Key Takeaways The CP14 is the IRS's initial balance due notice — it is your first official tax bill indicating that you owe money to the IRS This notice is generated after you file your tax return without paying the full amount due, or after the IRS makes an adjustment to your account You should always verify the balance shown on your CP14 against your own records before making any payment If you cannot pay the full amount, you have options including installment agreements , Offers in Compromise , and penalty abatement Ignoring a CP14 starts the IRS collection escalation sequence that can ultimately lead to levies , liens , and wage garnishments What Is IRS Notice CP14? IRS Notice CP14 is the first balance due notice the Internal Revenue Service sends to taxpayers who owe money. If you filed your tax return and either did not pay the full amount due or the IRS determined through adjustments that you owe additional tax, the CP14 is typically the first communication you will receive about that balance. It is the starting point of the IRS collection process, and how you respond sets the tone for everything that follows. The CP14 notice is computer-generated by the IRS's systems, usually within a few weeks of your tax return being processed. It shows the total amount due as of the notice date, including the original tax, any penalties that have been assessed, and interest that has accrued since the return's due date. The notice is essentially your first tax bill from the IRS — similar to receiving a bill from any other creditor, but with significantly more serious consequences if you fail to address it. Think of the CP14 as the beginning of a conversation with the IRS about your unpaid tax. You have...