How to Respond to an IRS CP2000 Notice (Step by Step)

If you received an IRS CP2000 notice, you may wish to review the notice carefully and compare it with your own tax records.

Need the full explanation first? Read: IRS CP2000 Notice Explained.

Step 1: Read the Notice Carefully

Review the tax year, proposed changes, income information, and deadlines listed in the notice.

Step 2: Compare the Information With Your Records

You may wish to compare the notice with:

  • W-2 forms
  • 1099 forms
  • Brokerage statements
  • Tax returns
  • Other supporting documents

Step 3: Review Any Differences

Some notices may involve missing forms, incorrect reporting, or incomplete information.

Step 4: Review the Deadline

The notice includes a response deadline. Reviewing the notice before the deadline may help you better understand the information provided by the IRS.

Learn more here: What happens if you ignore CP2000.

Common CP2000 Issues

  • Missing 1099 income
  • Brokerage reporting differences
  • Stock basis issues
  • Duplicate reporting

Bottom Line

The best approach is to review the CP2000 notice carefully and compare the information with your own records and tax documents.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice.