That IRS letter, in plain English.
Pick the notice you received. In 60 seconds you'll know what the IRS actually thinks happened, what triggered it, how serious it is, and your real deadline — counted down to the day. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.
The $179 response kit — corrected numbers + letter + exhibits Start with the free scan
Have your 1099-DA already? Transcribe it into our 2-minute CSV template, upload it to the scan, and see exactly what it overstates.
What happens if you do nothing
The IRS computer assumes zero cost basis on every 1099 line it can't match — the entire sale becomes "profit". Enter your numbers and see the gap the silence costs you. Runs entirely in your browser.
Estimate at your input rate, before penalties (20% accuracy-related) and interest. Information, not advice.
CP2000 (30 days to respond) → no answer → CP3219A Statutory Notice of Deficiency (90 days; your last stop before Tax Court) → tax assessed as proposed → CP14 balance due (21 days) → CP504 intent to levy. Every step keeps accruing interest, and after assessment the "proposed" number becomes a debt collected like any other. Responding to the CP2000 with corrected, evidenced numbers is the cheapest exit — that's the whole point of the kit.
Every notice, honestly ranked
| Notice | What it is | Response | Heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter 6174 | Educational: "you may have crypto; know the rules" | None required | low |
| Letter 6174-A | Educational, sharper: "you may not have reported correctly" | None required — but you're on a list | low+ |
| Letter 6173 | Response REQUIRED under penalty of perjury | By the date printed | high |
| CP2501 | Pre-CP2000 inquiry: "explain this mismatch" | 30 days | medium |
| CP2000 | Proposed changes: income the IRS computed vs your return | 30 days | high |
| CP3219A | Statutory Notice of Deficiency | 90 days (Tax Court window) | severe |
| CP14 | First bill for assessed balance | 21 days | high |
| CP504 | Intent to levy state refund / property | Immediately | severe |
ClearBasis is tax software, not a law firm or tax professional — this page is information, not advice. For representation before the IRS, engage a CPA, EA, or attorney; serious stages (CP3219A and beyond) deserve one.
More free tools: Who reports on you · The Exchange Graveyard · Basis Passport · Tx explainer · the free scan itself