What this notice is about The income or payment information we have on file doesn't match the information you reported on your tax return. This discrepancy may cause an increase or decrease in your tax or may not change it at all. The notice explains what information we used to determine the proposed changes to your tax return. What you need to do Read your notice carefully. It explains the information we received and how it affects your tax return. Complete the notice response form and state whether you agree or disagree with the notice. The response form explains what actions to take. (Your specific notice may not have a response form. In that case, the notice will have instructions on what to do). You can return your response by: Mail using the return address on the enclosed envelope, or Fax your documents to the fax number in the notice using either a fax machine or an online fax service. Several online fax services use the internet to send files from your computer or smart device to a fax number. If you agree with the proposed changes, follow the instructions to sign response form. We require both spouses' signatures if you filed married filing jointly. If you disagree, complete and return the response form. Provide a signed statement explaining why you disagree and supply any documentation to support your statement. If the information reported to us is not correct, contact the business or person who reported the information. Ask them for a corrected document or a statement to support why it is in error, then send us a copy with your response. You may want to Make sure your other returns don't have the same mistake. If they do, file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax ReturnPDF, to correct the mistakes. Contact us with any unanswered questions you have or if you need time to respond to the notice. Keep a copy of the notice for your records. Fill out section 3 (authorization) on the response form to allow someone, in addition to yourself, to contact us about this notice. Or, send us a Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativePDF to allow someone (such as your tax return preparer) to contact us on your behalf. Correct the copy of your tax return that you kept for your records. Order a transcript of your return, if needed. Learn more about your payment options if you owe additional taxes. Learn more about payment plans and installment agreements if you cannot pay the full amount of taxes owed. Learn more about Offers in Compromise if you cannot pay the full amount of taxes owed. Frequently asked questions Why did I receive the notice? We received information from a third party, such as employers or financial institutions, which doesn't match the information you reported on your tax return. Is the notice a bill? No, the notice is a proposal and informs you of a discrepancy between the information we received and the information reported on your tax return. If the discrepancy remains unresolved, or we don’t receive a response to the notice, you may receive a subsequent notice and a bill at a later date. What do I need to do? Complete the notice response form. (Follow the notice instructions if your notice doesn't have a response form.) What do I do if the information reported to IRS is incorrect or I disagree? If the information reported to us is not correct, contact the business or person who reported the information. Ask them for a corrected document or a statement to support why it is incorrect, then send us a copy with your response. The notice response form has instructions on what to do if the information is incorrect. If you disagree, complete and return the response form. Provide a signed statement explaining why you disagree and supply any documentation or missing forms to support your statement. What can I do if the information is wrong because someone else is using my name and Social Security number? You can complete and send Form 14039, Identity Theft AffidavitPDF, along with the completed response form. You can also go to our identity theft information webpage to find out more about what you can do. Can I call you to correct my return if I reported the information incorrectly? Yes, you can call us. We can generally accept your information over the phone for incorrectly reported information. If the information you provide over the phone isn't enough to resolve all the issues, you should mail or fax a signed statement explaining your disagreement and include any documentation that supports your position. Do I need to amend my return? If the information displayed in the CP2000 notice is correct, you do not need to amend your return unless you have additional income, credits or expenses to report. If you agree with our notice, follow the instructions to sign and return the response form in the envelope provided or fax it to the number shown on the notice. We require both spouses' signatures if you filed married filing jointly. If you have additional income, credits or expenses to report, you may want to complete and submit a Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax ReturnPDF. You can get help at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. If you choose to file an amended return, write "CP2000" on top of your return and attach it behind your completed response form. Send the information in the envelope provided or fax it to the number shown on the notice. How can I get a copy of my original return? You can request a return transcript on our Get Transcript page. You can also get one by calling our automated phone application at 800-908-9946 or by completing and sending us a Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax ReturnPDF. If a transcript won't do, ask for a copy of your return from your tax preparer if you used one. Otherwise, you can get a copy of your return by completing and sending us a Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax ReturnPDF. We charge a fee for tax return copies. How can I find an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center? IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are located throughout the country. Our website has directions on how to find the center nearest to you. Why did it take you so long to contact me about this matter? Our computer systems match the information you report on your tax return to information reported by employers, banks, businesses, and others. Due to the complexity of the matching process, it can take months to complete. The notice says my taxes will increase. Will I be charged interest on the money I owe? Yes, interest accrues on your unpaid balance until you pay it in full. What happens if I can't pay the full amount I owe? Our website has information about payment options. Ensure you respond to the notice timely even if you pay online or set up a payment plan. How can I make a payment plan? Visit our website for information about online payment options, including pre-assessed installment and payment agreements, payroll deductions, credit card payments, direct debit payments and applicable fees. If you agree and would like to apply for an installment agreement plan by mail, send your signed response form and a completed Form 9465, Installment Agreement RequestPDF, and return it in the envelope provided. Tips for next year You can avoid future problems by: keeping accurate and full records. waiting until you get all your income statements before filing your tax return. checking the documents you receive from your employer, mortgage company, bank, or other sources of income (Forms W-2s, 1098s, 1099s, etc.) to make sure they're correct. including all your income on your tax return. following the instructions on how to report income, expenses and deductions. filing an amended tax return for any information you receive after you've filed your return. Consider filing your taxes electronically. Filing online can help you avoid mistakes and find credits and deductions you may qualify for. In many cases, you can file for free. Learn more about how to file electronically. Reference Tools Publication 1, Your Rights as a TaxpayerPDF Notice 746, Information About Your Notice, Penalty and InterestPDF Publication 17, Your Federal Income TaxPDF Publication 5181, Tax Return Reviews by MailPDF Publication 5, Your Appeal Rights and How to Prepare a Protest If You Don’t AgreePDF Publication 594, The IRS Collection ProcessPDF Form 9465, Installment Agreement RequestPDF Form 656-B Booklet, Offer in CompromisePDF Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax ReturnPDF Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax ReturnPDF Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax ReturnPDF Instructions for Form 1040-XPDF Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic ListPDF Find a copy of any necessary tax forms and instructions ¿Necesita ayuda? Puede usted autorizar a un representante para comunicarse con el IRS en su nombre. Vea si usted califica para recibir ayuda de las Clínicas para Contribuyentes de Bajos Recursos. Si no puede encontrar lo que necesita en línea, llame al número del IRS en la parte superior de su aviso o carta.