Can I pay my CP22A notice online through IRS DirectPay? What option should I select?
So I just got hit with a CP22A notice from the IRS because I had to make some changes to my 1040 form from last year. I owe them around $825 now and I want to pay it online through their DirectPay system. I've never used this before and I'm a bit confused about which option I should select when paying. There seem to be different payment categories and I don't want to mess this up and have my payment applied to the wrong thing. When I go to the DirectPay screen, there are several options like "Tax Return," "Installment Agreement," "Notice," etc. Since this is a CP22A, should I just select "Notice" as the payment reason? Also, do I need to include my notice number somewhere during the payment process so they know exactly what I'm paying for? Any help would be appreciated because I want to get this paid before they start adding more interest or penalties. Thanks!
34 comments


Zoe Alexopoulos
Yes, you should definitely select "Notice" as the payment reason in DirectPay when paying a CP22A. The IRS DirectPay system is designed to properly route your payment when you select the correct payment reason. After selecting "Notice" as the payment reason, you'll be prompted to enter additional information. You'll need to input the notice number (CP22A), the notice date (found on your letter), and the tax year the notice relates to. This ensures your payment is properly applied to the specific tax issue mentioned in your CP22A. The CP22A is essentially a notice showing the IRS made changes to your tax return resulting in additional tax owed, so using the "Notice" option rather than "Tax Return" is the correct approach. The system will guide you through entering all required information after you make that selection.
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Jamal Anderson
•Thanks for the info! Do you know if there's any processing time I should be aware of? Like if my payment due date is next week, should I pay it a few days early to make sure it's processed in time?
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•Yes, it's always smart to allow some processing time. While IRS DirectPay is typically considered effective on the date you submit the payment (assuming you complete the transaction before 8 p.m. ET), I would recommend paying at least 3-5 business days before your due date. This gives you a buffer in case there are any technical issues or processing delays. It also gives you time to follow up or make alternative payment arrangements if something goes wrong with the initial attempt. Better to be a few days early than even one day late when dealing with the IRS.
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Mei Wong
I was in a similar situation last year with a CP22A notice for about $1100. After struggling to figure out how to properly pay it, I found this amazing service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me understand my notice and guided me through the payment process. It was super helpful because it actually analyzed my notice and explained exactly what I needed to do step by step. Their system lets you upload your IRS notice and then breaks down exactly what you owe, why you owe it, and the best way to pay it. For DirectPay specifically, they confirmed I needed to use the "Notice" option and walked me through all the fields I needed to fill out. Saved me a ton of confusion and stress!
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QuantumQuasar
•Wait how does this work? Do they actually make the payment for you or just tell you how to do it? I'm always wary of giving access to my tax info.
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Liam McGuire
•I've seen a bunch of these tax help services lately. Do they actually have real tax pros reviewing your documents or is it just some AI thing regurgitating IRS info I could find myself?
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Mei Wong
•They don't make the payment for you - they just guide you through the process. You still make the payment yourself directly to the IRS. It's more about analyzing your notice to make sure you understand what you're paying for and how to do it correctly. They have tax professionals who review the AI analysis for accuracy. It's not just generic info - they actually look at your specific notice and provide personalized guidance. Way more helpful than searching through confusing IRS pages trying to figure it out myself.
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Liam McGuire
I was skeptical about taxr.ai too, but I ended up using it last month when I got a similar notice. I uploaded my CP22A and it actually identified that the IRS had made a calculation error in my case! The system showed me exactly where the discrepancy was and helped me draft a response to dispute part of the charge. Saved me over $600 because it turned out the IRS had double-counted some income. The instructions were super clear and I wouldn't have caught this on my own. Just wanted to follow up since I was the skeptic before trying it.
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Amara Eze
If you're having trouble reaching the IRS to ask questions about your CP22A before paying, I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I spent DAYS trying to get through to an IRS agent to confirm how to handle my notice payment, but kept getting disconnected or facing hours-long wait times. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes! They basically hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent I spoke with confirmed exactly how to pay my CP22A and also explained some options I didn't know about. Totally worth it instead of wasting hours on hold.
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Giovanni Greco
•How exactly does this work? They somehow jump you ahead in the IRS phone queue? That seems impossible since the IRS phone system is a nightmare.
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QuantumQuasar
•This sounds like complete BS. Nobody can magically get you through to the IRS faster. They probably just keep calling themselves and then charge you an arm and leg for finally getting through. The IRS phone system is designed to be impossible.
