IRS Notice CP2566: What It Means & What to Do
CP2566 means the IRS calculated your tax, penalties and interest from third-party income reports because you did not file. Learn how filing may lower the bill.
Written and maintained by Joseph Lancaster, Settlement Officer since January 2013
Published · Checked against IRS sources on
Quick answer
What is an IRS CP2566 notice and what should I do?
CP2566 means the IRS calculated your tax from third-party income reports because it did not receive your return. Respond by the date on the notice by filing your own return, which may lower the amount, or by accepting and paying the proposed amount.
Who this applies to: People who did not file a return the IRS believes was required.
What can change this answer
- Respond by the date on the notice
- Your own return may reduce the amount
- The last 2 years can be e-filed
Recommended next step
Pull your wage and income transcript to see the income the IRS used.
Read the full guideCP2566 means the IRS did not receive your return, so it calculated your tax, penalty and interest using wages and other income reported by employers, banks and others. You can file your own return or accept the proposed amount.
Immediate Steps to Take
- 1Find the response date on the notice
- 2Decide whether to file your own return or accept the proposed amount
- 3Filing your own return may lower the amount if you can claim expenses or deductions
- 4Call the number on the notice if you do not think you had to file
What CP2566 means
Without your return, the IRS figured your tax from what third parties reported. That calculation may not include expenses or deductions you are entitled to, so the proposed amount can be higher than what you would owe on your own return.
If you file your own return
Returns from the past 2 years can be e-filed through a provider that supports it. For older years, complete the response form at the end of the notice and mail it with your return in the envelope provided. Include your IP PIN if the IRS issued you one.
If you accept the proposed amount
Complete and return the response form, then pay in full or set up a payment arrangement. See installment agreements if you cannot pay in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will filing my own return lower the bill?
It may. The IRS says filing may reduce the amount due if you are eligible to claim certain expenses or deductions.
What if I disagree with the notice?
Call the number on your notice and have your paperwork ready.
I just filed. Do I need to do anything?
No, not if you filed within the last eight weeks.
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