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LT41 notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS LT41 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 LT41 notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
We’re trying to obtain your unfiled tax returns and/or your shared responsibility payment (SRP). We intend to contact others to help us verify your information.
Questions about your LT41 notice?
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What you need to do
- Read your notice carefully.
- File your missing tax returns, along with supporting documents, to the address found at the top of your notice by the notice due date.
- Pay the amount due for the shared responsibility payment(s) that are listed in 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
- Visit your Online Account to view your account history, balance, or request transcripts.
Common questions
We’ll generally need to tell them limited information, such as your name. The law prevents us from disclosing any more information than is necessary to obtain or verify the information we need.
Your notice provides the dates we may contact third parties.
If we contacted anyone that we’re required to tell you about, we’ll send you a contact list once a year.
You can find information on how to prepare your return at Filing .
If you think you already filed or don’t think you have to file, call the number listed in your notice and speak with an IRS representative.
Based on your income and other factors, you may still be required to file even if you’re due a refund. Visit refunds for more information on how refunds work.
Use the Do I need to file a tax return? tool to verify the filing requirements for the tax years involved. If the tool shows you don’t have to file, but the notice says you do, call the number in your notice.
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