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Amara Eze
•It doesn't jump you ahead in the queue. Their system basically automates the calling and waiting process. They use technology to continuously call the IRS until they get through, then they connect you when an agent answers. You don't have to sit there listening to hold music for hours. They don't charge an arm and a leg at all. It's actually pretty reasonable considering how much time it saves. And it's not BS - they really do get you through. The IRS phone system is definitely a nightmare, but that's exactly why this service is helpful. They deal with the frustrating part for you.
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QuantumQuasar
Just wanted to update after trying Claimyr because I was the one calling BS. I'm honestly shocked that it actually worked. After trying for 3 days to get through to the IRS myself with no luck, I finally gave in and tried the service. Got connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed I should use the "Notice" option in DirectPay for my CP22A and also that I needed to enter my notice number and date. She even told me I could request a payment plan if I couldn't pay the full amount right away, which I didn't realize was an option. I take back what I said before. This service is legit and saved me hours of frustration. Sometimes being proven wrong is a good thing!
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Fatima Al-Farsi
One thing to watch out for when paying a CP22A - make sure you check if there's any interest or penalties that accrued since they sent the notice! The amount on the notice might not include additional interest that's accumulated since the issue date. I made this mistake last year and thought I paid in full, only to get another notice a month later saying I still owed interest. Super annoying! So if it's been more than a couple weeks since the notice date, you might want to call and confirm the current total amount due before making your payment.
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Andre Lefebvre
•Thanks for this tip! My notice is dated about 3 weeks ago, so there might be some additional interest by now. Do you know if the DirectPay system shows the updated amount with current interest, or just what was on the original notice?
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•DirectPay generally won't show you the updated amount with current interest - it only lets you enter the amount you want to pay. The IRS doesn't calculate real-time interest in their payment systems. If you want to be absolutely sure you're paying the correct amount, you should call the IRS at the number on your notice to get the current payoff amount. Or you could add a small buffer amount (like an extra $20-30) to cover potential interest. If you overpay, they'll eventually refund the difference or apply it to next year's taxes.
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Dylan Wright
don't forget u need ur tax ID (ssn), the tax form type (1040), and the tax year the notice refers to when setting up the payment. also print the confirmation page when ur done!!! i didn't and the irs claimed they never got my payment even tho the money left my account. took 3 months to resolve because i didn't have proof.
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Sofia Torres
•You can also save the confirmation as a PDF instead of printing it. Just make sure to save it somewhere you can find it again if needed!
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QuantumLeap
Just a heads up - when you're entering your payment info in DirectPay, make sure you have your bank account and routing number ready if you're paying by bank transfer (ACH). It's usually cheaper than using a debit card since there are no processing fees for bank transfers. Also, double-check that your bank account has enough funds available because if the payment bounces, the IRS will charge you additional fees on top of what you already owe. I'd recommend making the payment early in the morning when bank systems are less likely to have issues processing the transaction. The whole DirectPay process usually takes about 10-15 minutes once you have all your information ready. Good luck getting this resolved!
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Landon Flounder
•This is really helpful advice! I didn't know that bank transfers were free while debit cards have processing fees. That could save me a decent chunk of change on top of the $825 I already owe. Do you happen to know what the processing fee is for debit card payments? I want to make sure I'm not throwing away money unnecessarily. Also, the tip about paying early in the morning is smart - I've had issues with online payments timing out during busy periods before. Thanks for the detailed breakdown of what to expect with the process!
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Sophia Rodriguez
Just wanted to add that you should also make sure to keep a record of your payment confirmation number along with the printed/saved confirmation page. The IRS DirectPay system will give you a confirmation number after you complete the payment, and this number is crucial if you ever need to trace your payment later. I'd also recommend checking your bank account a few days after making the payment to confirm it actually went through. Sometimes there can be delays or technical issues that prevent the payment from processing, and you want to catch this early rather than finding out later that your payment never went through. One more tip - if you're paying close to the due date, consider making the payment before 8 PM Eastern Time to ensure it's processed on the same business day. Payments made after 8 PM ET are typically processed the next business day, which could make you technically late if you're cutting it close.
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Yuki Kobayashi
Great question about the CP22A payment process! I went through this exact situation a few months ago and can confirm that selecting "Notice" in DirectPay is definitely the right choice. One thing I'd add to the excellent advice already given - when you're entering your notice information, make sure you enter the notice date exactly as it appears on your CP22A letter. The system is pretty particular about date formats, and if it doesn't match exactly, you might get an error message that could delay your payment. Also, after you complete the payment, I'd suggest taking a screenshot of the confirmation screen in addition to printing/saving the PDF. Having multiple formats of proof has saved me headaches with other tax matters. The confirmation usually shows up immediately, but it can take 1-2 business days for the payment to actually process and show up in your bank account. Since you mentioned wanting to avoid additional interest and penalties, you're smart to pay this quickly. The IRS typically charges interest daily on unpaid balances, so every day counts. Good luck with your payment!
