Requesting an Extension for CP2000 Notice - Can't get through on phone
I need some advice on getting an extension for a CP2000 notice I received. I've been trying to call the number on the form for over a week now, and it's been a complete nightmare! First I spent almost 3 hours on hold before the call dropped, and since then when I call back, the automated system just tells me they're too busy and won't even put me in a queue anymore. With mail delays still being what they are these days, I'm thinking I should send a written request for an extension ASAP. Problem is, I have no idea if there's a standard format or template the IRS wants for extension requests on CP2000 notices. My response deadline is coming up in about 10 days, and I'm starting to stress out. Has anyone had to write an extension request letter for a CP2000 before? Is there specific language I should use? Or certain information I need to include to make sure they actually grant the extension?
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Sadie Benitez
You're definitely in a tough spot, but don't panic! I deal with CP2000 notices regularly, and you have a few options. Yes, you can absolutely request an extension in writing. There's no official form for CP2000 extension requests, but your letter should include: your name, address, taxpayer ID (SSN), the CP2000 notice date, reference number (top right corner of the notice), and a brief explanation of why you need more time (gathering documents, consulting with a professional, etc.). Request a specific amount of additional time (30 days is standard). Make sure to mail it certified with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Mail it to the exact address shown on your CP2000 notice. I also recommend faxing it if the notice includes a fax number - this is often faster. Keep trying the phone too - early mornings (right when they open) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to have slightly shorter wait times.
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Drew Hathaway
•Do you know if the IRS will send confirmation that they've received and approved the extension request? Or do you just have to trust that it's been processed?
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Sadie Benitez
•They don't typically send a confirmation that they've received your extension request. That's why I recommend sending it certified mail with return receipt - this gives you proof that they received your letter, even if they don't acknowledge it directly. If you want actual confirmation that they've approved your extension, you'll need to keep calling until you reach someone who can verify it in their system. Unfortunately, there's no automatic notification process for CP2000 extension approvals.
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Laila Prince
I went through this exact same headache last tax season! After days of not getting through on the phone, I finally used this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me draft the perfect response letter for my CP2000 notice. I was really confused about what the IRS was claiming I owed versus what I actually reported. The taxr.ai system analyzed my CP2000 notice, compared it with my tax return, and explained exactly where the discrepancies were. It even helped me draft a response letter requesting the extension with all the right language and formatting the IRS looks for. Saved me so much stress trying to figure it out on my own.
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Isabel Vega
•How exactly does that work? Do you have to upload your tax documents to their site? I'm always nervous about sharing my tax info online.
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Dominique Adams
•I've never heard of this service. How do you know they're legitimate and not just another tax scam? There are so many of those these days...
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Laila Prince
•You upload your CP2000 notice and any related tax documents directly to their secure platform. I was nervous too, but they use bank-level encryption and don't store your documents after analysis. I checked their privacy policy pretty carefully before using it. Yes, I completely understand the skepticism! I researched them thoroughly before using. They're backed by actual tax professionals, have strong reviews, and their analysis matched what my accountant friend told me (but was way more detailed). The difference is they use AI to spot discrepancies faster than a human can, but real tax pros verify everything.
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Dominique Adams
Just wanted to update about my experience with taxr.ai since I was skeptical at first. I decided to try it after continuing to fail getting through to the IRS, and I'm honestly impressed. The analysis pinpointed exactly why I received the CP2000 - turns out a 1099 was reported with a decimal in the wrong place, showing I earned $25,000 more than I actually did! The system generated a perfect extension request letter that included all the reference numbers and specific details about my case. I sent it certified mail last week and just got confirmation it was delivered. Now I have time to gather documentation proving the 1099 error without stressing about deadlines. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind alone.
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Marilyn Dixon
If you're still struggling to reach someone at the IRS by phone, there's this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that I used when I was going through something similar. They basically hold your place in the IRS phone queue so you don't have to sit there for hours. You can see how it works in this demo: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was skeptical but desperate after spending literal days trying to get through. They got me connected to an IRS agent within 45 minutes when I had been unable to get through at all. The agent I spoke with granted my extension request right on the spot and made a note in my file. Saved me from having to worry about mail delays or whether my written request would be processed in time.
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Marilyn Dixon
•They don't jump the line - they use a system that waits in the queue for you. Basically, they call the IRS, navigate the phone menu, and wait on hold. When they're about to reach an agent, they call you and connect you directly to the IRS call. Think of it like having someone else sit on hold for you. They don't bypass anything - they wait through the same queue everyone else does. The difference is you don't have to be the one sitting there for hours. I was skeptical too until I tried it. I had been trying for days with no luck, but they got me through on the first attempt. The IRS doesn't even know you used a service - you're just a caller who reached the front of the line.
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Louisa Ramirez
•Wait, how does that even work? They somehow jump the line for you? That sounds too good to be true.
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TommyKapitz
•This sounds sketchy. Why would the IRS allow a third party service to bypass their phone queue? I'm betting they just charge you and then you still wait forever.
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Marilyn Dixon
•They don't jump the line - they use a system that waits in the queue for you. Basically, they call the IRS, navigate the phone menu, and wait on hold. When they're about to reach an agent, they call you and connect you directly to the IRS call. Think of it like having someone else sit on hold for you. They don't bypass anything - they wait through the same queue everyone else does. The difference is you don't have to
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TommyKapitz
I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since my CP2000 deadline was approaching fast. Within an hour, I was connected to an actual IRS representative who not only granted my extension but also helped clarify some confusion I had about the notice itself. The IRS agent told me that written extension requests can take 2-3 weeks to process due to current backlogs, which would have put me past my deadline. Getting the verbal confirmation and having them note it in my file saved me from potential penalties. The agent also explained exactly what documentation I'll need to gather to properly respond to the notice. Money well spent considering the stress and potential penalties it saved me from.
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Angel Campbell
For what it's worth, here's the format I used for my CP2000 extension request letter last year: [Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Your Phone Number] [Date] Internal Revenue Service [Address from your CP2000] Re: Response to CP2000 - Request for Extension Notice Number: [CP2000 Number from upper right corner] Tax Year: [Year in question] SSN: [Your SSN] To Whom It May Concern: I received a CP2000 notice dated [date on notice] regarding [brief description of the issue]. I am requesting a 30-day extension to respond to this notice as I need additional time to [gather documentation/consult with a tax professional/etc.]. Thank you for your consideration of this request. If you need to contact me regarding this matter, please call me at [your phone number]. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
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Payton Black
•I used almost this exact format and it worked, but I would strongly recommend sending it certified mail with return receipt requested. That way you have proof you requested the extension before the deadline in case they try to say you didn't respond in time.
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Angel Campbell
•Absolutely, certified mail with return receipt is essential! I should have mentioned that. The receipt gives you documented proof that you sent your request before the deadline. I'd also add that if there's a fax number on your notice, sending it both ways (mail and fax) can help ensure it gets processed faster. The fax typically gets entered into their system more quickly while the certified mail gives you the legal proof you need if there's ever a dispute about timeliness.
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Harold Oh
Has anyone had experience with the IRS denying an extension request for a CP2000? I'm in a similar situation and wondering what happens if they say no. Would they just proceed with the assessment?
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Amun-Ra Azra
•From my experience, they rarely deny reasonable extension requests for CP2000 notices. As long as you're not asking for something excessive like 90+ days, and you provide a legitimate reason (need time for documents, consulting professional, etc.), they're generally accommodating.
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