You got an IRS letter. Here's what to do first
Open it, find the notice number in the top or bottom corner, and note the response date. Most IRS letters ask about one specific item, and many are wrong or easy to fix. Check it against your return, don't ignore it, and don't pay until you've confirmed the IRS has it right.
Updated November 2026 · By Pankil Kumar, Managing Partner
Quick facts
- Find. CP or LTR number, usually in a corner
- Note. Your response date, often 30 days
- Don't. Unanswered notices escalate
How do you know it's really from the IRS?
The IRS starts contact by mail. It doesn't start by text, email or social media, and it won't demand gift cards or threaten arrest by phone. Compare the notice number with the IRS notice lookup, and log in to your IRS online account to see if it matches. Don't call a number from a suspicious letter. Use the one on irs.gov.
What do the common notices mean?
| Notice | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| CP2000 | Income on your return doesn't match what others reported |
| CP14 | You owe a balance |
| CP501, CP503 | Reminders about a balance due |
| CP504 | Stronger warning about unpaid tax |
| LTR 12C or CP05 | More information is needed, or your return is under review |
| CP162 | Late filing penalty on a business return |
A CP2000 isn't a bill or an audit. It's a proposal, and you can agree or disagree.
What should you do, step by step?
- Read the whole letter. Note the tax year, the amount and the date.
- Pull that year's return and records.
- Check the numbers. Is it a real mismatch, or is something reported twice, like a 1099-K that overlaps?
- Respond by the date, with copies and not originals.
- Keep proof of what you sent.
- If you can't respond by the date, ask for more time before it passes.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Paying without checking, since notices can be wrong
- Ignoring it, because it won't go away and options narrow
- Sending original documents
- Filing an amended return while the notice is open, without checking first
- Missing the date in a notice of deficiency, because that date is firm
Can someone help you with it?
Yes. We read the notice, explain it, gather records and prepare the response or corrected return for you to sign. A letter about one form is usually a contained job. See IRS notice help. If your letter's about payroll, read missed payroll deposits.
Sources
- IRS: Understanding your IRS notice or letter
- IRS: How to know it is really the IRS calling or knocking
- Taxpayer Advocate Service
General information, not tax advice for your situation.
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See our business tax returns serviceDoes an IRS letter mean I'm being audited?
Usually not. Most letters ask about one item or a balance. An actual audit notice says so.
What happens if I ignore an IRS letter?
The IRS can assess the tax, add penalties and interest, and move toward collection. Your options shrink as time passes.
Can I call the IRS about my notice?
Yes, using the number on the notice after you've confirmed it matches irs.gov. Have your return with you.
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