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If you’ve ever opened your mailbox and seen “Internal Revenue Service” in the return address, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not the first. The IRS sends over 170 million notices every year to individual taxpayers.
Most letters don’t mean you’re in trouble — they’re simply updates, corrections, or payment reminders. But even a routine notice can become costly if ignored.
At KARME Financial & Business Services, we help taxpayers understand, respond, and resolve IRS correspondence quickly and professionally.
💡 First Rule: Never Ignore a Letter
Every IRS notice has a purpose and a response deadline. Acting early gives you options — ignoring it limits them.
Below are the most common IRS letters, how many go out each year, and what each one means.
1️⃣ CP14 — Balance Due on Your Account
What it means: You owe taxes. This is the first formal “Notice and Demand for Payment” the IRS issues.
Volume: Around 5 million CP14 notices are mailed annually.
What to do:
- Review the balance carefully.
- If correct, pay immediately or request a payment plan.
- If you disagree, contact the IRS or upload your notice securely at mykarme.com for review.
💡 Tip: Acting early can help you avoid additional penalty notices like CP501–CP504.

2️⃣ CP2000 — Underreported Income or Mismatch Notice
What it means: The income reported on your tax return doesn’t match what employers, banks, or vendors reported to the IRS.
Volume: Between 4 million and 6 million CP2000s are issued each year.
What to do:
- Check the listed income sources.
- If accurate, agree and pay.
- If wrong, respond in writing with supporting documentation.
💡 Tip: Never ignore this one — it’s not a bill yet, but it can quickly turn into one.

3️⃣ CP11 — Math Error / Balance Due
What it means: The IRS corrected an error on your return and found that you owe money.
What to do: Compare your filed return to the IRS calculation. If you agree, pay; if not, respond before the 60-day window expires.

4️⃣ CP12 — Math Error / Refund Adjustment
What it means: The IRS corrected an error that actually increased your refund or applied a credit to another balance.
What to do: Review carefully and confirm their math. If correct, relax — no action needed.

5️⃣ Letter 12C — Missing or Incomplete Information
What it means: The IRS can’t finish processing your return without additional documents — often a W-2, Form 8962, or proof of coverage.
What to do: Send the requested documentation as soon as possible. Delays here mean delayed refunds.
6️⃣ Letter 5071C — Identity Verification Request
What it means: The IRS suspects someone may have filed a fraudulent return using your Social Security number.
What to do: Follow the steps at the official IRS Identity Verification website or call the number on the letter. Once confirmed, your return will process normally.
💡 Tip: After verification, apply for an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to prevent future fraud.
7️⃣ CP501–CP504 — Series of Collection Notices
What it means: These letters are part of the IRS’s escalating balance-due sequence. CP501 is a reminder; CP504 is a final notice before levy action.
What to do: Contact a tax professional before it reaches enforcement. At KARME, we negotiate installment plans and stop levies before they start.
8️⃣ CP90 / Letter 1058 — Final Notice of Intent to Levy
What it means: The IRS plans to seize assets or garnish wages.
What to do: Contact us immediately. You have the right to request a Collection Due Process hearing, which pauses enforcement while we create a resolution plan.
✅ Pro Tips from the Tax Pros at KARME
Receiving an IRS letter isn’t the end of the world — it’s simply the start of a conversation. Here’s what every taxpayer should remember:
- Open it immediately. Legit IRS letters always arrive by mail — not text, not email.
- Read it carefully. Each one lists the tax year, issue, and response deadline.
- Compare with your records. Check against your W-2s, 1099s, or return copies.
- Act fast. Many resolutions are only available if you respond before the due date.
- Seek help if needed. Our experts at KARME Financial & Business Services translate notice language into plain English — and deal directly with the IRS on your behalf.
🧾 Quick Facts: IRS Notices by the Numbers
- The IRS mails over 170 million total notices to taxpayers annually.
- About 5 million CP14 balance-due letters are issued every year.
- Between 4 – 6 million CP2000s go out annually for income mismatches.
- Thousands of levy and identity verification letters are issued monthly.
These aren’t rare. If you’ve received one, you’re not alone — and there’s almost always a manageable solution.
💼 How KARME Can Help
KARME Financial & Business Services is more than a tax prep firm — we’re your partner in resolving tax issues from start to finish. Our specialists help taxpayers:
- Decode IRS letters and explain what they mean
- Correct or amend tax returns
- Set up affordable payment plans
- Prevent future penalties and notices through proactive tax planning
✨ Call to Action
Don’t let an IRS letter ruin your peace of mind. Whether it’s a CP14, CP2000, or final levy notice — we can help you handle it before it escalates.
👉 Visit: www.mykarme.com
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📧 Email: (Insert contact email)
📱 Follow @mykarme on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X for expert tax tips, updates, and relief resources.
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