IRS Notice CP165: Bad check penalty from the IRS
IRS Notice CP165 is a balance due letter from the IRS. Your bank did not honor a payment you sent, so the IRS charged a bad check penalty. Interest builds on any amount you still owe. It is about money the IRS shows as unpaid on your account.
What this letter usually means
Your bank did not honor a payment you sent, so the IRS charged a bad check penalty. Interest builds on any amount you still owe. 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 the notice for the amount and due date, then pay the full amount by that date.
What to have ready
- The CP165 notice
- Your employer ID number, tax year and form number
- Canceled checks
- An amended return if you filed one
What may come next
This letter does not point to a specific follow-up letter. Any later step will be described in mail from the IRS.
Read the IRS page
The IRS letter itself is the final word on what it means for you. Read the IRS page for CP165.
Common questions about CP165
What is IRS notice CP165?
Your bank did not honor a payment you sent, so the IRS charged a bad check penalty. Interest builds on any amount you still owe.
How long do I have to respond to a CP165 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 CP165 for more.
Is a CP165 notice a scam?
A real CP165 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 CP165 notice?
The CP165 notice, Your employer ID number, tax year and form number, Canceled checks, An amended return if you filed one.
Scan your letter in the OweRight iPhone app
The OweRight app can tell you what a CP165 letter is and points you to the IRS page for it.
OweRight is not the IRS and does not give tax or legal advice.
Related notices
- IRS Notice CP297: Final notice: IRS will seize assets
- IRS Notice CP297A: IRS has taken your assets for unpaid taxes
- IRS Notice CP298: IRS says it will take some Social Security
- IRS Letter LT39: Reminder about unpaid balance and missing returns
- IRS Letter 3172: Notice that the IRS filed a tax lien
- IRS Notice CP14: Balance due