Understanding your CP2566 notice

What this notice is about

We didn't receive your tax return, so we calculated your tax, penalty and interest based on wages and other income information reported to us by employers, financial institutions, and others.

What you need to do

Respond by the date shown on your notice—you can either file your return or accept and pay our proposed amount due.

• If you choose to file your tax return: you can file electronically using an e-file provider if your return is from the past 2 years. Otherwise, complete your return and the response form found at the end of your notice and mail them to us with the envelope we provided.
  • Filing may reduce the amount due (if you are eligible to claim certain expenses or deductions).
• If you choose to accept and pay our proposed amount due: complete and return the response form at the end of your notice. Pay your balance in full or explore alternative payment options.

If you don’t think you have to file, call us at the number listed in your notice.

Remember, if you received an IRS-issued identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) due to identity theft, you must include the IP PIN on the tax return, as directed, when you send it to us. If you’re filing a joint return, include each spouse’s IP PIN.

You may want to

• Learn more about filing past due returns, your payment options, or getting help with tax debt including payment plans, installment agreements and Offer in Compromise.
• Review the Collection Process: Filing or Paying Late for what happens when you don't file a tax return.
• Review your records and make sure you filed all your prior returns. Download copies of prior year tax returns and products.
• Check to see that you have enough money withheld from your paycheck to pay your taxes. The Tax Withholding Estimator can help.
• Learn more about your payment options if you owe additional taxes on your return.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I disagree with the notice? (updated Nov. 5, 2024)

Call us at the number listed on your notice. Please have your paperwork ready when you call.

Where do I send my return? (updated Nov. 5, 2024)

You may be able to file your past due return electronically if the tax period for which you’re filing is from the past 2 years. If your return is older, complete the Response Form and send it to us with your return using the return envelope we provided with your notice.

What should I do if I've just filed my tax return?

You don't have to do anything if you filed your tax returns within the last eight weeks.

What should I do if I didn't file my tax return or it's been more than eight weeks since I filed it? (updated Nov. 5, 2024)

You may be able to file your past due return electronically if the tax period for which you’re filing is from the past 2 years.

Otherwise, mail us a copy of your tax return:

• Complete the Response Form at the end of your notice.
• Check the name, Social Security number (or taxpayer identification number); and tax year on your notice. Make sure they match the name, number and year on the return.
• Sign, date and mail a copy of your tax return with the Response Form using the return envelope we provided for you with your notice.
  • If you file a joint return, your spouse must also sign and date the return.

What happens if I can't pay the full amount I owe when I file my return? (updated Nov. 5, 2024)

You can set up a payment plan with us when you can't pay the full amount you owe.

Tips for next year

File your return on time.

Consider filing your taxes electronically. Filing online can help you avoid mistakes and find credits and deductions that you may qualify for. In many cases you can file for free. Learn more about e-file.