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IRS CP501 Notice: Reminder of Unpaid Taxes

Second Notice - Your Tax Debt Requires Immediate Attention

Quick Answer: The CP501 is a reminder notice sent when you haven't responded to the initial CP14. It indicates the IRS is escalating collection efforts and you need to take action immediately.

Response Deadline: 10 days from notice date

What the CP501 Notice Means

The CP501 is a formal reminder that your tax debt remains unpaid. The IRS is giving you another opportunity to resolve the balance before initiating more serious collection procedures.

Who receives this notice: Taxpayers who received a CP14 notice and did not pay or respond within the initial timeframe.

Important Deadline

10 days from notice date: The IRS expects payment or contact within 10 days. Continued non-response will trigger more aggressive collection notices.

What Happens If You Don't Respond

  • The IRS will send a CP503 notice (3rd reminder)
  • Penalties and interest continue to accumulate
  • Your account is flagged for potential collection action
  • A federal tax lien becomes more likely
  • You may lose eligibility for certain payment plan options

Your Resolution Options

  • Pay the balance in full immediately
  • Set up a payment plan before further escalation
  • Request penalty abatement if you have reasonable cause
  • Apply for an Offer in Compromise
  • Request Currently Not Collectible status

Recommended Next Steps

  1. 1Do not ignore this notice - it's a warning sign
  2. 2Contact the IRS immediately to discuss options
  3. 3If you can pay, do so to stop penalties from growing
  4. 4If you can't pay, set up a payment plan now
  5. 5Consider getting professional help if you owe over $10,000

Frequently Asked Questions About CP501

A CP14 is the first notice of a balance due. A CP501 is the first reminder sent after you've failed to respond to the CP14. The CP501 indicates the IRS is moving toward more aggressive collection action.

If you don't respond to the CP501, you'll receive a CP503 (second reminder), then a CP504 (intent to levy), and eventually a CP90/LT11 (final notice before levy).

Yes, you can still set up an installment agreement. In fact, this is an ideal time to do so before the IRS takes more serious action. Act quickly to preserve your options.

Not usually immediately after a CP501. However, if you continue to ignore notices, a federal tax lien becomes increasingly likely. The IRS typically files liens after the CP504 notice for debts over $10,000.

While the notice says 10 days, you likely have 4-6 weeks before the next notice (CP503) arrives. However, penalties and interest accrue daily, so faster action saves you money.

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Romy Cruz, EA

Licensed Enrolled Agent

Licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) · 15 Years IRS Tax Resolution

Romy helps individuals and businesses resolve IRS tax issues including liens, levies, installment agreements, penalty relief, and offers in compromise.

Content is reviewed periodically for accuracy and updated to reflect current IRS guidance and regulations.

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Don't Let a CP501 Notice Escalate

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Why We Believe This

Every claim on this page is supported by official IRS sources. Here's our evidence:

IRS References
Notice and demand for taxIRC § 6303View
Final Notice of Intent to Levy & CDP rightsIRC § 6330View
Understanding Your IRS Notice or LetterIRS Notices IndexView
Additional Sources
IRS Publication 594 (Collection Process)
Our Research MethodologyAll Data SourcesOur Expert Reviewers

Sources & Evidence

IRS Data Book & SOI Tax StatsPrimary Source
Internal Revenue Service
Reviewed June 2026
View
Our MethodologyAll Data SourcesEditorial Standards

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