IRS Notice CP71C: Annual reminder — passport may be denied
Quick answerAn annual reminder of your balance due. It's sent even if you're in a payment plan or your account is in hardship status, and it warns that a seriously delinquent debt can affect your passport.
Letter / noticeCP71C
MeaningAnnual reminder — passport may be denied
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
- Keep any payment plan current
- Pay or set up a plan if you haven't
- A plan generally prevents passport certification
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 CP71C mean?
An annual reminder of your balance due. It's sent even if you're in a payment plan or your account is in hardship status, and it warns that a seriously delinquent debt can affect your passport.
What should I do?
Keep any payment plan current Pay or set up a plan if you haven't A plan generally prevents passport certification
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.