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Kelsey Chin
•This is super helpful, especially the tip about the date format! I've run into similar issues with government websites being picky about how you enter information. Quick question - when you made your payment, did you get an email confirmation as well, or just the on-screen confirmation? I always feel more secure when I have an email trail for important payments like this. Also, regarding the daily interest you mentioned - do you happen to know roughly what the interest rate is? I'm trying to calculate if it's worth paying a few days early versus waiting until closer to my due date. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Luca Conti
Just to add to all the great advice here - I work as a tax preparer and deal with CP22A notices regularly. You're absolutely correct to select "Notice" as the payment type in DirectPay. A few additional tips from my experience: 1. Make sure you have your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the tax return that the CP22A relates to - the system sometimes asks for this as verification 2. If you're married filing jointly, either spouse can make the payment, but make sure to use the SSN of the primary taxpayer (the first name listed on the return) 3. The DirectPay system will ask for the "notice number" - this is usually found in the upper right corner of your CP22A and starts with "CP22A" Regarding timing, I always tell my clients to pay at least 3-5 business days before the due date shown on the notice. Even though DirectPay payments are generally credited the same day if made before 8 PM ET, it's better to have that buffer. One last thing - keep checking your IRS online account (if you have one set up) or wait for a confirmation letter from the IRS showing your payment was properly applied. This usually takes 2-3 weeks to show up in their system.
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Aria Washington
•This is incredibly helpful advice from a professional perspective! I really appreciate you mentioning the AGI verification - I wouldn't have thought to have that information ready beforehand. Quick question about the notice number location - my CP22A has a few different numbers on it. You mentioned it's in the upper right corner and starts with "CP22A" - is this different from the "Notice Number" that appears elsewhere on the document? I want to make sure I'm entering the right identifier when I make my payment. Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise!
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Anastasia Smirnova
I've been through this exact situation twice now, and I can confirm everything others have said about using "Notice" as the payment type. One thing I learned the hard way - if you have multiple tax years with outstanding issues, make absolutely sure you're selecting the correct tax year when you make the payment. I accidentally paid my 2022 CP22A amount toward my 2021 taxes because I wasn't paying close attention during the payment process. It took months to get the IRS to move the payment to the correct year, and I ended up with additional penalties on the original notice while waiting for them to fix their records. Also, here's something most people don't think about - if you're making a large payment like $825, consider whether your bank has daily transaction limits on ACH transfers. Some banks limit electronic transfers to $1,000-$2,500 per day. You don't want to find out about this limit when you're trying to make a time-sensitive payment to the IRS. I'd suggest checking with your bank beforehand or having a backup payment method ready just in case. The whole process really is straightforward once you have all your information organized, but these little details can trip you up if you're not prepared. Good luck getting this resolved quickly!
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Sofia Morales
•Wow, that's a really important point about selecting the correct tax year! I can imagine how frustrating that must have been to deal with. Your experience highlights why it's so crucial to double-check every field during the payment process. The bank transaction limit tip is something I never would have considered either. That could really save someone from a lot of stress, especially if they're trying to make the payment close to the deadline. Do you know if there's a way to check your bank's ACH limits online, or do you typically have to call them directly? Thanks for sharing these hard-learned lessons - it's exactly this kind of real-world experience that makes the difference between a smooth payment process and months of headaches with the IRS!
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Amina Sy
I've been helping people navigate IRS notices for years, and you're definitely on the right track with using DirectPay for your CP22A. Just wanted to add a couple of things that might save you some trouble: When you get to the payment screen and select "Notice," the system will ask you to verify some information from your original tax return. Have your 2023 tax return handy because they might ask for your filing status or a line item from your return as an additional security check. Also, since you mentioned this is your first time using DirectPay, be aware that the system might seem a bit slow or unresponsive at times - don't panic and hit the back button or refresh the page. I've seen people accidentally create duplicate payment attempts this way. Just be patient and let each screen fully load. One more tip: after you complete the payment, write down the confirmation number on your physical CP22A notice and file them together. This makes it much easier to reference everything if you need to call the IRS later. The $825 will typically be reflected in their system within 5-7 business days, but your payment will be credited as of the day you submitted it (assuming you did it before 8 PM ET). You've got this! The DirectPay system is actually pretty user-friendly once you get started.
