Every IRS letter has a code (CP504, LT11, CP14, etc.) in the upper right corner. The code tells you exactly what stage of collection you are in and how long you have to respond. Do not ignore it — most notices have a 30-day deadline before collection actions escalate.
Find the notice code first
The code is in the upper-right corner of page 1. CP-series are computer-generated balance and adjustment letters. LT and LTR are escalated collection letters. The number after the prefix tells you how far along collection has progressed.
Match the code to the deadline
CP14 — 21 days to pay or respond. CP504 — 30 days before the IRS can levy state refunds. LT11/Letter 1058 — 30 days to request a Collection Due Process hearing before wages or bank accounts can be levied. CP90/CP297 — Final Notice of Intent to Levy, same 30-day CDP window.
Use the lookup tool
Our free IRS Notice Lookup tool decodes every common notice in seconds and shows the response window, what is at stake, and what an Enrolled Agent would do next.
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