The CP57 means a payment you sent to the IRS was returned by your bank for insufficient funds. The payment was reversed, the balance it was supposed to cover is back, and the IRS assessed a penalty on top of it. The penalty is 2% of the check amount (or $25, whichever is greater) for checks over $1,250, and $25 or the check amount (whichever is less) for checks under $1,250.
What Happened to Your Account
When the check bounced, the IRS reversed the credit from your account. Your balance is back to where it was before the payment, plus the bounced check penalty. Interest continued accruing on the original balance as if the payment never happened. Any payment plan or agreement that was contingent on the payment may also be affected.
How to Fix It
Make a replacement payment immediately using a method that won't bounce: direct debit from your bank account through IRS Direct Pay, a credit or debit card, or a cashier's check or money order. Include the original amount plus the penalty. The sooner you pay, the less interest accrues.
Penalty Abatement
The bad check penalty can be abated if you can show the bounced check was due to circumstances beyond your control. If your bank made an error, if funds were delayed due to a processing issue, or if there were other extraordinary circumstances, you can request reasonable cause abatement. Provide documentation from your bank supporting your explanation.
However, if the check bounced because you knew funds were insufficient, abatement is unlikely. "I forgot about another automatic payment" is not reasonable cause.
Future Payments
After a bounced check, the IRS may require certified funds for future payments. They may not accept personal checks from you for a period of time. Use electronic payment methods to avoid this issue entirely.
If you've received a CP57, call us at (813) 229-7100.