What To Do If You Receive a Notice from the IRS

The IRS sends millions of letters and notices to taxpayers for a variety of reasons. Many of these letters and notices can be dealt with simply, without having to call or visit an IRS office.

Here are six things to know about IRS notices and letters.

1. There are a number of reasons why the IRS might send you a notice. Notices may request payment, notify you of account changes, or request additional information. A notice normally covers a very specific issue about your account or tax return.

2. Each letter and notice offers specific instructions on what action needs to be taken.

3. If you receive a correction notice, please notify us immediately so we can review the correspondence and compare it with the information on your return.

4. Sometimes the notice is just a correction to your account, then usually no reply is necessary unless a payment is due or the notice directs otherwise.

5. If we do not agree with the correction the IRS has made, it is important to respond as requested. We need to send a written explanation of why we disagree and include any documents and information we want the IRS to consider along with the bottom tear-off portion of the notice. It is not unusual for the IRS to take four to six weeks to respond after we have responded to them. 

6. IRS notices and letters are sent by mail. The IRS does not correspond by email about taxpayer accounts or tax returns. If you receive any email correspondence from the IRS, do not open any attachments and immediately delete the email.

The most important thing to remember is that a response is needed even though you know you are right.  And the sooner a response is made the better.  Our job is to help you to respond in a manner that will solve the problem quickly and easily.  Please call us as soon as you receive any notice from the IRS or state tax commission.