Internal Revenue Service (IRS) letter explained in English
Federal tax agency. The federal tax office. It handles income tax returns, refunds and tax debts.
Letters you may get
- CP14, CP501, CP503 — you owe tax; each reminder is stronger than the last
- CP2000 — they propose changes because your return doesn’t match what employers or banks reported
- CP504, LT11 or Letter 1058 — they plan to take money (levy); LT11 and Letter 1058 give you the right to a hearing
- Letter 5071C — they need to confirm your identity before they process your return
What to do
- The IRS usually writes to you first by mail. It never asks you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards or crypto.
- Pay only on IRS.gov/payments, or by check to “United States Treasury”.
- Find the deadline. Look for “respond by”, “pay by”, “no later than”, “within”, “deadline”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“appeal”, “request for reconsideration”, “dispute”, “protest”, “hearing request”). See the template.
Words you may see
- levy
- Taking money or property by force to pay a debt, for example from your bank account or wages.
- hearing
- A meeting, in person, by phone or by video, where a judge or officer listens to both sides.
Questions
What is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
Federal tax agency. The federal tax office. It handles income tax returns, refunds and tax debts.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “respond by”, “pay by”, “no later than”, “within”, “deadline” — they mark the deadline. In the US, many deadlines count from the date printed on the notice, not from the day it arrives. Some offices add a few days for mail (Social Security assumes 5 days), and court deadlines usually start on the day you were served. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“appeal”, “request for reconsideration”, “dispute”, “protest”, “hearing request”).
Can I read a Internal Revenue Service (IRS) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the United States
State Department of Revenue or Taxation · Social Security Administration (SSA) · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) · County or State Court · Debt collection agency · Landlord / property management · Utility company · Health insurer / Medicaid / Marketplace