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LT33 notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS LT33 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 LT33 notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
Your recent payment was applied to your account; however, there’s still an outstanding balance.
What you need to do
Pay your balance in full by the date shown on your notice to avoid paying more in penalties and interest.
If you don’t think you owe additional tax or believe you’ve paid the full balance:
- You can find additional information about your balance and payment history in your Individual Online Account (not eligible for business entities); or
- You can call the number shown on your notice for an explanation of your outstanding balance; or
- You can contact us by mail at the address shown in the “Additional information” section of your notice. When you contact us, you can mail supporting documentation to show you have paid your balance in full.
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.
Get my response letter for LT33 notice