VALID › Notice Library › CP531 notice
In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
CP531 notice explained, in the IRS’s own words
This first notice is sent to tell the taxpayer they may be subject to backup withholding for unreported or unpaid interest or dividend income.
Read the full CP531 page on irs.gov ↗
What this notice is about
This first notice is sent to tell the taxpayer they may be subject to backup withholding for unreported or unpaid interest or dividend income.
What you need to do
- File Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return PDF, if you haven’t already filed.
- Review your filed Form 1040 for underreported interest or dividend income.
- File an amended Form 1040 for any underreported interest or dividend income.
- Pay any taxes owed on Form 1040 with interest or dividend income.
You may want to
- Read about backup withholding.
- Review Publication 1335, Backup Withholding Questions and Answers PDF.
- View your payoff amount, payment history, or order transcripts using the Tax Account tool.
What is backup withholding?
Backup withholding is withholding on mostly interest and dividend income that the payer will withhold when we instruct them to do so.
What is the backup withholding rate?
The current rate is 24% and can increase or decrease with the tax laws.
How long will the payer continue backup withholding?
The payer should continue until we instruct them to stop or until the payee provides written certification from us that they’re no longer subject to backup withholding.
Tips for next year
Tips for next year
- File your tax return timely
- Report all interest and dividend income
- Pay all taxes due
Reference tools
- Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer
- Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax
- Full list of tax forms and instructions
Need help?
- You can authorize someone to contact the IRS on your behalf.
- If you can’t find what you need online, call the IRS number on your notice or letter. If you didn’t receive a letter or notice, use telephone assistance.
- If you can't resolve the penalty on your own, contact Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within IRS.
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.