IRS Notice CP71: Annual reminder of balance due
Quick answerA yearly reminder, required by law, of the tax, penalties and interest you still owe.
Letter / noticeCP71
MeaningAnnual reminder of balance due
Action needed?Yes — see steps
What happens next
Sent each year until the balance is paid or the collection period ends.
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What you should do
- Pay what you can
- Set up or keep up a payment plan
- Interest and penalties continue to grow
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 CP71 mean?
A yearly reminder, required by law, of the tax, penalties and interest you still owe.
What should I do?
Pay what you can Set up or keep up a payment plan Interest and penalties continue to grow
How long does it take?
Sent each year until the balance is paid or the collection period ends.
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.