CP21C Notice: Changes to Your Tax Return – Balance Due

What is a CP21C Notice: Changes to Your Tax Return – Balance Due?

A CP21C notice is a communication from the IRS informing you that they’ve made changes to your tax return, resulting in a new balance due. These changes often stem from mathematical errors, corrections to income or deductions, or discrepancies in information provided. The notice will explain the changes and tell you how much you now owe, including any penalties or interest.

FINHelp - Understand Money. Make Better Decisions.

One Application. 20+ Loan Offers. No Credit Hit

Compare real rates from top lenders - in under 2 minutes

Related Concepts and Terms

Understanding the CP21C notice is easier when you know some related concepts:

  • Tax Return: The form you file with the IRS to report your income, deductions, and credits, and to calculate your tax liability.
  • Deductions: Expenses that can be subtracted from your gross income, reducing your taxable income.
  • Credits: Direct reductions in your tax liability (more valuable than deductions).
  • Balance Due: The amount of tax you still owe after applying credits and withholding.
  • Tax Audit: A more thorough examination of your tax return by the IRS. (A CP21C notice is NOT an audit.)
  • Tax Lien: A legal claim against your property for unpaid taxes.
  • Interest: A fee the IRS charges on unpaid tax balances.
  • Penalties: Charges for errors like failing to file or pay on time.
  • IRS Notice: An official communication from the IRS.
FINHelp - Understand Money. Make Better Decisions.

One Application. 20+ Loan Offers.
No Credit Hit

Compare real rates from top lenders - in under 2 minutes

Recommended for You

CP276 Notice

The CP276 Notice is issued by the IRS to inform taxpayers of adjustments made to reported income, credits, or errors in their tax returns.

Tax Adjustment

A tax adjustment is a change made to your initial tax calculation, either increasing or decreasing your tax liability. It's important to understand why adjustments occur and how they can affect you.

IRS Form 1040: U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

IRS Form 1040 is the standard form used by U.S. taxpayers to file their annual individual income tax return. It's how you report your income, claim deductions and credits, and determine if you owe taxes or are due a refund.
FINHelp - Understand Money. Make Better Decisions.

One Application. 20+ Loan Offers.
No Credit Hit

Compare real rates from top lenders - in under 2 minutes