What This Notice Means

The IRS already sent you a notice about a missing return. It still has no record that you filed your prior year tax return. The CP516 is the follow-up.

What to Do

Respond in one of these ways:

  • File the return now with a completed Form 15103, Form 1040 Return Delinquency. Use Form 15103 to explain why you're filing late, or that you already filed.
  • If you don't have to file, complete Form 15103 and explain why.

Send the completed Form 15103, with the return if you have one, to the address on your notice, or fax it to the number on your notice. If you're only sending Form 15103 to explain why you don't have to file, you can submit it online through your IRS Online Account.

The IRS accepts returns electronically for the 2 most recent prior years, but you'll need an e-file provider who offers that service. Make sure the name, Social Security number, and year on your return match the notice. Send a signed and dated copy.

If You Just Filed

If you filed within the last 8 weeks, you don't need to do anything. If it's been more than 8 weeks, send a signed and dated copy of the return with Form 15103.

If You Owe and Can't Pay

File anyway. You can request a payment plan for the balance. Not filing because you can't pay only makes it worse.

If You Disagree

Call the number on your notice. Have the notice and your account information ready.

Get Your Facts Straight First

  • Check your records to confirm which years you filed.
  • Order a wage and income transcript to see what income the IRS has on file for you.
  • Download blank prior year forms if you need them.

Don't Let It Sit

This is the second notice. The IRS isn't going to forget about the missing return. Filing it yourself puts you in control of the numbers. Ignoring repeated filing notices invites the IRS to take the next step on its own.

If you have unfiled returns and aren't sure where to start, call us at (813) 229-7100. We get people back into compliance every week.