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In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
CP15B notice explained, in the IRS’s own words
We charged you a trust fund recovery penalty (TFRP) for willfully failing to collect, account for, pay over or otherwise evade paying employment or excise taxes.
Read the full CP15B page on irs.gov ↗
What this notice is about
We charged you a trust fund recovery penalty (TFRP) for willfully failing to collect, account for, pay over or otherwise evade paying employment or excise taxes.
What you need to do
- Read your notice carefully. It will explain your amount due, due date, and payment options.
- Make your payment by the due date. You can visit our payments page or use the IRS app to learn about your payment options.
Frequently asked questions
Why was I assessed this penalty?
We charged you the TFRP for willfully failing to collect, account for, or pay employment or excise taxes. Find additional information for Employment taxes and the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP).
What happens if I can't pay the full amount I owe now?
You can apply online for a payment plan (including installment agreements).
What happens if I don’t respond to this notice? (updated June 5, 2025)
You will continue to be charged interest until the balance is paid.
Am I charged interest on the money I owe? (updated June 5, 2025)
Yes, interest will continue to be added if you don’t pay the full amount you owe by the date on the payment coupon.
What should I do if I disagree with the notice? (updated June 5, 2025)
To contest the penalty, you must:
- Pay the portion of the TFRP attributable to one employee (i.e., the withheld tax for one employee) for each quarter the penalty was charged if the TFRP is based on employment taxes, or
Pay the portion of the TFRP attributable to one transaction for each quarter the penalty was charged if the claim relates to a TFRP for excise taxes, and
- File a claim for refund on Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement, for each quarter at issue.
To suspend collection of the penalty, you must file your claim for refund and make the applicable payment. You must also post a bond with us for one and a half times the balance owed (the penalty amount minus any payments made).
What to do next
- Write down the date on the letter today.
- Look the number up on irs.gov yourself. Don’t trust a link or phone number from anyone else.
- If it says you owe money or proposes changes to your return, take it to a licensed CPA, EA or tax attorney before that date.
Not advice. Not a filing. Verify with a licensed professional. Rules change by year and facts.