IRS Letter LT16: Unpaid balance or missing returns
IRS Letter LT16 is a balance due letter from the IRS. The IRS is trying to collect unpaid taxes, or has no record of returns it thinks you should have filed, or both. It warns that enforcement can follow. It is about money the IRS shows as unpaid on your account.
What this letter usually means
The IRS is trying to collect unpaid taxes, or has no record of returns it thinks you should have filed, or both. It warns that enforcement can follow. 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
File any missing returns and pay what you can now; call the number on your notice if you can't pay in full.
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 LT16.
Common questions about LT16
What is IRS notice LT16?
The IRS is trying to collect unpaid taxes, or has no record of returns it thinks you should have filed, or both. It warns that enforcement can follow. It is also called LETTERLT16, LTRLT16, LETTER16.
How long do I have to respond to a LT16 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 LT16 for more.
Is a LT16 notice a scam?
A real LT16 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 LT16 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 LT16 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 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
- IRS Notice CP215: Civil penalty charged by the IRS
- IRS Notice CP260: IRS removed a payment and you owe more