What is a CP2000 notice and does it mean I'm being audited?

A CP2000 is not an audit. It's an automated proposal that says the income reported on your return doesn't match what third parties (employers, banks, brokerages) reported to the IRS. It proposes a change to your tax and gives you about 30 days to agree or dispute it with documentation. Respond by the deadline even if you disagree — ignoring it lets the proposed amount become a formal assessment.

I got a CP14 notice. How long do I have to pay?

A CP14 is the first bill for an unpaid balance and generally asks for payment within about 21 days (10 business days if the balance is $100,000 or more). Interest and the failure-to-pay penalty keep accruing until it's paid. If you can't pay in full, you can set up an IRS payment plan online — doing so stops the escalating collection notices.

What's the difference between a CP501 and an LT11?

A CP501 is a reminder that you still have a balance due — an early, low-urgency step in the collection sequence. An LT11 (or CP90) is the Final Notice of Intent to Levy and your right to a Collection Due Process hearing. The LT11 is serious: after 30 days the IRS can levy wages, bank accounts, or other assets. Never ignore an LT11.

Should I just call the IRS about my notice?

Read the notice fully first — the code, the tax year, the amount, and the response deadline are all on it, along with the specific address or fax for a written response. For many notices a written, documented response is stronger than a phone call because it creates a paper trail. Call when the notice invites it or when you need clarification, but always meet the written deadline regardless.

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Federal Tax

You Got an IRS Notice: How to Read It and What to Do Next

An IRS letter is not a summons to panic. Each notice has a code, a specific meaning, and a response window. Here's how to decode the common ones and respond correctly before deadlines turn a small issue into a lien.

SMAART Tax Team

February 17, 2026

6 min read