What is IRS Letter Number 2797, BOD CODE SB, CP 501?

Question

I just received a letter from the IRS which says that they need your help in updating their records with your latest address. It shows the address that the letter was sent to, and you are to checkmark either YES or NO and sign, stating that the address is or is not you. If not, then fill in your real address.

The letter doesn't look threatening, has no name or signature, only a title: Compliances Services Field Director, and came from Philadelphia, PA

Two codes on the top right of interest: BOD and CP. BOD is Business Operating Division, and CP is Computer Paragraph

The BOD CODE SB means "Small Bussiness"

but I couldn't find anything about the CP: 501?

Can anyone help me understanding what this letter is for?
What is CP 501?

A little scared...

Answer 1

CP 501 letter is a reminder of a balance due. Not a request for change of address.



I would report this to the post office.



Here is another possibility: if it is impersonating IRS, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has jurisdiction. http://www.ustreas.gov/tigta/ 800-366-4484



http://www.ustreas.gov/tigta/contact_report.shtml



Another federal crime, but these people really investigate.



If these are scammers, get them in trouble.

Answer 2

Have you found an answer yet? My husband received one of those letters yest. in the mail too. BOD CODE SB CP:501

I have found info about Letter 2797 CP 515, that means it is the start of an investigation, but have found nothing on 501.

The return address was Department of Treasury International Revenue Service Cincinnati, OH then the zip

No PO Box or anything.

I am also a little nervous about this.

Answer 3

I'm suspicious. There is a Letter 2797 that asks to clarify an address, but the CP 501 is a separate letter issued when there is a balance due. Do you owe the IRS money? The IRS rep could have been able to confirm if they indeed sent the letter(s). Did they?



And did you say the letter asked for you SSN? No IRS letter would do that.

Answer 4

Common scam. The scammers address their letters generically. The IRS would address it to your name, tax return type, year and SSN. If the IRS really had a refund for you, it would be a different CP number and they'd tell you the amount they had and which tax return it was for. (Plus, the IRS uses EITHER a letter number or a CP number, not both. And the P in CP does not stand for paragraph.)



Scammers scan in logos and letters (and these often look fuzzy because they have been reproduced so many times). The type faces often don't match, you have misspelt words like "bussiness" and they use "helpful" language to make it sound legit.



Go to IRS.GOV and look at 8822. That's the legit COA form. CP 501 is a balance due notice and looks like this:



http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=142350,00.html

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=123532,00.html



You have to mail the 8822 in. The scammers invariably give you a fax number like 1-206-888-1766 (a number that hasn't been shut down and has been running since at least last March).

Answer 5

Irs Letter 2797

Answer 6

1: Go to the IRS website and surf around

#2: It should have an envelope enclosed, addressed to:

Internal Revenue Service, Philadelphia, Pa and their zip-code. The zip-code should be on their website, as well. If not, take the letter and mailer-envelope to your local Post Office and report it..



Keep in mind: the IRS NEVER sends e-mail notification, nor by phone calls: ALWAYS in writing.

Answer 7

I would suggest that you contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them. This could be a scam.

Answer 8

It is more than likely a scam. Contact the IRS and ask them. They won't yell at you. If it didn't come from the IRS, which it is very likely it didn't, then contact the Post Office about it as mail fraud.

Answer 9

Any answer given on above? I just got one too