IRS CP59, CP59R, and CP59SN Notices:

What They Mean and How to Respond

The IRS has renewed a "touch" program where they are sending out notices to "touch" taxpayers that may need a little nudge to get tax compliant. There are a series of these notices, but the most recent are the series 59 letters.

Have you received an IRS CP59, CP59R, or CP59SN notice in the mail? These letters often cause confusion, but understanding them can save you time and stress.

Here’s what each notice means:

• IRS CP59 Notice – The IRS is letting you know they have not received a tax return for a prior year. This could mean anywhere from 2023 on back.

• IRS CP59R Notice – A reminder to file your current year tax return before the due date. Extensions are due 10/15/25, so make sure to mark your calendar. 

• IRS CP59SN Notice – The IRS says they haven’t received your current year tax return. This is similar to the CP59R notice, just some different wording---a reminder that the IRS is waiting for your return.

Many taxpayers wonder if these letters mean they are already in trouble. The good news:

GENERALLY, these notices do not always mean your return is delinquent. For example, if you filed for an extension, you may still receive a CP59R or CP59SN because the IRS’s system simply doesn’t show your return yet. The IRS is notorious for "the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing." Therefore, even with an extension on file, you may get one of these notices.

What should you do if you get a CP59 series notice?

First, check your records. If you’ve already filed a tax return, keep a copy of your return or extension confirmation. Often, the IRS just hasn’t processed your tax return yet since they are way behind (especially if you filed your tax return on paper rather than efile). If you haven’t filed, take the notice as a reminder to do so as soon as possible. Again, for this year, the last date to file your 2024 tax return without a late filing penalty is 10/15/25.

Getting an IRS notice can be stressful, but it doesn’t always mean you did something wrong. Always fully read the entire document.

Need Help Responding to an IRS CP59 Notice?

If you’ve received an IRS CP59, CP59R, or CP59SN notice and aren’t sure what to do, don’t wait until the IRS follows up.  Ignoring an IRS letter or notice is a really bad plan.

As a tax attorney, I help clients resolve these issues quickly and avoid unnecessary penalties or collection actions. Contact my office today for a confidential consultation and get peace of mind knowing your tax situation is being handled the right way.