IRS Notice CP298: IRS says it will take some Social Security
IRS Notice CP298 is a balance due letter from the IRS. The IRS says it will take up to 15 percent of your Social Security benefits for unpaid taxes. Social Security cannot stop this or fix the tax problem. Letters like this deal with an unpaid amount on an IRS account.
What this letter usually means
The IRS says it will take up to 15 percent of your Social Security benefits for unpaid taxes. Social Security cannot stop this or fix the tax problem. 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
Pay what you owe or ask for a payment agreement, and call the number on the notice.
What to have ready
- The CP298 notice, every page
- The phone number on the notice
- Form 2848 if someone will act for you
- Form 12153 if you want a hearing
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 CP298.
Common questions about CP298
What is IRS notice CP298?
The IRS says it will take up to 15 percent of your Social Security benefits for unpaid taxes. Social Security cannot stop this or fix the tax problem.
How long do I have to respond to a CP298 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 CP298 for more.
Is a CP298 notice a scam?
A real CP298 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 CP298 notice?
The CP298 notice, every page, The phone number on the notice, Form 2848 if someone will act for you, Form 12153 if you want a hearing.
Scan your letter in the OweRight iPhone app
The OweRight app can tell you what a CP298 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 CP162: Penalty for not e-filing a partnership return
- IRS Notice CP162A: Penalty for late partnership or S corp return
- IRS Notice CP162B: Penalty for incomplete partnership or S corp return
- IRS Notice CP162C: Penalty for a late or incomplete business return
- IRS Notice CP163: Reminder that you still owe a balance
- IRS Notice CP165: Bad check penalty from the IRS