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Astrid Bergström

I think I might have confused the IRS computer system with my responses

So I've got this weird timeline of events with the IRS that's making me think I've somehow glitched their system. Here's what happened: September 8, 2023: Got a CP2501 notice asking for more info about my 2021 return September 13: Faxed my response with all the requested documentation Around mid-October: Received a strange form 202112 that was super confusing - it either said they needed more time OR more information. The letter literally didn't indicate which one because it seemed like whoever sent it forgot to check the right box in their system. Late October: Sent another fax with a copy of that weird letter asking if I needed to do anything else. Tracking showed they received it November 3. November 17, 2023: Got a CP2005 thanking me for the information and saying the case was closed and I don't owe anything additional. But here's the weird part - I've received the SAME CP2501 notice about 3 more times since then, each one identical to the first. The most recent one came last week. I've already been told the case is closed, so why am I still getting notices? Has anyone dealt with this before? I'm wondering if I should just ignore these repeat notices or if I need to contact the IRS again. I'm worried my responses somehow confused their system and it's stuck in a loop.

This definitely sounds like a case of the IRS's different departments not communicating with each other. When you receive conflicting notices like this, it's usually because their computer systems aren't fully integrated. The good news is that the CP2005 saying your inquiry is closed is the most important document here. That's your proof that the matter was resolved. I'd recommend keeping that CP2005 notice safe - make several copies and store the original somewhere secure. However, you shouldn't just ignore the repeat CP2501 notices. I'd suggest calling the IRS at the number printed on those notices. Explain that you've already resolved this issue and received a CP2005 confirmation. Ask them to make a note in your file that this matter has been closed and request that they stop sending additional notices.

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Thanks for the advice. I was hoping I could avoid calling them since their wait times are so ridiculous. Do you think sending another fax with a copy of the CP2005 would work? Or does this definitely require a phone call?

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A phone call is definitely your best option here. While sending a fax might seem easier, there's no guarantee it will reach the right department or be processed properly - which could be why you're in this situation to begin with. When you call, you'll be able to speak directly with someone who can access your full account history and make real-time notes that other departments can see. They can also confirm on the spot that your case is indeed closed according to their records. The wait times are frustrating, I know, but it's worth it to put this issue to rest once and for all.

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I went through something similar with contradicting IRS notices last year. What really helped me was using https://taxr.ai to analyze all my notices. You just upload photos of your IRS documents and it explains everything in plain English, even spotting inconsistencies between different notices. The tool pointed out that my repeat notices were actually coming from different IRS processing centers that weren't synchronized. Once I understood that, I was able to respond appropriately instead of getting more confused with each new letter.

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How accurate is this service? I've got a similar situation with contradicting letters about my retirement distribution. Can it really understand all the IRS codes and tell you what's happening?

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I'm a bit skeptical... how does it actually work? Does it just OCR the documents or is there something more sophisticated happening? I've tried other "tax help" tools that were pretty useless.

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It's extremely accurate - it recognizes all the standard IRS notice codes and explains what each part means. The system was actually trained on thousands of IRS documents so it knows exactly what it's looking at. It helped me identify that my CP2000 and CP3219A were about the same issue but from different departments. For OCR, yes it does that but goes way beyond. It actually interprets the meaning, compares different notices, and can tell you if there are contradictions. It explains everything in regular human language instead of tax jargon. It's like having a tax pro look at your documents but without the high hourly rate.

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I was really skeptical about taxr.ai at first but I finally tried it with my stack of confusing IRS letters. It was eye-opening! The system immediately identified that I had received a CP2005 (case closed notice) followed by redundant CP2501s from a different processing center. The analysis explained that this happens because the IRS's legacy computer systems don't always communicate properly between departments. The tool actually suggested I call with specific language to use: "I've received a CP2005 dated [date] confirming this matter is closed. Can you please update all systems to reflect this resolution?" I followed that advice and the IRS rep knew exactly what to do. No more duplicate notices since then. Saved me so much stress trying to decipher those notices on my own!

