Understanding Your CP166 Notice

 

What this notice is about

We were unable to process your monthly payment because there were insufficient funds in your bank account.


What you need to do

Make sure there's enough money in your bank account to cover your monthly payment with us, plus any additional fees or penalty charges from your bank.


Frequently asked questions

Once you establish a Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA), you have agreed to the IRS debiting the fixed payment on the established date every month. Unless you made other arrangements, your payment plan is by DDIA, so even if you mailed in a payment, we'll still attempt to withdraw your monthly payment from your account.

If you think we haven't updated your account information timely or accurately, please contact us at the toll free number on your notice to verify that we have the correct information on your Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA). If your bank charged you a fee because we attempted to debit your old account, you will have to contact your bank for them to waive any fees they charged. Their fees are independent of any charges from the IRS.

You'll have to contact your bank to clarify the situation. In addition, if your installment agreement is now in default and you believe you had sufficient funds in your bank account on the payment due date, please write to the address shown on your notice. Be sure to include a signed statement of explanation along with proof you had sufficient funds. The lower portion of your notice must accompany any correspondence you send us.

Interest is charged on any unpaid balances on your account, so as long as you owe money, interest is charged and added to your account balance(s). The interest amount you owe on your unpaid balance will increase, but not the interest rate.

The rate of interest is determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points.


Tips for next year

Consider filing your taxes electronically. Filing online can help you avoid mistakes and find credits and deductions that you may qualify for. In many cases you can file for free. Learn more about e-file.


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