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Nia Davis
•This is such comprehensive advice! I really appreciate the tip about having my tax return ready for verification - that would have definitely caught me off guard if I wasn't prepared for those security questions. The warning about not refreshing the page is also super helpful since I tend to be impatient with slow-loading government websites. Your suggestion about writing the confirmation number directly on the CP22A notice is brilliant - creating that physical connection between the documents makes so much sense for record keeping. I'm definitely going to follow that approach. One quick question - when you mention the payment being credited "as of the day you submitted it," does that mean for interest calculation purposes, or just for meeting the due date? I want to make sure I understand how the timing works for avoiding additional penalties. Thanks for taking the time to share all these practical tips!
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PaulineW
I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago with a CP22A for around $950. The advice here about selecting "Notice" in DirectPay is spot-on, but I wanted to add something that really helped me feel more confident about the whole process. Before I made my payment, I actually called the IRS using the phone number listed on my CP22A notice to confirm the exact amount I owed (including any accrued interest) and to verify that paying through DirectPay was the best option for my situation. Yes, I had to wait on hold for about 45 minutes, but the agent was really helpful and walked me through what information I'd need for the DirectPay system. She also confirmed that I should select "Notice" as the payment type and reminded me to have my notice number, notice date, SSN, and the tax year ready. What I found really reassuring was that she gave me a reference number for our call, so if anything went wrong with my payment, I could reference that conversation. The actual DirectPay process took about 12 minutes once I had everything organized, and I got my confirmation immediately. The peace of mind from that phone call was totally worth the wait time. Sometimes talking to a real person can make these stressful tax situations feel much more manageable!
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Ingrid Larsson
•That's really smart advice about calling ahead to confirm the exact amount! I was actually debating whether it was worth the hassle of trying to get through to the IRS by phone, but your experience makes it sound like it could save a lot of potential headaches down the road. The reference number for your call is a great detail - I didn't know they provided those. That would definitely give me more confidence that everything was handled correctly. Did the agent happen to mention if there are certain times of day or days of the week when the wait times are typically shorter? I'm willing to wait 45 minutes if that's what it takes, but if there are better times to call, I'd love to know! Thanks for sharing your experience - it's really helpful to hear from someone who went through the exact same process recently.
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Alexander Zeus
As someone who just went through this process last month, I can confirm that selecting "Notice" in DirectPay is absolutely the right choice for your CP22A. The system will walk you through entering your notice number, notice date, and tax year - just make sure you enter everything exactly as it appears on your letter. One thing I wish someone had told me is to check if your bank account has sufficient funds a day or two before you plan to make the payment. I almost had my payment bounce because of an automatic bill that processed the same day, which would have resulted in additional IRS fees on top of what I already owed. Also, don't stress too much about the process - it's actually pretty straightforward once you get started. The system will guide you through each step, and you'll get an immediate confirmation. Just make sure to save/print that confirmation page and keep it with your CP22A notice for your records. Good luck getting this resolved quickly!
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Mason Stone
•This is really solid advice! The tip about checking your bank account balance ahead of time is something I wouldn't have thought of but could definitely save a lot of trouble. Having a payment bounce to the IRS sounds like a nightmare scenario with all the additional fees they'd probably tack on. I'm curious - when you made your payment, did you get any kind of email confirmation in addition to the on-screen confirmation? I'm always paranoid about these kinds of important transactions and like to have multiple forms of documentation. Also, do you remember roughly how long it took for the payment to actually show up as processed in your bank account? Thanks for sharing your recent experience - it's really reassuring to hear from someone who just went through this exact same situation!
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Brian Downey
I just went through this exact situation with a CP22A notice a few weeks ago! Everyone's advice about selecting "Notice" in DirectPay is absolutely correct - that's definitely the right option for your CP22A payment. One thing I'd add that really helped me is to have a backup payment method ready, just in case there are any technical issues with your primary bank account. I ran into a temporary problem with my bank's online system during the payment process, and having my debit card information ready as a backup saved me from missing my deadline. Also, when you're entering your information, take your time and double-check everything before hitting submit. The system is pretty forgiving, but it's better to get it right the first time than to have to deal with payment corrections later. The whole process from start to finish took me about 15 minutes, and I got my confirmation immediately. Make sure to save that confirmation number - you'll want it for your records. The $825 will likely show up as pending in your bank account within 24-48 hours. Good luck with your payment!
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