Understanding IRS B Notices: CP2100, CP2100A, and Examples

Understanding IRS B Notices: CP2100, CP2100A, and Examples

Category: Taxes Made Simple → Notices & Collections


🔍 What Is an IRS B Notice?

IRS “B” Notices—most often CP2100 or CP2100A—are alerts from the IRS to businesses that there’s a mismatch between a recipient’s name and their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) as submitted on information returns like Form 1099.

While not a penalty themselves, if you do not take action, these notices can result in enforced 24% backup withholding and additional IRS penalties under Notice 972CG.


📦 Common Reasons for Receiving a B Notice

  • Incorrect TIN: A payee provides an SSN or EIN that doesn’t match IRS records.
  • Missing or incomplete info: A 1099 is submitted with a blank or partial TIN.
  • Name mismatch: The name reported doesn’t align with the IRS database for that TIN.

📄 Example Templates & Types of B Notices

📌 First B Notice (CP2100 / CP2100A)

When a mismatch is found for the first time within a 3-year period, you’ll receive a CP2100/CP2100A with instructions to contact the affected payee.

Action Required: Send a B Notice and request a new Form W-9 within 30 days.

💡 Tip: If the payee fails to respond within 30 days, you must begin backup withholding at 24% on future payments.

📌 Second B Notice

If the mismatch repeats or the first notice is ignored, you’ll receive a Second B Notice.

  • Individuals: Must submit a copy of their Social Security card.
  • Businesses: Must contact the IRS to get IRS Letter 147C validating their EIN.

Action Required: Obtain verified IRS documents to stop backup withholding.


⚠️ Important Considerations

  • Backup Withholding: Failure to act means you must withhold 24% from affected payees.
  • Penalties: Ignoring these notices could lead to fines under IRS Notice 972CG.
🔒 Prevention Tip: Use the IRS TIN Matching Program to catch errors before they get flagged by the IRS.

✅ How to Stay Compliant

  1. Verify all TINs using the IRS TIN Matching Program before filing Forms 1099.
  2. Keep updated W-9s on file for every contractor or payee.
  3. Send B Notices within 15 business days of receiving the CP2100/CP2100A.
  4. Track your communications and keep copies of all corrected documentation.

This is general guidance only. Always consult a tax advisor for help in high-risk compliance situations.



🏷️ Tags

b notice, irs b notice example, cp2100, cp2100a, 1099 tin mismatch, backup withholding, tin error, mismatched name tin, tax year 2024, notice 972CG, irs penalty warning


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