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Got an IRS letter about unfiled returns?
Short answer: Find the notice or letter number (such as CP59) and any response date, then look the code up on IRS.gov. Dates matter: after a substitute return, the IRS's Notice of Deficiency (CP3219N) gives you 90 days to file your own return or petition the Tax Court. Use contact details from IRS.gov, not from an unexpected message, and talk to a licensed tax pro before the deadline if you can.
Written by the BackYears editorial team. Published . Last reviewed .
Not yet reviewed by a tax professional.
Opening a letter from the IRS about a return you didn't file can make your stomach drop. That's a normal reaction. The most useful thing you can do now is read it slowly, find the code and the dates, and decide on your next step.
This page is general information, not tax advice.
Find the code and the dates
Most IRS letters have a notice or letter number printed near the top or bottom corner, such as CP59. Note it down, along with any response date.
You can look up what a code means on the IRS's page for understanding your IRS notice or letter(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab. For example, the IRS explains one common letter about unfiled returns on understanding your CP59 notice(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab.
Why the dates matter
Some letters come with deadlines. For example, the IRS's page on filing past due tax returns(IRS.gov), opens in a new tab says that after it files a substitute return, it sends a Notice of Deficiency (CP3219N) and you have 90 days to file your past due return or petition the Tax Court. If neither happens, it proceeds with its proposed assessment.
Watch out for scams
Scammers copy IRS letters and messages. Use the contact details on IRS.gov rather than any phone number or link in an unexpected message.
What to do next
- Keep the letter and envelope somewhere safe.
- Gather the records you have for the year it mentions, and any other unfiled years.
- Talk to a licensed tax pro before the response date if you can.
BackYears can introduce you to a vetted CPA, Enrolled Agent or tax attorney who handles letters like these as part of a flat-price catch-up. We're an independent referral service. We are not the IRS and we don't prepare returns.
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Questions people ask
Should I send BackYears a copy of my letter?
No. We never collect tax documents. You can tell us the letter code in our questions if you like, and share the letter itself only with the tax pro you choose.
How do I know a letter is really from the IRS?
The IRS's page on understanding your notice or letter explains how to look up letters and check that they are genuine. When in doubt, contact the IRS using the details on IRS.gov, not the ones in a message.
Want help catching up?
Answer a few questions (no SSN). If you say yes, we'll introduce you to a vetted tax pro who offers a flat price. Free, no obligation.
Start the questionsRelated
- What's a substitute for return?
If you don't file, the IRS may file a return for you. Here's what the IRS says a substitute return is and why it can cost you more.
- I haven't filed taxes in 3 years: what now?
A calm, plain-English look at what to do when you haven't filed for a few years, with links to the IRS's own pages.
Everything on this site is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a licensed tax professional.