhausted earlier attempts to collect and is preparing to take enforcement action.

What to do:

Take immediate action. Whether it’s paying the balance, requesting a hearing, or applying for relief options, time is critical. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have to avoid a levy.

IRS Certified Letters

Some IRS notices are sent as certified mail—meaning you’ll need to sign for them or pick them up at your local post office. Certified letters are usually reserved for more serious issues, such as final notices before enforcement actions (like LT11 or CP90).

Receiving a certified letter from the IRS doesn’t automatically mean disaster—but it does signal urgency. These letters often come with short response windows, so don’t delay in opening or responding to them.

If you receive certified mail from the IRS, take it seriously and consider reaching out for professional guidance.

Watch Out for Fake IRS Letters

While most IRS letters are legitimate, tax scams are on the rise—and scammers often try to mimic real IRS notices. Fake IRS letters may contain threatening language, unusual payment requests (like gift cards or wire transfers), or bad grammar and typos.

A good rule of thumb: the IRS will never contact you via text, email, or social media, and they won’t demand immediate payment over the phone.

If something seems off, don’t engage. Instead, contact the IRS directly or reach out to us at Tax Lifeline to verify the letter’s authenticity.

 

When to Ask for Help—and Why Acting Quickly Matters

Every IRS notice is different, but one thing is always true: the sooner you respond, the more control you have over the outcome. Delays can lead to added penalties, lost appeal rights, or even enforced collections.

If you’re dealing with back taxes, unsure how to respond to a notice, or facing serious action like a levy, professional guidance can make all the difference. A qualified tax relief expert can help you make sense of the letter, evaluate your options, and work directly with the IRS on your behalf.

At Tax Lifeline, we help people take the right next step. If you’ve received a letter and aren’t sure what to do, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll review your notice with you and help you move forward with confidence.