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How does this even work? The IRS phone system usually asks for your personal info before connecting you. Do you have to give your SSN to this service?

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Yeah right. No way this actually works. I've been dealing with the IRS for years and there's no magic solution to their phone system. Sounds like snake oil to me.

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You don't give them your SSN or any personal tax info. They just navigate the IRS phone tree and wait on hold, then call you when they have an actual human IRS agent on the line. At that point, you provide your information directly to the IRS agent, not to Claimyr. The reason it works is that they have a system for dealing with the phone tree and hold times so you don't have to. They're essentially waiting in line for you. I was skeptical too until I tried it - after wasting literally days of my life trying to get through. It's not magic, just a really useful service for anyone who values their time.

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I'll admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I was still battling with these duplicate IRS notices and getting nowhere. Finally broke down and tried the service. They called me back in about an hour with an actual IRS agent on the line! I explained my situation with the CP2005 and repeated CP2501 notices, and the agent immediately understood the issue. She confirmed my case was closed and made notes in their system to stop the duplicate notices. She even gave me her direct ID number in case it happens again. I've wasted so many hours on hold with the IRS over the years... wish I'd known about this service sooner. Not cheap but worth every penny for the time saved and actually getting the problem resolved.

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This actually happens all the time with the IRS! Their computer systems are ancient - some parts still run on code from the 1960s. Each notice comes from a different subsystem that doesn't always talk to the others. When you get that CP2005 notice saying your case is closed, you should send a physical letter (not fax) via certified mail with return receipt to the exact address on the CP2501. Include copies (never originals) of both the CP2005 and the CP2501, with a brief explanation. Use something like: "Re: Taxpayer [your name], SSN [last 4 only]: Please update all systems to reflect case closure per attached CP2005 dated [date].

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Would regular certified mail work or should I use certified mail with return receipt? And should I include copies of all the duplicate CP2501s or just one of them?

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Definitely use certified mail with return receipt - that gives you proof they received your letter, which can be crucial if you need to reference this communication later. The return receipt is worth the extra few dollars for your peace of mind. I would include copies of just one CP2501 along with your CP2005. Including too many documents might confuse the issue. Make sure to write your taxpayer ID (last four of SSN is fine) and the tax year in question at the top of your letter and on each attached document copy to help them properly file your correspondence.

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Has anyone had success using the IRS online account to resolve these kinds of issues? I'm in a similar situation with duplicate notices but really don't want to call or mail anything if I can avoid it.

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I tried using my IRS online account for a similar issue last year. It shows your notices but doesn't really have a way to resolve conflicts between them. Ended up having to call anyway.

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Thanks for sharing your experience. That's disappointing but good to know before I waste time trying to fix it online. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and call them after all.

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I've been through this exact same nightmare! Got stuck in the IRS notice loop for almost 6 months. Here's what finally worked for me: Don't ignore the duplicate notices - they can actually restart collection actions even if your case was previously closed. I made that mistake and ended up with a lien threat. Call the Practitioner Priority Service line at 866-860-4259 if you have a tax professional, or use the regular taxpayer line but ask to speak with someone in the "Correspondence Examination" department specifically. Tell them you have conflicting notices and need them to consolidate your case file. When you call, have these ready: - Your CP2005 closure notice - The most recent CP2501 - All your fax confirmation receipts - The weird form 202112 you mentioned Ask them to put a "case consolidation hold" on your account while they sort it out. This prevents any automated notices from going out while a human reviews your file. I also recommend requesting a "manual case review" - this forces an actual person to look at your timeline instead of letting the computer keep spitting out notices. The rep should be able to see all your submissions and confirm everything was properly processed. The whole thing took about 30 minutes on the phone once I got through to the right department. Haven't gotten a duplicate notice since!

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