Received an IRS Notice? Don’t Panic.
Opening a letter from the IRS can be stressful, especially when you’re not sure what it means or what to do next. Before assuming the worst, let’s understand what the notice says, why you received it, and what response may be needed.
Start by Understanding the Notice
An IRS letter does not automatically mean you are being audited or that you have done something wrong. Notices are sent for many reasons, and the right response depends on what the IRS is asking.
The IRS May Be Asking For…
- Additional information or supporting documents
- Clarification of something reported on your return
- Payment of a balance the IRS believes is due
- A response to income that doesn’t match IRS records
The IRS May Also…
- Identify a math or processing error
- Propose a change to your tax return
- Request verification of your identity
- Explain a credit, refund, adjustment, or payment issue
The first step is understanding what the IRS is asking—not assuming the worst.
Before You Call
If you have these items available, our first conversation will be more productive. If you don’t have everything, don’t worry—we’ll figure it out together.
- A complete copy of every page of the IRS notice
- The related tax return (if available)
- Any tax documents mentioned in the notice
- Any previous IRS correspondence related to the issue
How I Can Help
My role is to help you understand the notice, review the facts, and determine the appropriate next step. Every situation is different, so my approach depends on the type of notice and the issues involved.
Explain the Notice
I’ll explain what the IRS is saying in plain English, identify any deadlines, and help you understand what information may be needed.
Review the Tax Return
I’ll compare the IRS notice with your tax return, supporting tax documents, and other available records to determine whether the proposed change appears accurate.
Prepare a Response
When appropriate, I can help organize supporting information and prepare a written response addressing what the IRS has requested.
Help You Move Forward
I’ll explain your options, including whether payment, an amended return, additional documentation, or referral to a tax professional who specializes in IRS representation may be appropriate.
Sometimes what you need most is a clear explanation, a careful review, and someone who will help you understand what comes next.
When Should You Call?
The sooner you understand the notice and its deadline, the more time you have to gather information and respond thoughtfully.
- You received a notice you do not understand.
- The IRS says you owe additional tax, penalties, or interest.
- The notice refers to income you do not recognize.
- You disagree with a proposed adjustment.
- A response deadline is approaching—or may have already passed.
- You set a notice aside and are now unsure what to do next.
- You are concerned about calling the IRS yourself.
- You want another set of experienced eyes before responding.
Don’t ignore an IRS notice—but don’t assume it’s correct until the facts have been reviewed.
What to Expect When We Work Together
The scope and fee depend on the type of notice, the tax years involved, the available records, and the amount of work required. Before we move forward, I’ll explain how I can help and provide an estimated fee.
- A conversation about the notice and your concerns
- Review of the notice, relevant tax return, and supporting documents
- A plain-English explanation of the issue and response deadline
- A careful comparison of the notice to your available tax records
- Preparation of a response or supporting documentation when appropriate
- Discussion of payment, amendment, or other response options when relevant
- Clear next steps and communication throughout the process
If the matter requires legal advice, specialized tax controversy work, or representation beyond the services I offer, I’ll tell you honestly and help you understand what type of professional assistance you may need.
Questions I Hear Every Day
Receiving an IRS notice can create a lot of uncertainty. These are some of the questions people ask before deciding what to do next.
Does an IRS notice mean I am being audited?
No. The IRS sends notices for many reasons, including missing information, income mismatches, payment issues, math corrections, identity verification, and proposed changes. The notice itself should explain why the IRS contacted you.
Do I need to pay the IRS before talking with you?
Not necessarily. Before making a payment or agreeing with the notice, it’s often helpful to understand what the IRS is asking and whether the proposed amount appears accurate.
What if I believe the IRS made a mistake?
IRS records and proposed changes are not always complete or correct. We can compare the notice with your return and supporting documents. If the available information supports a different conclusion, a written response with appropriate documentation may be necessary.
What if I already missed the deadline?
Do not continue ignoring the notice. The available options depend on the type of notice, how much time has passed, and what action the IRS has taken. Contacting a qualified professional promptly may help you understand what options remain.
Can you represent me before the IRS?
In some situations. As a CPA, I may be able to represent you before the IRS depending on the type of notice and the issues involved. My practice does not specialize in complex tax controversy or collection matters. After reviewing your notice, I’ll explain whether I can help or whether your situation would be better handled by a professional who specializes in IRS representation.
How much will it cost to review my notice?
The fee depends on the notice, the tax years involved, the condition of your records, and the work required. After reviewing the notice and discussing the situation with you, I will explain the anticipated scope and provide an estimated fee before proceeding.
What should I send you before our first conversation?
Please provide a complete copy of every page of the IRS notice, the related tax return if available, and any tax documents or correspondence that may relate to the issue. Do not send original documents unless we have discussed it first.
Let’s Figure Out What the IRS Is Asking.
You do not have to face an IRS notice alone. Let’s review it together, understand what is happening, and determine the appropriate next step.