Understanding Your CP21E Notice

What this notice is about

As a result of your recent audit, we made changes to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice. You may be due a refund, have no balance, or owe money on your taxes as a result of these changes.


What you need to do

  • Read your notice and audit report carefully ― these will explain why you owe money on your taxes.
  • Pay the amount owed by the date on the notice's payment coupon.
  • Make payment arrangements if you can't pay the full amount you owe.
  • Contact us if you disagree with the change(s) we made.
  • Correct the copy of your tax return that you kept for your records.

Frequently asked questions

If you've information relevant to your audit that we've not already considered and you've not already paid your bill in full, you may request an Audit Reconsideration. Refer to Publication 3598, What You Should Know About the Audit Reconsideration ProcessPDF for additional information.

If you've already paid the amount due in full, you must file a formal claim using Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax ReturnPDF.

If you don't have additional information to provide, but you disagree with the results of your audit, you may appeal your case to the Appeals Office of the IRS. Refer to Publication 5, Your Appeal Rights and How To Prepare a Protest If You Don’t AgreePDF for additional information.

You can arrange to make a payment plan with us if you can't pay the full amount you owe.

If you don't full pay the amount you owe by the date on the payment coupon, interest will accrue on the unpaid balance after that date.

Yes, you'll receive a late payment penalty. You can contact us at the number listed on your notice if you’re unable to pay the full amount shown in your specific notice because of circumstances beyond your control. Contact us by the due date of your payment and, depending on your situation, we may be able to remove the penalty.

Yes. Call the toll-free number listed on the top right corner of your notice to discuss payment options or check out more information on payment options and how to make a payment arrangement.

There are other options, such as paying by credit card. Note: There may be a fee to pay by credit card.

You may qualify for innocent spouse relief. To request relief, you must file Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse ReliefPDF no later than 2 years after the date on which the IRS first attempted to collect the tax from you. Refer to Publication 971, Innocent Spouse ReliefPDF for additional information.


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