Few things in the mailbox cause more worry than an envelope from the IRS. Take a breath. Many notices are routine and can be resolved with a clear, timely response. The one thing not to do is set it aside and hope it goes away. Here's where to start.
Read the whole notice carefully
Open it right away and read every page. Look for these details.
- The notice or letter number, usually printed in the top or bottom right corner.
- The tax year and type of tax involved.
- What the IRS says changed or is missing, and why.
- Whether it asks for a payment, information or both.
- The response deadline printed on the notice.
Put the response date on your calendar the day the notice arrives. Responding on time keeps more of your options open.
Make sure it's real
The IRS typically first contacts taxpayers by mail. Be cautious about unexpected calls, texts or emails claiming to be the IRS, especially ones demanding immediate payment. Don't pay or call phone numbers from those messages. If you're unsure, look up official contact and payment information directly on IRS.gov (opens in a new tab).
Compare it to your return
Pull out your copy of the return for that year and the records behind it. Many notices involve a mismatch, such as income reported on a W-2 or 1099 that the IRS believes is missing from your return. Decide whether the notice looks correct, partly correct or wrong.
Gather documents and respond
If you agree
Follow the instructions on the notice, including any payment options it describes.
If you disagree
Write a clear response explaining why, and include copies, never originals, of supporting documents. Either way, respond by the date on the notice and keep copies of everything you send, along with proof of mailing.
What about Illinois letters?
Letters from the Illinois Department of Revenue follow similar logic. Read carefully, note the deadline, compare the letter against your state return and respond on time.
You don't have to do this alone
You can also authorize a professional to help with your matter. We can help you understand the notice, gather documents and prepare a response through our tax services, including help with IRS and state notices. If gaps in your records led to the notice, catch-up bookkeeping can help prevent a repeat.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice, and every notice is different. If you're in Crestwood, Orland Park or nearby and received a letter you're unsure about, bring it to a free initial consultation. Call or text (708) 232-3003.
