Home › IRS notices › CP081B notice
CP081B notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP081B notice? Here is what it means, your deadline, what to check before you answer, and how to reply. Check your own letter free: it stays on your phone.
Check my CP081B notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
We received payments or other credits for the tax return shown on your notice, but we haven’t received your tax return for that year. The period for claiming a refund or credit for that tax year may expire soon.
What you need to do
- If you’re required to file this tax return, file immediately. We'll use the credit amount shown on the notice for the tax you owe and refund any amount that might’ve been over paid.
- If you've already filed this tax return and it’s been over 8 weeks, send us a newly signed copy, including all schedules, forms, and other documents you included with your original return.
- Call us at the number on your notice if you want the payments or credits moved to another tax form, tax period or tax identification number.
- The availability of your payments and credits may expire if you don't file your tax return or contact us. The law sets strict time limits for refunding or transferring credits.
Your deadline
Answer by the date printed on your notice. If there is no date, answer as soon as you can, and call the number on the notice if you need more time.
What to check before you answer
You may be able to remove the penalties
If you had no penalties in the 3 tax years before, filed all required returns, and paid or arranged to pay the tax, the IRS First-Time Abatement policy can remove failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties. You can ask in writing or by phone.
Cannot pay it all now? Ask for a payment plan
You can apply for a payment plan on irs.gov. Interest keeps running until the balance is paid, so pay what you can now.
Is this letter really from the IRS?
The IRS writes first by mail. A real letter shows a notice or letter number, your name and part of your tax ID number. The IRS does not ask for payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer. If in doubt, sign in to your IRS online account, where many notices are listed.
Common questions
Generally, you must file a tax return within 3 years from the due date of the return, including extensions, to receive a refund of any overpayment on your account. After the refund statute expiration date (RSED) expires, we can't refund any overpayments.
Send it to the address listed on the notice.
You don't have to do anything if you filed the missing tax return within the last 8 weeks.
Get my response letter for CP081B notice