CP2000 Notice: Underreporter Inquiry

The CP2000 Notice is issued by the IRS when there is a discrepancy between reported income on a taxpayer’s return and the income reported by third parties, such as employers or financial institutions. This notice is part of the IRS’s Automated Underreporter Program, which matches income and payment data reported by third parties against what is reported on individual tax returns.

Key components of the CP2000 Notice include:

1. Explanation of Discrepancy
   The CP2000 provides specific details about income discrepancies found on the taxpayer’s return, including sources of income not reported or underreported. This may include discrepancies in wages, interest, dividends, and other forms of income as reported on forms like W-2s, 1099s, or K-1s.
2. Proposed Adjustments and Additional Tax
   Based on the discrepancies identified, the CP2000 Notice proposes adjustments to the taxpayer’s income, which often results in additional taxes owed. The notice includes a calculation of the new tax liability, penalties, and interest, if applicable.
3. Options for Responding to the Notice
   Taxpayers have the option to agree with the IRS’s findings or dispute the proposed adjustments. To resolve the discrepancy, taxpayers may:
   • Agree: Accept the adjustments and pay the additional taxes owed or set up a payment plan.
   • Dispute: Disagree with some or all of the adjustments. In this case, taxpayers must provide supporting documentation, such as corrected 1099 forms, to challenge the IRS’s proposed changes.
4. Consequences of Non-Response
   If the taxpayer does not respond to the CP2000 Notice within the specified timeframe, the IRS may assess the additional taxes, penalties, and interest as proposed in the notice, which can lead to further collection actions.
5. Importance to Tax Debt Resolution
   The CP2000 Notice highlights the IRS’s ability to detect and pursue underreported income, which can lead to unexpected tax debt. Taxpayers receiving this notice should act promptly to either settle the debt or provide evidence to reduce or eliminate the additional tax. Addressing underreporting issues helps prevent tax debt from escalating due to penalties and interest.

The CP2000 Notice is a common tool used by the IRS to ensure accurate reporting of income, and taxpayers are encouraged to review the notice carefully and resolve discrepancies quickly to avoid further financial consequences.