Home › IRS notices › CP128 notice
CP128 notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP128 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 CP128 notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
You have a remaining balance due on a tax period after an overpayment (offset-in) was applied to your account.
What you need to do
- Read and review your notice carefully. It provides the date and amount of the payment(s) that we applied to your account. It may also suggest additional steps for you to take, depending on your situation.
- If you owe, pay the amount due now.
- If you're enrolled in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), you can use that method of payment instead of paying by check or money order.
- If you are not enrolled in EFTPS, make your check or money order payable to the United States Treasury.
- Write your employer identification number (EIN), tax form number, and tax period on your payment.
- Use the envelope enclosed with your notice.
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.
You may want to
- Keep a copy of this notice for your records.
- Contact us at the telephone number listed on your CP128 notice if you disagree.
Common questions
Why was this notice sent?
The CP128 notice was sent to you because we applied an overpayment on your account to another tax form or tax period for your taxpayer identification number (TIN) account.
What should I do if the CP128 is incorrect and I find you misapplied a payment or haven't credited a payment that I made?
Contact us with your information at the toll-free number listed on your notice. Please have your documentation (such as cancelled checks, amended return, etc.) ready when you call. Our representative will discuss the issue with you and give you further instructions.
Whom should I call with questions about a CP128 notice?
The telephone customer service number is found on your notice.
What do I say when I call the IRS?
Mention that you received a CP128 notice and you need to review your account with a customer service representative. Be sure to have a copy of your notice and your tax return before you call.
Where should I send my payment for the CP128 notice?
Send your payment to the address listed in the upper left-hand corner of the notice.
What happens if I can't pay the full amount I owe?
See if you qualify to set up a payment plan through our Online Payment Agreement Application .
Am I charged interest on the money I owe?
If you don't pay the amount you owe in full by the date on your notice, interest will accrue on the unpaid balance after that date.
Will I receive a penalty if I can't pay the full amount?
Yes, you'll receive a late payment penalty if you did not pay the amount you owe in full. You can contact us at the toll-free number listed on your notice if you're unable to pay the full amount shown in your specific notice because of circumstances beyond your control. Contact us by the due date of your payment and, depending on your situation, we may be able to remove the penalty.
What if I have tried to get answers and after contacting the IRS several times have not been successful?
Call Taxpayer Advocate at 877-777-4778 or for TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 .
Get my response letter for CP128 notice