IRS Notice CP51A: IRS figured your tax and you owe
IRS Notice CP51A is a balance due letter from the IRS. The IRS worked out the tax on your return and says you owe more. It belongs to the group of IRS letters about unpaid balances. Check the details against your own records and the letter itself.
What this letter usually means
The IRS worked out the tax on your return and says you owe more. 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 by the date on the notice, or contact the IRS if you disagree.
What to have ready
- The letter, every page
- Your tax return
- Canceled checks or an amended return
- Records of your payments
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 CP51A.
Common questions about CP51A
What is IRS notice CP51A?
The IRS worked out the tax on your return and says you owe more.
How long do I have to respond to a CP51A 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 CP51A for more.
Is a CP51A notice a scam?
A real CP51A 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 CP51A notice?
The letter, every page, Your tax return, Canceled checks or an amended return, Records of your payments.
Scan your letter in the OweRight iPhone app
The OweRight app can tell you what a CP51A 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 CP504B: Notice of intent to levy
- IRS Notice CP90C: Assets levied and right to a hearing
- IRS Notice CP91: Intent to levy Social Security benefits
- IRS Notice CP92: State refund taken, right to a hearing
- IRS Letter LT16: Unpaid balance or missing returns
- IRS Letter LT17: You owe taxes