Each year, the IRS mails millions of notices and letters to taxpayers for a variety of reasons. If you receive correspondence from the IRS don’t panic. You can usually deal with a notice simply by responding to it. Most IRS notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice has specific instructions, so read your notice carefully because it will tell you what you need to do. In most cases, your notice will be about changes to your account, taxes you owe or a payment request; however, your notice may also ask you for more information about a specific issue.
Unless you are specifically instructed to do so, there is usually no need for a taxpayer to reply to a notice. For example, if your notice says that the IRS changed or corrected your tax return, review the information and compare it with your original return. If you agree with the notice, you usually don’t need to reply unless the notice gives you other instructions or you need to make a payment.
If you don’t agree with the notice, contact us and we will speak to the IRS on your behalf. Although you may be instructed in the letter to contact the IRS, we are your representative and will pursue the most efficient channels to resolve the situation for you.
For most notices, there is no need to call or visit the IRS. If you have questions, we are your connection to the IRS and you should call us immediately.
Always keep copies of any notices you receive with your tax records.
Be alert for tax scams. As a reminder, the IRS sends letters and notices by mail and does NOT contact people by email or social media to ask for personal or financial information. If you need assistance understanding an IRS Notice or letter or if you discover you owe tax, please call the office.