Independent educational site: We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We provide plain-English explanations of IRS letters and notices for general education only — not tax advice or representation.
What This IRS Letter Means — Explained in Plain English
If you received an IRS letter and your stomach dropped, you’re not alone. This site helps you understand what the letter is saying, why it may have been sent, and what typically happens next — without the confusing jargon.
Tip: Look for a code on the top-right of your letter (examples: CP14, CP2000, CP504, LT11). That code usually tells you what type of notice it is.
Quick Start (60 seconds)
- Find the notice/letter number (example: CP504).
- Open the matching page in our Letter Library.
- Read “What this means” + “What typically happens next.”
We do not ask for sensitive information on this page. Keep your SSN and account numbers private.
Educational, not official
We’re an independent educational resource. We explain common IRS letters and the language inside them.
Plain English
No fluff. No legal-sounding paragraphs. Just clear explanations you can actually understand.
What typically happens next
We focus on what these letters commonly mean and what the IRS process usually looks like over time.
IRS Letter Library
Start with the letter code printed on your notice. Each page follows the same simple format so you can find answers fast.
Don’t see your letter yet? That’s normal. We’re building the library. If you’d like, check the FAQ and the IRS letter timeline.
What you’ll get here
A clear translation of the letter
We break down the main sections so you can tell what the IRS is actually saying — and what it’s not saying.
Common reasons people get it
We list typical triggers (missing return, mismatch, unpaid balance, address changes, etc.) so the letter feels less mysterious.
What typically happens next
We explain the usual sequence of notices and the language the IRS tends to use as things escalate.
Where to get official help
When it makes sense, we point you to official IRS resources and encourage you to consult a licensed professional for advice.
Important: what we do (and don’t do)
- Explain IRS letters and notices in plain English
- Describe common timelines and what typically happens
- Share general educational context and definitions
- Provide individualized tax or legal advice
- Represent anyone before the IRS
- Guarantee outcomes
If you need personalized advice, talk to a licensed tax professional (EA/CPA/attorney) who can review your specific situation.
Start with the letter code — it’s the fastest way.
Most people find answers in minutes once they open the matching letter page.
Non-affiliation: WhatThisIRSLetterMeans.com is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or any government agency. Content is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice.