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CP214 notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP214 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 CP214 notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
A reminder for Employee Plan filers, who have previously filed, of their obligation to review their plan status and timely file a return if they meet certain conditions.
What you need to do
You don't have to respond since this is a reminder notice. However, if your plan is a one-participant plan or a foreign plan, as defined under instructions for Form 5500-EZ PDF , you must file an electronic Form 5500-EZ online through the computerized ERISA Filing Acceptance System (EFAST2) or a paper Form 5500-EZ with the IRS. You aren't required to file a Form 5500-EZ for the plan year if the plan's total assets (either alone or in combination with another one-participant plan you maintain) are $250,000 or less, unless this is the final plan year. For more information, see Form 5500-EZ Instructions and the second page of the 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
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
- Review the requirements for filing a Form 5500-EZ.
- Review the filing requirements for your plan and determine if you are required to file a Form 5500-EZ for the plan period referenced on the notice.
- If you are required to file, complete, and submit your Form 5500-EZ on or before the filing deadline.
Common questions
Two months before the plan year ends.
Review your records to determine if you're required to file a Form 5500-EZ for the current plan year. If you are, you must file the return by the last day of the 7th calendar month after the end of the plan year (July 31 for calendar-year plans). You may use Form 5558, Application for Extension of Time To File Certain Employee Plan Returns PDF , to apply for a one-time extension of time to file.
The plan sponsor is responsible for filing annual Form 5500-EZ.
In some cases, the plan sponsor may have a contract with an outside administrator who may complete the form. However, the plan sponsor or plan administrator is responsible for the accuracy of the filing and must sign the return. To determine if your contract with an outside administrator covers the completion of the form, review your contract.
For more information on Employee Plans returns visit IRS.gov/ep or call our Customer Account Services at 877-829-5500 .
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