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IRS notice CP501

IRS Notice CP501: reminder of a balance due

By The Latchkey Daily Team, EditorsPublished Updated

A CP501 is the first reminder after a CP14 that you still have an unpaid balance; nothing has escalated yet, but the clock is running.

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What to do this week

  1. Pay or set up an installment agreement at irs.gov; this is the easiest point to stop the sequence.
  2. If the balance is wrong, call the number on the notice.
  3. If you cannot pay anything, gather your income and expense figures; Currently Not Collectible status may apply.

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 are not sure which years are involved.
  • You have other IRS letters you have not opened.

Questions people ask

What does IRS CP501 mean?
A CP501 is the first reminder after a CP14 that you still have an unpaid balance; nothing has escalated yet, but the clock is running.
What is the deadline on CP501?
Respond by the date on the notice, usually about 21 days; the next notices carry more consequence.
What happens if I ignore CP501?
The IRS sends CP503, then CP504, which announces intent to levy state tax refunds and the possibility of a lien.

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