What This Notice Means

The IRS is telling you that someone tried to register online as the Designated Official (DO) for the business listed on the notice. A DO gets access to the business's tax information in its Business Tax Account.

This is a security notice. The IRS sends it so the business can catch an unauthorized registration.

What to Do

If you know about the registration and agree with it, you don't need to do anything.

If you didn't know about it or don't agree, call the number on your notice and report possible unauthorized access or identity theft. Contact the IRS if:

  • The person named didn't actually start the registration.
  • The person isn't authorized to be the DO.
  • The person should be removed as the DO.

Why This Matters

The DO must be someone with authority to legally bind the business. Once registered, the DO can see the account's tax information, use its features, and manage other authorized users. If the wrong person gets that access, they can see and do a lot. Don't ignore this notice if the name surprises you.

Online Security Basics

  • You need your username and password every time you use an IRS online service.
  • Each user needs their own username and password.
  • Don't share your username, password, or one-time security code with anyone.
  • The IRS will never ask for your username, password, or security code by phone, email, letter, or text.

Keep a copy of the notice with your business records. If you report a problem, write down the date you called and who you spoke with.

If you received a CP311A and think someone is getting into your business's IRS account, call us at (813) 229-7100.