What to Do When You Receive an IRS Letter

Don’t panic! Most IRS letters are routine correspondence that can be resolved quickly. Here’s your step-by-step guide to responding properly and protecting your interests.

90% of IRS letters can be resolved without professional help if you respond properly and on time. The key is staying calm and following the correct procedures.

Key Takeaway

Your First 10 Minutes: Stay Calm and Assess

Receiving an IRS letter can be scary, but remember: the IRS sends out millions of letters each year, and most are routine correspondence about minor discrepancies or missing information. Your situation is likely much less serious than you think.

Most IRS letters are not collection notices or audit notifications. They’re often simple requests for clarification or notification of minor adjustments to your return.

Take a Deep Breath

Common Types of IRS Letters

Understanding what type of letter you received helps determine the appropriate response:

High

CP2000: Underreported Income Notice

IRS believes you didn’t report all income on your tax return

Critical

CP504: Intent to Levy Notice

Final notice before IRS begins collection action

Medium

CP14: Balance Due Notice

You owe additional tax on your return

Critical

CP90/297: Intent to Levy Notice

Final notice of intent to levy and your right to a hearing

Your Step-by-Step Response Plan

01

Take a deep breath and read the entire letter carefully. Most IRS letters are not as serious as they initially appear.

Don't Panic - Read Carefully

02

Compare the IRS information with your records to determine if their calculation is correct.

Verify the Information

03

Decide whether you agree, partially agree, or disagree with the IRS assessment.

Determine Your Response

04

Take action before the deadline specified in the letter to avoid additional penalties and interest.

Respond Within Deadline

Critical Do's and Don'ts

DO These Things

Read the entire letter carefully
Respond by the deadline specified
Keep copies of all correspondence
Send responses via certified mail
Gather supporting documentation
Contact a tax professional if uncertain
Pay any undisputed amounts
Maintain detailed records

DON'T Do These Things

Ignore the letter hoping it will go away
Panic or make hasty decisions
Send cash payments
Provide unnecessary personal information
Sign documents you don't understand
Miss the response deadline
Argue with IRS representatives
Handle complex issues alone

Sample Response Letter Template

If you need to respond in writing to an IRS letter, here’s a professional template you can adapt:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Internal Revenue Service
[Address from IRS Letter]

RE: Notice [Notice Number] – SSN [Your SSN] – Tax Year [Year]

Dear IRS Representative,

I am writing in response to your notice dated [Date] regarding my [Year] tax return. After reviewing the notice and my records, I [agree/disagree/partially agree] with your assessment.

[If disagreeing]: I believe there is an error in your calculation because [explanation]. I have attached supporting documentation including [list documents].

[If agreeing]: I agree with your assessment and have enclosed payment for the full amount due of $[amount].

Please update my account accordingly and send me a confirmation of any changes made.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

When You Need Professional Help

While many IRS letters can be handled personally, certain situations require expert assistance:

Get Professional Help If:

The letter mentions "levy," "lien," or "collection action"
You're being audited or examined
The amount owed is substantial (over $10,000)
You don't understand the letter or your options
You've received multiple letters about the same issue
The IRS is proposing penalties you believe are incorrect
You need to negotiate a payment plan or settlement

IRS resolution specialists know the system, understand your rights, and can often achieve better outcomes than handling the situation alone. They can also represent you directly with the IRS, removing the stress from your shoulders.

Why Professional Help Matters

Preventing Future IRS Letters

The best way to handle IRS letters is to prevent them in the first place:

File Accurate Returns

Double-check all numbers and ensure all income is reported correctly.

File on Time

Even if you can’t pay, file your return by the deadline to avoid penalties.

Keep Good Records

Maintain organized records of all income, deductions, and supporting documents.

Work with a CPA

Professional tax preparation reduces errors and ensures compliance.

Need Help with an IRS Letter?

Don’t handle IRS correspondence alone. Our IRS resolution specialists can help you respond properly and protect your interests.

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