An IRS letter in the mailbox makes anyone's stomach drop. The good news: most notices are routine, and how you respond in the first few days matters more than the notice itself.
1. Don't panic, and don't ignore it
A notice is not an accusation. It's usually a request for information or a proposed change. Ignoring it is the one move that always makes things worse.
2. Read it carefully and note the deadline
- What tax year and form is it about?
- What is the IRS asking for or proposing?
- What is the response deadline? Put it on your calendar today
3. Verify it's real, then gather your records
Legitimate notices reference a specific tax year and give you options to respond by mail. Be wary of anyone demanding immediate payment by phone. Pull the return and documents for the year in question so you can respond from facts.
When to bring in help
If the notice involves a balance you can't pay, an audit, or a year you never filed, that's where we come in. We can respond on your behalf, deal with the IRS directly, and work to reduce what you owe.