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IRS Notice CP501: Reminder of balance due

IRS Notice CP501 is a balance due letter from the IRS. A reminder that you still owe a balance on one of your tax accounts. It is about money the IRS shows as unpaid on your account. The letter itself is the final word on what it says.

What this letter usually means

A reminder that you still owe a balance on one of your tax accounts. The amount on the letter is what the IRS shows today. Interest and penalties can change it, so the letter and your IRS Online Account are the places to confirm it.

Category: You owe a balance

What people usually do first

Read every page of the letter. Find the date printed on it, if there is one, and compare the details with your own records.

What to have ready

What may come next

If this letter is not resolved, the next letter in this series is usually IRS Notice CP503.

Read the IRS page

The IRS letter itself is the final word on what it means for you. Read the IRS page for CP501.

Common questions about CP501

What is IRS notice CP501?

A reminder that you still owe a balance on one of your tax accounts.

How long do I have to respond to a CP501 notice?

The date to respond or pay by, if there is one, is printed on your letter. Check it, and read the IRS page for CP501 for more.

Is a CP501 notice a scam?

A real CP501 comes by mail and should match your own records. You can also sign in to your IRS Online Account on irs.gov to see your account directly.

What should I have ready for a CP501 notice?

The letter, every page, Your most recent tax return for that year, Records of any payments you have made, Your IRS Online Account balance, printed or screenshot.

The OweRight app reads a CP501 letter and pulls out the key details, like the amount and printed date.

Get early access to the app

OweRight is not the IRS and does not give tax or legal advice.

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