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Understanding your CP21E Notice

As a result of your recent audit, we made changes to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice. You owe money on your taxes as a result of these changes.

Tax publications you may find useful

Find a copy of any necessary tax forms and instructions

How to get help

Calling the toll free number listed on the top right corner of your notice is the fastest way to get your questions answered.

You can also authorize someone (such as an accountant) to contact the IRS on your behalf using this Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative (Form 2848).

Or you may qualify for help from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.

What you need to do

Read your notice and audit report carefully ― these will explain why you owe money on your taxes.
Pay the amount owed by the date on the notice's payment coupon.
Make payment arrangements if you can't pay the full amount you owe.
Contact us if you disagree with the change(s) we made.
Correct the copy of your tax return that you kept for your records.

You may want to...

Download additional information pertaining to your change(s).
Some other materials you may be interested in include:
Call 1-800-829-FORM to have forms and publications mailed to you.
Learn more about your payment options and how to make a payment arrangement.
Complete and send us a Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative to authorize someone (such as an accountant) to contact us on your behalf.

Answers to Common Questions

What should I do if I disagree with the changes you made?
If you've information relevant to your audit that we've not already considered and you've not already paid your bill in full, you may request an Audit Reconsideration. Refer to Publication 3598, What You Should Know About the Audit Reconsideration Process for additional information.

If you've already paid the amount due in full, you must file a formal claim using Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

If you don't have additional information to provide, but you disagree with the results of your audit, you may appeal your case to the Appeals Office of the IRS. Refer to Publication 5, Your Appeal Rights and How To Prepare a Protest If You Don’t Agree for additional information.

What happens if I can't pay the full amount I owe?
You can arrange to make a payment plan with us if you can't pay the full amount you owe.

Am I charged interest on the money I owe?
If you don't full pay the amount you owe by the date on the payment coupon, interest will accrue on the unpaid balance after that date.

Will I receive a penalty if I can’t pay the full amount?
Yes, you'll receive a late payment penalty. You can contact us at the number listed on your notice if you’re unable to pay the full amount shown in your specific notice because of circumstances beyond your control. Contact us by the due date of your payment and, depending on your situation, we may be able to remove the penalty.

Can I set up a payment plan?
Yes. Call the toll-free number listed on the top right corner of your notice to discuss payment options or check out more information on payment options and how to make a payment arrangement.

There are other options, such as paying by credit card. Note: There may be a fee to pay by credit card.

What if I need to make another correction to my account?
You'll need to file Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

What if I have tried to get answers and after contacting IRS several times have not been successful?
Call Taxpayer Advocate at 1-877-777-4778 or for TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059.

The changes you have proposed are the result of actions by my spouse that I knew nothing about. Am I responsible for paying this bill?
You may qualify for innocent spouse relief. To request relief, you must file Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief no later than 2 years after the date on which the IRS first attempted to collect the tax from you. Refer to Publication 971, Innocent Spouse Relief for additional information.

Understanding your notice

Reading your notice
Your notice may look different from the sample because the information contained in your notice is tailored to your situation.

Notice CP21E, Page 1
Image of page 1 of a printed IRS CP21E Notice