Assessment and Initial Notices
After the IRS assesses a tax liability — either from a filed return with a balance due, an IRS audit adjustment, or a Substitute for Return (SFR) filed by the IRS — you receive a series of notices:
- CP14 Notice — First notice of balance due. You have 21 days to pay or contact the IRS.
- CP501 — First reminder. The tone becomes more urgent.
- CP503 — Second reminder with an explicit statement that the account may be referred for collection.
- CP504 Notice — Notice of Intent to Levy. This is the first notice that explicitly warns of IRS enforcement action, including seizure of state tax refunds and other property.