1.
Don't panic. Many of these
letters can be dealt with simply and painlessly.
2.
There are a number of
reasons why the IRS might send you a notice. Notices may request payment of
taxes, notify you of changes to your account, or request additional information.
The notice you receive normally covers a very specific issue about your account
or tax return.
3.
Each letter and notice
offers specific instructions on what you are asked to do to satisfy the inquiry.
4.
If you receive a correction
notice, you should review the correspondence and compare it with the information
on your return.
5.
If you agree with the
correction to your account, then usually no reply is necessary unless a payment
is due or the notice directs otherwise.
6.
If you do not agree with
the correction the IRS made, it is important that you respond as requested. You
should send a written explanation of why you disagree and include any documents
and information you want the IRS to consider, along with the bottom tear-off
portion of the notice. Mail the information to the IRS address shown in the
upper left-hand corner of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response.
7.
Most correspondence can be
handled without calling or visiting an IRS office. However, if you have
questions, call the telephone number in the upper right-hand corner of the
notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the correspondence available when you
call to help us respond to your inquiry.
8.
It's important that you
keep copies of any correspondence with your records.
For more information about IRS notices and bills, see Publication 594, The IRS
Collection Process. Information about penalties and interest is available in
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals). Both publications are
available at
http://www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Links:
-
Publication 594, Understanding the Collection Process (PDF
129K)
-
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (PDF
2,072K)
-
Tax Topic 651, Notices — What to Do
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