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CP516 notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP516 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 CP516 notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
We sent you a previous notice; however, we still don’t have any record that you filed your prior year tax returns.
What you need to do
Respond to the notice by:
- Filing your tax return immediately with the completed Form 15103, Form 1040 Return Delinquency PDF to explain: Why you are filing late; or
- That you've already filed.
- We accept returns electronically for the 2 most recent prior years. However, you must locate an e-file provider who offers the service to do so.
- Completing Form 15103, Form 1040 Return Delinquency PDF to explain: Why you don't have to file.
- Return the completed Form 15103 and tax return, if applicable to the address on your notice. You can fax it to the number in the notice using either a fax machine or online fax service. Protect yourself when sending digital data by understanding the fax service’s privacy and security policies. If you’re only sending a completed Form 15103 to explain why you don’t have to file, you can submit it online. An IRS Online Account (OLA) is required.
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 what happens when you don't file a tax return by reviewing the following: Filing past due tax returns
- Collection process for taxpayers filing and/or paying late
- Review your records and make sure you filed all your prior returns. Download blank copies of prior year tax forms and products .
- Use one of our transcript services to get copies of the income information received by the IRS about you.
- Check to see that you have enough money withheld from your paycheck to pay your taxes. The Tax Withholding Estimator can help.
- Learn more about: Your payment options if you owe additional taxes on your return.
- Payment plans and installment agreements
- Offer in compromise
Common questions
Call us at the toll-free number on your notice. Please have your notice and account information available when you call.
You do not have to do anything if you filed your tax return within the last 8 weeks.
Complete Form 15103. Make sure the name, Social Security number (SSN) and year on your return match. Send us a signed and dated copy of the tax return with Form 15103.
File your return anyway. You can request a payment plan to pay your balance over time.
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