Notice CP503: Second reminder of a balance due

What CP503 means

• This is your second reminder that you still owe a balance on one of your tax accounts.
• You received it because the IRS hasn't received your payment or a response to earlier notices.
• The notice explains how much you owe, when your payment is due, and your payment options.

How much time you have

The IRS doesn't set a fixed number of days for CP503. It says you must pay the entire balance by the due date shown on your notice to avoid more penalties and interest.

If it is ignored, and what usually comes next

If you don't act, the IRS says:

• The IRS may file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien if it hasn't already. A lien is a public claim on your current and future assets and can affect your ability to get credit.

The CP503 page doesn't name the next notice. The IRS's CP504 page describes CP504 as the notice of intent to levy that follows an unpaid balance.

What you can do yourself

1. Pay by the due date, online or by mail in the IRS envelope, with the bottom part of the notice included.
2. If you can't pay it all, apply through the online payment agreement application or mail an installment agreement request.
3. If you disagree, contact the IRS right away at the toll-free number on your notice.
4. If you've already fixed the issue, still call so your account shows it.
5. You can ask for an appeal under the Collection Appeals Program (CAP) before collection action, following the notice instructions.

When to bring in an Enrolled Agent

The IRS notes that you can authorize someone to represent you or contact it for you. Consider getting help if:

• You can't pay in full and aren't sure which payment plan fits.
• You think the IRS figures are wrong, or a payment wasn't credited.
• You'd rather not deal with the IRS phone line yourself.

Official IRS resource

Read the IRS's own explanation: IRS, Understanding your CP503 notice (irs.gov).