# Got a letter from the IRS? What to do > Don’t panic and don’t ignore it. Find the notice number (like CP14 or CP2000) and the respond-by date, compare it with your tax return, and reply by the deadline, with proof if you disagree. If you can’t pay, ask about a payment plan. The IRS won’t demand gift cards or threaten arrest by phone. - URL: https://explained.page/letter-from-the-irs - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=letter-from-the-irs ## Step by step 1. **Got a letter from the IRS?** Don’t panic. Many letters are about a simple question or a small change. Here’s what to do. 2. **Open it and find the notice number.** It’s printed near the top or bottom corner, like CP14 or CP2000. It tells you what kind of letter it is. 3. **Look for the deadline.** Respond by the date on the letter, even if you disagree. Missing it can limit your options. 4. **Watch out for scams.** The IRS usually starts with a mailed letter. It won’t demand gift cards, or threaten to have you arrested over the phone. 5. **Compare it with your tax return.** Check what they say changed. If they’re right, you can agree. If not, send a reply with copies of your proof. 6. **Can’t pay it all at once?** You can often set up a payment plan with the IRS. Paying what you can, on time, helps limit penalties and interest. 7. **Get help if it’s confusing.** A tax preparer, enrolled agent, CPA or tax attorney can help. If your income is lower, a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic may help for free or for a small fee. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. 9. **Keep copies of everything.** The letter, your reply, and proof of when you sent it. Mail it with tracking if you can. ## Checklist - Find the notice number - Note the deadline - Compare with your tax return - Reply with proof if you disagree - Ask about a payment plan - Keep copies and use tracking - Watch for scams ## Don’t panic, don’t ignore it Many IRS letters are about a simple question or a small change. ## Read it carefully - Find the notice number near a top or bottom corner, like CP14 or CP2000. It tells you what kind of letter it is. - Find the respond-by date. Reply by then, even if you disagree. ## Check their numbers Compare the letter with your tax return. If they’re right, you can agree and pay. If not, reply with copies of your proof. ## Can’t pay it all? You can often set up a payment plan. Paying what you can, on time, helps limit penalties and interest. ## Watch for scams The IRS usually starts with a mailed letter. It won’t demand gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, or threaten arrest by phone. ## Getting help A tax preparer, enrolled agent, CPA or tax attorney can help. If your income is lower, a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic may help for free or a small fee. Keep copies of everything, and mail replies with tracking. ## Common questions ### What is a CP2000? It means income or payments the IRS has on record don’t match your return. It’s a proposal, and you can agree or disagree. Source page: https://explained.page/letter-from-the-irs/questions/what-is-a-cp2000 ### Will I go to jail? Owing taxes or making honest mistakes doesn’t usually lead to jail. Respond on time and get help if needed. Source page: https://explained.page/letter-from-the-irs/questions/will-i-go-to-jail ### How do I know an IRS letter is real? Look up the notice number on irs.gov and compare. If you need to call, use a phone number from irs.gov, not just the one in a letter you doubt. Source page: https://explained.page/letter-from-the-irs/questions/how-do-i-know-an-irs-letter-is-real ### What if I can’t respond by the deadline? Contact the IRS before the deadline using the number from irs.gov and ask for more time. Don’t just let the date pass. Source page: https://explained.page/letter-from-the-irs/questions/what-if-i-cant-respond-by-the-deadline ### Does the IRS call or email you first? The IRS usually starts with a letter in the mail. It doesn’t start contact by text or social media, and it won’t demand gift cards or threaten arrest by phone. Source page: https://explained.page/letter-from-the-irs/questions/does-the-irs-call-or-email-you-first ### What is a CP14 notice? It means the IRS believes you owe a balance. It tells you the amount and how to pay or dispute it. Source page: https://explained.page/letter-from-the-irs/questions/what-is-a-cp14-notice ### Can the IRS take money from my paycheck? Only after several notices, including a final notice of intent to levy that explains your right to appeal. Responding early gives you more options. Source page: https://explained.page/letter-from-the-irs/questions/can-the-irs-take-money-from-my-paycheck ### Can IRS penalties be removed? Sometimes. You may qualify for relief for a good first-time record or a reasonable cause, like a serious illness. Ask the IRS or a tax professional. Source page: https://explained.page/letter-from-the-irs/questions/can-irs-penalties-be-removed ## Official sources - [IRS: understanding your notice or letter](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-irs-notice-or-letter) - [IRS: payment plans](https://www.irs.gov/payments/payment-plans-installment-agreements) - [Taxpayer Advocate Service](https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "irs.gov notice [your notice number]" - "low income taxpayer clinic near me" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.