IRS Notice CP215: Civil penalty charged
Quick answerThe IRS charged a civil penalty — commonly on a business account (for example for information returns or missing W-2 filings). The notice explains the reason.
Letter / noticeCP215
MeaningCivil penalty charged
Action needed?Yes — see steps
What happens next
Pay by the due date or contact the IRS if you disagree.
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What you should do
- Read why the penalty was charged
- Request abatement if you had reasonable cause
Official explanation: IRS page for CP215
Scam check: the IRS first contacts you by mail. Use only the phone numbers printed on your letter or on IRS.gov — never ones from a text, email or unofficial site.
Frequently asked questions
What does IRS Notice CP215 mean?
The IRS charged a civil penalty — commonly on a business account (for example for information returns or missing W-2 filings). The notice explains the reason.
What should I do?
Read why the penalty was charged Request abatement if you had reasonable cause
How long does it take?
Pay by the due date or contact the IRS if you disagree.
Sources
- IRS: Understanding your IRS notice or letter
- IRS: Get Transcript
- Taxpayer Advocate Service (independent help inside the IRS)
Written by the editorial team and checked against the official sources above. See our editorial policy.
By the TranscriptCodes Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-11-12.