{"id":394354,"date":"2026-03-23T16:44:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T21:44:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=394354"},"modified":"2026-03-23T11:52:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:52:12","slug":"received-an-irs-cp2000-notice-heres-what-to-do-next","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/received-an-irs-cp2000-notice-heres-what-to-do-next.html","title":{"rendered":"Received an IRS CP2000 Notice? Here’s What To Do Next"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Received an IRS CP2000 Notice? Here's What To Do Next<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By J.P. Finet, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A CP2000 notice<\/span> is an automated letter from the IRS proposing changes to your tax return<\/span> based on income discrepancies<\/span> reported by third parties like employers or banks. This notice is not a bill or audit, but it requires a response by the deadline listed. If you agree with the proposed changes<\/span>, sign and return the form; if you disagree, check the disagreement box and provide a written explanation with supporting documentation<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s always upsetting to receive a letter from the Internal Revenue Service<\/span> telling you that you owe the government money. Being distressed after receiving a notice of underreported<\/span> income<\/span> from the agency is also concerning. However, the automated IRS letter<\/span>, known as an\u00a0IRS <\/span>CP2000 Notice<\/span>, is routinely generated by the IRS\u2019s computer system and is not a\u00a0federal tax<\/span>\u00a0bill. Taxpayers<\/span> who receive a CP2000 notice<\/span> should understand what it is and why it was issued before deciding how to respond.<\/p>\n

It is not unusual for a taxpayer<\/span> to receive an ICP2000 Notice of unreported income, but it can still be scary when it shows up in your mailbox. In this article, we explain what the notice is and what information it includes. We also discuss how to respond to a CP2000 Notice<\/span>, including when and whether to contact an attorney.<\/p>\n

Your first step should be to read the CP2000 Notice<\/span> and learn why the IRS sent it. You should also take note of the amount of tax that you will owe if the IRS\u2019s proposed changes<\/span> are found to be correct. Unlike some other types of attorneys, most tax attorneys<\/a> will charge up front for a consultation. Understanding what your CP2000 Notice<\/span> means will help you decide if you need legal assistance.<\/p>\n

What Is a CP2000 Notice<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

The IRS issues<\/span> CP2000 Notices<\/span> when it receives information from a third party that leads the agency to believe that you had unreported income<\/a> for the tax year<\/span>. This information usually comes from employers, financial institutions<\/span>, and other entities required to report any payments they made during the year to the IRS.<\/p>\n

The discrepancy<\/span> between the information reported by a taxpayer<\/span> triggers the IRS\u2019s Automated <\/span>Underreporter<\/span> Program (AUR<\/span>). After the AUR<\/span> identifies the discrepancy<\/span>, the return is reviewed by a tax examiner. If the examiner confirms the discrepancy<\/span>, a CP2000 Notice<\/span> is issued.<\/p>\n

A CP2000 Notice<\/span> will not only list income the IRS believes to be missing from your federal income <\/span>tax return<\/span>, but it will also include a date for responding to the notice. If you believe the notice is incorrect or has been issued by mistake, you still must respond to the notice by the date listed.<\/p>\n

As with all IRS notices, ignoring a CP2000 Notice<\/span> is not an option. If you fail to respond, the IRS will treat the notice as being correct and assess any taxes, penalties, and interest that result.<\/p>\n

The CP2000 letter<\/span> is not a tax bill<\/a> and does not mean you will be the subject of an IRS audit<\/span>. It is an IRS proposal to adjust the income, tax payments, tax credits<\/span>, or tax deductions reported on your return. The adjustments can either result in you owing additional tax<\/span> or a refund of taxes you have already paid.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

In addition to information like your name, address, Social Security number<\/span>, and the tax year<\/span> at issue, a CP2000 Notice<\/span> will include the following additional information<\/span>:<\/p>\n