Educational notice: This page explains what typically happens if someone ignores an IRS letter. It is not tax advice and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS.
What Happens If You Ignore an IRS Letter? (Simple Timeline + What Usually Comes Next)
What happens if you ignore an IRS letter? In many cases, the IRS will keep sending follow-up notices, the wording will usually get stronger, and the situation may move from “reminder” letters to “final notice” letters. In some cases, ignoring certain letters can eventually lead to enforced collection actions, like levies.
This page explains the most common IRS letter progression, why ignoring letters can make problems grow, and which letters are more serious than others — in plain English, without scare tactics.
First, Know This: Not All IRS Letters Are the Same
Some IRS letters are simple reminders. Others are warnings with deadlines. The most important step is identifying what type of letter you have.
A fast way to do that is to look for the letter code near the top of the notice, such as: CP14, CP2000, CP504, LT11, CP90, or Letter 1058.
If you want a general starting point, this page is your hub: What does this IRS letter mean?
Takeaway: Ignoring a mild letter and ignoring a final notice are two very different things.
What Usually Happens If You Ignore an IRS Balance Due Letter
Many people search this question after receiving a balance due notice. These are letters where the IRS says you owe money for a specific year.
The IRS often follows a general pattern where it starts with a bill and then sends reminder notices. If nothing changes, the notices may eventually become “final” letters.
Common balance due timeline (simplified):
If you want a full overview of the “balance due” category, this page covers it: IRS balance due letters explained
Takeaway: Ignoring early letters often leads to more letters, not fewer.
What Usually Happens If You Ignore a CP2000 Notice
A CP2000 notice is different from a balance due letter. It usually means the IRS thinks something on your return does not match the forms they received (like W-2s or 1099s).
If a CP2000 notice is ignored, the IRS may proceed using the information they have on file. That can lead to changes being finalized and a balance due being assessed.
Takeaway: Ignoring CP2000 can turn a “proposed change” into a real balance due situation.
Why Ignoring IRS Letters Can Make Things Worse Over Time
People ignore IRS letters for normal reasons: fear, confusion, busy schedules, or thinking the letter is a mistake. The problem is that time usually moves the account forward.
Here are a few common “snowball” effects:
- More letters: reminder notices often keep coming
- Bigger balance: penalties and interest may continue to increase the total
- Less flexibility: later-stage letters often have tighter deadlines
- More stress: final notices read more aggressively and feel scarier
Takeaway: Even when nothing “happens today,” the timeline keeps moving.
Which IRS Letters Are the Most Serious to Ignore?
Some letters are routine. Others are major turning points. As a general rule, letters that include the words “Final Notice”, “Intent to Levy”, or “Right to a Hearing” are more serious.
On this site, the main “final notice” style letters you’ve covered are:
Takeaway: Final notice letters usually include deadlines that affect rights.
Real-World Example (Simple and Common)
Imagine someone gets a CP14 and thinks, “I’ll deal with this later.” Nothing happens immediately. Weeks pass.
Then a CP501 arrives, then CP503. The balance may be higher than before because time passed.
Later, a CP504 arrives with stronger wording. Finally, a final intent-to-levy letter shows up, like LT11.
Takeaway: Many people don’t realize the IRS letters are part of a progression until the wording gets scary.
Helpful Related Pages
- Home
- What does this IRS letter mean?
- IRS balance due letters explained
- CP2000 notice explained
- CP14 notice explained
- CP504 notice explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Do IRS letters stop if you ignore them?
Often, no. Many cases continue through additional reminder notices and warnings. Ignoring a letter usually does not “close” the issue.
Does ignoring an IRS letter mean you will be audited?
Not automatically. Collection letters and audit letters are different. Many ignored letters are balance-due notices, not audits.
What if the IRS letter is a mistake?
Mistakes and confusion do happen. That’s one reason it helps to identify the exact notice type, such as CP2000 (mismatch/proposed changes) versus a balance due notice like CP14.
What is the most serious IRS letter to ignore?
Letters that include “Final Notice,” “Intent to Levy,” and “Right to a Hearing” are generally the most serious. On this site, examples include LT11, CP90, and Letter 1058.
Should someone speak with a professional after getting a serious IRS letter?
If someone needs advice specific to their situation, a licensed tax professional (EA/CPA/attorney) can review the notice and account details. This site is for education, not personalized advice.
This page is for general educational purposes only and does not provide tax or legal advice. WhatThisIRSLetterMeans.com is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.