IRS Notice CP71: Reminder of unpaid balance
IRS Notice CP71 is a balance due letter from the IRS. A reminder that you still have an unpaid balance that needs attention. It also explains that seriously delinquent tax debt can affect a passport. It belongs to the group of IRS letters about unpaid balances.
What this letter usually means
A reminder that you still have an unpaid balance that needs attention. It also explains that seriously delinquent tax debt can affect a passport. 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
Start by reading the whole letter, front and back. Note any date printed on it and check the figures against your records.
What to have ready
- 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
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 CP71.
Common questions about CP71
What is IRS notice CP71?
A reminder that you still have an unpaid balance that needs attention. It also explains that seriously delinquent tax debt can affect a passport. It is also called CP71A, CP71C, CP71D.
How long do I have to respond to a CP71 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 CP71 for more.
Is a CP71 notice a scam?
A real CP71 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 CP71 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.
Scan your letter in the OweRight iPhone app
The OweRight app can tell you what a CP71 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 CP77: IRS says it will take your assets
- IRS Notice CP166: Installment payment could not be taken
- IRS Notice CP177: IRS says it will take your assets
- IRS Notice CP161: Balance due on your account
- IRS Notice CP162: Penalty for not e-filing a partnership return
- IRS Notice CP162A: Penalty for late partnership or S corp return