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IRS notice CP14

IRS Notice CP14: you owe a balance

By The Latchkey Daily Team, EditorsPublished Updated

A CP14 is the IRS's first bill: it says you filed a return that shows tax due and the amount was not paid in full.

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What to do this week

  1. Compare the notice to your filed return; if you agree, pay what you can at irs.gov/payments.
  2. If you cannot pay in full, set up a payment plan online before the deadline; balances under $50,000 are approved immediately.
  3. If you disagree, call the number on the notice with your return and proof of payment in hand.
  4. Check irs.gov/account to confirm the balance is real; CP14 letters are also faked by scammers.

The notice number is printed in the top right corner of the letter. Match it before doing anything else; scammers mail fake IRS letters, and a real one can be confirmed at irs.gov/account, where the same balance will appear.

When to get help

  • You have unfiled years as well as this balance.
  • The balance is more than you could pay within 72 months.
  • The notice is for a year you believe you already paid.

Questions people ask

What does IRS CP14 mean?
A CP14 is the IRS's first bill: it says you filed a return that shows tax due and the amount was not paid in full.
What is the deadline on CP14?
Pay or respond by the date on the notice, usually 21 days from the notice date, to limit additional penalties and interest.
What happens if I ignore CP14?
Interest and the failure-to-pay penalty keep accruing, and the IRS sends CP501, CP503 and CP504 in turn, the last of which announces intent to levy.

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