In This Article

  1. What Do Selected IRS Notice Types Address?
  2. Step 1: Read Carefully
  3. Step 2: Classify the Notice and Confirm the Scope
  4. Step 3: Respond by the Deadline
  5. When Is an IRS Notice Truly Serious?
  6. Key Takeaway
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. Scope and Referral

An IRS notice may concern a reported-income mismatch, a stated balance, or collection action. CP2000, CP14, CP504, and CP90/LT11 have different procedures and deadlines. Monaco CPA may consider support for an ordinary non-examination correspondence notice only under a separately accepted written engagement; it does not offer audit, examination, appeals, levy, or collection representation.

Read the notice number, tax period, stated issue, response instructions, and deadline before deciding what action is required.

What Do Selected IRS Notice Types Address?

CP2000 (income discrepancy), CP14 (balance owed), CP504 (intent to levy, urgent), CP90/LT11 (final notice before levy, very urgent).

Step 1: Read Carefully

Note the deadline and specific items in question.

Step 2: Classify the Notice and Confirm the Scope

Before responding, identify whether the letter is ordinary correspondence, an examination, or a collection notice. Monaco CPA may review or draft an ordinary non-examination response only under a separately accepted written engagement; examinations and collections require an independent specialist.

Step 3: Respond by the Deadline

Follow the notice's exact response instructions by its stated deadline. Do not assume more time is available; request it only if that notice's procedure permits it.

When Is an IRS Notice Truly Serious?

CP504, CP90, and LT11 concern enforced collection or levy rights. Contact independent tax-controversy counsel or another qualified practitioner whose written scope covers collections immediately; Monaco CPA does not provide collection or levy representation.

Key Takeaway

Every IRS letter requires prompt classification and deadline control. Monaco CPA may consider ordinary non-examination correspondence support only under a separately accepted written engagement. Audit, examination, appeals, CP504, CP90/LT11, levy, and collection matters should go to independent tax-controversy counsel or a qualified practitioner whose written scope covers them.

Related reading: What to Do If Your NJ Business Gets Audited | IRS Examination Records for NJ Small Businesses | Tax preparation services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CP2000 notice?

A CP2000 is an IRS notice indicating that income reported on your return does not match information the IRS received from third parties (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s). It is not an audit notice. The IRS proposes changes based on the discrepancy; respond by the date printed on the notice and follow its instructions rather than assuming a standard 30-day period. Potential causes include omitted information-return amounts, incorrect amounts, or income reported under a different name or SSN.

How long do I have to respond to an IRS notice?

Response deadlines, available review or appeal rights, and assessment or collection consequences vary by notice and statute. Use the exact response date and instructions printed on the notice, and have an appropriately scoped practitioner identify the applicable procedure before responding. CP504 and CP90/LT11 involve collection processes with distinct rights and deadlines.

Should I call the IRS or respond in writing?

For an ordinary non-examination notice, Monaco CPA may prepare a response only if a separate written engagement accepts that scope. For an examination, appeal, levy, or collection notice, use independent tax-controversy counsel or another authorized specialist.

What is a CP504 notice and is it serious?

A CP504 is an IRS notice of intent to levy and is serious. If no collection due process notice has already been issued for the period, the IRS may generally levy a state tax refund after CP504; before most other levy action, it ordinarily must issue a final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing, such as LT11, Letter 1058, or CP90. Statutory exceptions and any prior notice can change that sequence. Follow the CP504 instructions and its stated deadline, and have an appropriately scoped collection practitioner review the actual notice rather than assuming which notice comes next.

Scope and Referral

Monaco CPA may consider ordinary non-examination correspondence notice support only under a separately accepted written engagement. It does not offer audit, examination, appeals, collection, or levy representation.

For CP504, CP90, LT11, or any enforced-collection matter, contact independent tax-controversy counsel or another qualified practitioner immediately.