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Warning - Attention Needed

IRS CP501 Notice

Reminder Notice

First reminder that you still owe taxes

What is CP501? CP501 is a reminder notice that you have an unpaid balance on your account.

What This Notice Means

CP501 is a reminder notice that you have an unpaid balance on your account. The IRS states no interval between CP14 and this notice, so this page does not give one.

Why You Received This Notice

  • 1
    You received a CP14 and did not pay or respond
  • 2
    Your payment was not received or was insufficient
  • 3
    The IRS needs to remind you of the outstanding balance

Important Deadline

Read your notice: the IRS states it explains how much you owe, when your payment is due, and your payment options. It states no number of days on the CP501 page — the due date shown on your notice governs.

What You Should Do

  • Pay the balance if you can afford to do so
  • Set up an installment agreement if you cannot pay in full
  • Verify the amount matches your records
  • Do not wait for the next notice

Resolution Options That May Help

Payment Plan

Taxpayers with steady income who can afford monthly payments

OIC

Taxpayers who cannot pay their full tax liability

What NOT to Do

  • Do NOT assume this will go away
  • Do NOT wait for another notice to take action

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appeal before the IRS takes collection action?
The IRS states you can request an appeal under the Collection Appeals Program (CAP) before collection action takes place, by following the instructions on your notice. See our Collection Appeals Program entry for what CAP does and does not preserve.
How many reminder notices will I get?
After CP501, you may receive CP503 (second reminder) and then CP504 (intent to levy). The number can vary, but each subsequent notice is more serious.

Need Help With This Notice?

Use our free tools to understand your options and connect with professionals who can help.

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Related Notices

CP14Balance Due NoticeCP503Second Reminder NoticeCP504Notice of Intent to Levy (IRC §6331(d))

Recommended Next Steps

  • Consider your payment options: full payment, installment agreement, or OIC
  • Read what the IRS publishes about each option before choosing between them

Sources and last reviewed

Sourced to primary IRS materials and editorially reviewed on 2026-08-20. Not reviewed by a tax professional. Not tax advice. This page explains a notice in general terms and is not tax or legal advice about your situation. Always use the dates and instructions printed on the notice you actually received. Report a correction.