CP215Medium Urgency

IRS Notice CP215: What It Means & What to Do

CP215 means the IRS charged you a civil penalty. Learn your due date, how interest works, payment plans and what to do if you disagree.

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Quick answer

What is an IRS CP215 notice and what should I do?

CP215 means the IRS charged you a civil penalty. Pay in full by the due date to avoid interest, set up a payment plan if you cannot, or call the number on the notice if you disagree.

Who this applies to: Taxpayers who have been assessed an IRS civil penalty.

What can change this answer

  • No interest if paid by the due date
  • Payment plans available
  • Call the notice number to dispute

Recommended next step

Compare payment plan options for the penalty.

Read the full guide

The IRS charged you a civil penalty. The notice gives the due date, amount due and payment options.

Immediate Steps to Take

  1. 1Read the notice for the due date and amount
  2. 2Pay in full by the due date to stop further penalties and interest
  3. 3If you cannot pay in full, ask about a payment plan
  4. 4If you disagree, call the toll-free number on the notice

What CP215 means

CP215 is a bill for a civil penalty. You are not charged interest if you pay the full amount by the payment due date on the notice; after that date, interest adds up on the unpaid amount.

If you cannot pay in full

You may be able to set up a payment plan with the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool or by calling the free number on the notice. See installment agreements. If you believe the penalty should not apply, see penalty abatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I charged interest on a CP215 penalty?

Not if you pay the full amount by the due date on the notice. Interest accrues on any unpaid amount after that date.

What if I disagree with CP215?

Call the IRS at the toll-free number on the notice and have your paperwork, such as canceled checks or an amended return, ready.

Authority Citations

This content is based on the following official IRS sources. All links open in a new tab.

Information current as of 2026. Tax laws change frequently. Verify with official IRS sources before taking action.

Important information