IRS Notices Explained
IRS notices are official letters sent by the Internal Revenue Service to communicate information about a tax account. These notices can cover a range of situations, from balance reminders to procedural updates. Understanding what a notice is — and what it typically indicates — helps place it in the broader IRS process.
What Are IRS Notices?
An IRS notice is a standardized letter generated by the IRS to convey information about a taxpayer’s account. Notices are typically identified by a notice number, such as CP14 or CP501, which indicates the type of communication and where it fits within the IRS workflow.
Common IRS Notices
While there are many IRS notice types, some are sent far more frequently than others. Each notice serves a specific purpose and appears at a particular stage of the IRS process.
- CP14 – Balance Due Notice
- CP501 – Reminder Notice
- CP503 – Urgent Reminder
- CP504 – Final Notice Before Levy
- CP71 / CP71C – Annual Balance Reminder
How IRS Notices Fit Into the IRS Process
IRS notices are not sent randomly. They generally follow a sequence that reflects the status of an account and whether prior communications have been resolved. Earlier notices are often informational, while later notices may indicate escalation if an issue remains unresolved.
What This Site Covers
IRS notices are not sent randomly. They generally follow a sequence that reflects the status of an account and whether prior communications have been resolved. Earlier notices are often informational, while later notices may indicate escalation if an issue remains unresolved.