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CP23 notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP23 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 CP23 notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
We corrected your return because we found a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments on your tax return and the amount we posted to your account. You have a balance due because of these changes. The notice may also cover other changes we made while processing your return.
What you need to do
Read your notice carefully to see what was changed on your return and how those changes affected your balance. Compare the payments on the notice to your records:
- Verify we listed all your estimated tax payments.
- Check the payments we applied (if any) from the prior year.
If you agree with the changes we made
- Pay the amount owed by the date shown on your notice to avoid additional penalties and interest.
- Make arrangements to pay over time if you can't pay the full amount right now.
- Correct the copy of your tax return that you kept for your records, but do not send it to us.
If you disagree with the changes we made
Contact us at the number shown on the notice by the date indicated.
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 have 60 days to disagree
If you disagree with the change and ask in writing within 60 days of the notice date, the law requires the IRS to reverse it. If the IRS still disagrees, it must then use the regular process, which keeps your appeal rights.
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
Visit Online Account to:
- Access tax records
- View your balance
- Make and view payments
- View or create payment plans
- Manage your profile preferences
- View tax professional authorizations
- Learn more about accessibility options
- View tax transcripts
Common questions
I don’t pay estimated taxes. Why did I get this notice? (updated Jan. 3, 2025)
The most common cause is an incorrect entry on the estimated tax line of the tax return. If this happened, call the number in the "Where to find more information" section of your notice.
How can I find out what caused my tax return to change? (added Jan. 3, 2025)
Review the "What we changed on your return" section of your notice. For more information about the errors on your return, call us at the number shown in "Where to find more information."
What should I do if I find you misapplied a payment or haven't credited a payment that I made? (updated Jan. 3, 2025)
Call us at the number in the "Where to find more information" section of your notice. Have a copy of your tax return and documentation (such as cancelled checks or amended return) ready when you call. We'll discuss the issue with you and give you further instructions.
What is an estimated tax penalty?
We may assess an estimated tax penalty if you didn’t pay enough tax throughout the year, either through withholding or by making estimated tax payments. See our Estimated taxes page, or Tax Topic 306, Penalty for underpayment of estimated tax .
How do I adjust my estimated tax payments?
Complete a Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals PDF . See Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax PDF for more information.
Do I receive a penalty if I cannot pay the full amount?
Yes. You will usually receive a late payment penalty. If we adjust your account (such as fixing a misapplied payment), the late payment penalty and interest will adjust automatically. For additional help, see Penalty relief .
Do I have to pay interest on the amount I owe?
To avoid interest charges, pay the amount owed by the due date on the payment coupon. We can't reduce interest for reasonable cause or first-time relief. We're required by law to charge interest, and it will continue until your account is fully paid. However, if we reduce your tax or penalty, the interest will automatically be reduced.
What should I do if I need to make another correction to my tax return?(added Jan. 3, 2025)
You'll need to file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return to make a correction.
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