VALID › Notice Library › CP2501 notice
In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
CP2501 notice explained, in the IRS’s own words
The income or payment information we received from third parties, such as employers or financial institutions, doesn't match the information you reported on your tax return. This difference may increase or decrease your tax or may not change it at all.
Read the full CP2501 page on irs.gov ↗
Why you received this notice
The income or payment information we received from third parties, such as employers or financial institutions, doesn't match the information you reported on your tax return. This difference may increase or decrease your tax or may not change it at all.
The notice explains proposed changes to your tax return and information we used to determine them. This notice isn’t a bill, but you must respond.
What you need to do
Review the entire notice and follow the instructions.
Reply on the letter’s response form and return it to us by the date listed.
If you agree with the information
Sign the response form and choose an option to reply to us. We need both spouses’ signatures if you filed married filing jointly.
If you don’t agree or the information is incorrect
Reply to us with a signed response form. Include:
- A signed statement that explains your disagreement
- Documentation supporting your claim
- Expenses related to the unreported income that may reduce your tax
- Amended return or forms to support your claim if requested in the notice
If you include an amended return (Form 1040X), write “CP2501” at the top of it.
If you received income considered to be nontaxable under state relief, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or a similar reason, include a signed statement with the response form.
How to reply
You can reply to your notice with one of these options:
Upload
This is the fastest way to send us your reply, digitally and securely.
You can upload photos or scans as JPG, PNG or PDF files.
Enter access code 895ny-k9654
IRS document upload tool
Fax
Fax your response to the location listed on the top left side of the notice:
- Andover, MA – 877-477-9485
- Atlanta, GA – 877-477-0967
- Austin, TX – 877-477-0583
- Holtsville, NY – 877-477-9599
- Fresno, CA – 877-477-0962
- Ogden, UT – 877-477-9640
- Philadelphia, PA – 877-477-9602
Protect your information: If you use an online fax service, understand its privacy and security policies.
Send it to the address on the top left corner of the first page of the notice.
Check and correct your records
- Get a transcript of your tax return, if needed.
- Correct your copy of your tax return. Keep it and the notice for your records.
- Check your tax returns from prior years. If they have the same issue, file an amended return.
Pay or settle any tax due
- Pay now. Interest accrues until the balance is paid and penalties may apply.
- Get help if you can’t pay in full. Apply for a payment plan or offer in compromise.
- Pay by mail:
If your notice came from: Send your payment to:
Austin, TX Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0010
Andover, MA
Atlanta, GA
Philadelphia, PA Internal Revenue Service Center
Kansas City, MO 64999-0206
Fresno, CA Internal Revenue Service Center
M/S 86106
3211 S Northpointe Dr
Fresno, CA 93725
Ogden, UT Internal Revenue Service Center
Ogden, UT 84201-0010
Holtsville, NY Internal Revenue Service Center
PO Box 145577
Cincinnati, OH 45250-5577
Amend your return
If the CP2501 notice is correct and you have other income, credits or expenses to report:
- Complete Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
- Write "CP2501" on top of Form 1040-X
- Choose a reply option and submit the form with your notice response form
Get help
- Allow someone to contact us for you about this notice - Complete the Authorization section on the response form.
- Allow someone (like a tax professional) to contact us on your behalf about this or any other matter your authorize - Send us a Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative PDF.
- Request more time to respond – Send your extension request with a reply option.
- Get in-person help - Find your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
- Find more details on this process - Review Publication 5181, Tax Return Reviews by Mail - CP2000, Letter 2030, CP2501, Letter 2531 PDF
- Report identity theft if someone used your name and Social Security number - Send your reply with a completed Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF.
Tips for next year
To file an accurate return:
- Keep complete records.
- You can file for free in many cases.
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.