How to set up online payments for CP2000 notice from 2021?

The CP2000 payment process can definitely be frustrating! The issue you're running into is likely because the CP2000 isn't a regular tax bill yet - it's still considered a "proposed" adjustment until you agree to it. For CP2000 payments, you actually need to use the IRS Direct Pay system (https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay) and select "Proposed Assessment" as your reason for payment. Don't try to set this up through the regular payment plan interface, as that's only for finalized tax bills. Once you've agreed to the CP2000 (by signing and returning the response form), then you can call the number on your notice to formally request the 180-day payment plan. The good news is that the 180-day plan doesn't require the same financial disclosure as longer payment plans. Make sure you're including your CP2000 reference number on any payment you make. This helps the IRS properly apply your payment to the correct tax year and issue.

I went through a similar nightmare with a CP2000 last year. After trying for days to figure it out, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me so much headache. I uploaded my CP2000 notice and they explained everything I needed to do step by step. They confirmed what profile 15 said - you can't set up the payment plan online until the assessment is finalized. But they also helped me understand exactly what I was agreeing to pay and found a couple deductions the IRS had missed in their calculations. Ended up saving me around $1,200 off what the CP2000 originally claimed I owed! The best part was they showed me exactly how to respond to the notice and guided me through the payment setup process so I didn't make any mistakes that would delay things.

Just wanted to update that I ended up trying taxr.ai after my skeptical comment, and I'm actually really glad I did. The IRS was claiming I owed over $6k on crypto transactions, but after uploading my CP2000 and transaction records to taxr.ai, they showed me that the IRS was calculating my gains incorrectly. The step-by-step response plan they gave me was super clear - showed me exactly what to write in my response letter and what documentation to include. Submitted everything last week, and already got confirmation that my case is being reviewed. Their explanation of how to handle the payment once this is resolved was really helpful too. Saved me from making some mistakes that could have caused bigger headaches down the road. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind alone.

If you're having trouble getting through to the IRS about your CP2000, you might want to try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in the same boat last month - kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I was super skeptical, but I used their service (you can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and they got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 25 minutes instead of the 3+ hours I was spending before. The agent confirmed that for CP2000 notices, you do need to call to set up the 180-day payment plan after you've agreed to the assessment. They also gave me a direct reference number for my case which made future calls much easier. Saved me so much time and frustration!

Well I'll be damned. I tried the Claimyr thing after being super doubtful, and I actually got through to an IRS agent in about 35 minutes. After spending literally 5+ hours last week trying to get someone on the phone, this was huge. The agent confirmed everything that's been said here - you need to respond to the CP2000 first (agreeing or disagreeing), and then you can call to set up the payment plan. She also told me that you can make payments through Direct Pay while waiting for everything to be finalized, which helps stop additional interest from accruing. My mind is blown that this actually worked. The agent I spoke with was super helpful and even noted in my file that I had called about setting up the payment plan so there's a record of me trying to resolve this.

I'm dealing with a CP2000 from 2021 too. One thing to watch out for - make sure you select the correct tax year when making payments through Direct Pay! I accidentally selected 2022 instead of 2021 and it took 3 months to get the payment correctly applied to my account. Also, take pictures of EVERYTHING you send to the IRS and keep detailed notes of any calls including the agent's ID number. My first response to the CP2000 got "lost" and they tried to hit me with additional penalties until I faxed them proof that I had responded within the timeframe.

This is probably a dumb question but can you use a credit card to pay a CP2000? I've got points on my card and figured I might as well get something back from this painful experience lol

Just went through this exact same situation with a CP2000 from 2021! The key thing I learned is that you absolutely cannot set up the payment plan online through the regular IRS payment portal until after you've formally agreed to the CP2000 assessment. Here's what worked for me: 1. First, I had to decide whether to agree or disagree with the proposed changes on the CP2000 2. I signed and mailed back the response form agreeing to the assessment 3. About 2 weeks later, I called the specific number on my CP2000 notice (not the general IRS number) and requested the 180-day payment plan 4. The agent set it up over the phone and gave me a confirmation number The 180-day plan is nice because you don't have to provide financial statements like you do for longer payment plans. Just make sure to keep making payments even if you don't hear back right away - the interest keeps accruing! One tip: when you call, have your CP2000 notice in front of you with the specific reference number. The agents can pull up your case much faster that way.