IRS Notice CP166: Installment payment could not be taken
IRS Notice CP166 is a balance due letter from the IRS. The IRS could not take your monthly payment because your bank account did not have enough money. Letters like this deal with an unpaid amount on an IRS account.
What this letter usually means
The IRS could not take your monthly payment because your bank account did not have enough money. Compare the amount with your own payment records. If it looks wrong, the letter explains how to tell the IRS.
Category: You owe a balance
What people usually do first
Make the payment if you have not, and keep enough in your account each month.
What to have ready
- The letter, every page
- Your bank account statement
- Your payment agreement terms
- Records of payments you made
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 CP166.
Common questions about CP166
What is IRS notice CP166?
The IRS could not take your monthly payment because your bank account did not have enough money.
How long do I have to respond to a CP166 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 CP166 for more.
Is a CP166 notice a scam?
A real CP166 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 CP166 notice?
The letter, every page, Your bank account statement, Your payment agreement terms, Records of payments you made.
Scan your letter in the OweRight iPhone app
The OweRight app can tell you what a CP166 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 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
- IRS Notice CP501: Reminder of balance due