What To Do About IRS Notice CP11

IRS Notice CP11

Know your obligations and protections under the law. San Diego Tax Attorney William D. Hartsock offers this advice.

Why did I receive a CP11 Notice from the IRS?

If you have received a CP11 Notice from the IRS, it usually means that the IRS believes there was a miscalculation on your tax return, that the IRS has made what it considers to be necessary corrections to your tax return, and that as a result of these changes, you now owe money to the IRS. This could affect any Income Tax Audits & Appeals that you are involved in, as well as IRS Tax Litigation or Tax Collections actions.

Whenever you receive a CP11 Notice, you should:

Read the CP11 Notice carefully, especially: (1) the part that explains why the IRS believes there was a miscalculation on your tax return, what changes the IRS has made to your return, and why the IRS believes you now owe money on your taxes; and (2) the part suggesting any additional steps you need to take.
If you agree with the IRS’s explanation and the corrections it has made to your tax return, (1) make these corrections on the copy of your tax return that you kept, and (2) pay the amount owed by the date indicated on the payment coupon that is part of, or included with, the CP11 Notice you received.
If you agree with the IRS’s explanation and the corrections it has made to your return, but are not able to pay the full amount of tax that you owe, make the corrections on the copy of your tax return that you retained and contact the IRS about setting up a payment plan. Be aware that interest and penalties will be assessed if you do not pay the full amount by the date on the payment coupon included with the CP11 Notice you received.
If you do NOT agree with the IRS’s explanation and/or the corrections it has made to your tax return, contact a Tax Attorney, such as the ones at www.TaxLawFirm.net to discuss the best strategy for resolving the discrepancy with the IRS. Be sure to do this right away, because the IRS must generally be advised in writing about a discrepancy within 60 days of the date on the CP11 Notice you received. If the discrepancy is not handled properly, your tax return could be referred for audit.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is the IRS reviewing my return?

While most returns are accepted by the IRS as filed, a certain number of returns are selected for examination. The IRS examines some income tax returns to verify that the income, expenses, and credits reported on the return are accurate. The IRS selects tax returns for examination using various methods including random sampling, computerized screening, and comparing information the IRS has received that relates to the return, such as W-2 and 1099 forms. Just because your tax return was selected for examination does not necessarily mean that the IRS believes you made an error or were dishonest on your return.

If I am not able to pay the full amount of tax I owe by the due date, will the amount of my tax obligation increase?

Interest will accrue on an unpaid tax balance beginning on the day after the tax is due. Also, you will be assessed a late payment penalty if the full amount of tax you owe is not paid on the day it is due.