Balance Due $5 or More, No Math Error

The IRS is aware that some taxpayers are receiving CP14 notices indicating a balance due even though payments were made with their 2023 tax return. Lear more about what steps you may need to take.

Notice Overview

Notice of Tax Due and Demand for Payment, Notice CP14, Balance Due $5 or More, No Math Error, is the first and most common notice sent to taxpayers. The notice advises the taxpayer that there is a tax due, states the amount of tax, including interest and penalties, and requests payment within 21 days.

This notice or letter may include additional topics that have been covered here. Please check back frequently for updates.

What does this mean to me?

If you have a balance on your tax account, you’ll get a notice letting you know how much you owe, when it’s due, and how to pay. If the taxpayer does not pay the amount due, the IRS can proceed with collection activity, including the filing of a Notice of Federal Tax Lien. 

How did I get here?

Your return was filed, and the balance owing has not been paid yet.

What are my next steps?

Check the address

The first thing to do is to check the return address to be sure it’s from the Internal Revenue Service and not another agency.

If it’s from the IRS, the notice will have instructions on how to respond. If you want more details about your tax account, you can order a transcript. Also, review your notice or letter to see if there is a specific website link to visit for additional information. This is usually located at the end of the notice or letter.

If it’s from another agency, such as a state tax department, you’ll need to call that office for an explanation.

If you disagree

If you disagree with the notice, call the IRS at the toll-free number on the top right corner of your notice. Please have your paperwork (such as cancelled checks, amended return, etc.) ready when you call. See also Publication 5, Your Appeal Rights and How to Prepare a Protest If You Don’t Agree.

Payment Options

If you can’t pay the full amount by that date, you need to figure out what might work for your situation, and contact the IRS to set up a payment plan or discuss other ways to address your balance.

If you are able to full pay the balance owed, see Payments for the various ways you can pay your IRS debt. 

Being proactive in addressing the tax debt may prevent additional penalty and interest charges and eliminate the need for the IRS to take action to collect the balance.

If you have any questions regarding Essential Business Accounting, Domestic Taxation, International Taxation, IRS Representation, U.S. Tax Implications of Real Estate Transactions or Financial Statements, please give us a call at +1-305-274-5811

Source: TAS