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Received a Tax Notice? Essential Steps to Take Next

Receiving an official letter from the IRS or state tax agency can quickly elevate anxiety levels. The mere sight of the emblem or the formal tone could make anyone uneasy.

Yet, the real source of stress often stems from our immediate reactions rather than the letter itself. It's crucial to pause and strategize.Image 1

Here’s an expert guide on what not to do upon receiving a tax notice, reinforcing why a composed approach matters.

Refrain from Assuming You’re in Trouble

Millions of tax notices are dispatched annually for various reasons such as:

  • Clarification requests

  • Automated discrepancies

  • Missing information inquiries

  • Balance notifications not reflecting recent payments

These notices are typically system-generated, aiming to confirm or correct information, not levy accusations. Jumping to conclusions only exacerbates stress.

Avoid Ignoring the Notice (It Won’t Disappear)

The quickest way to complicate a minor issue is by ignoring a tax notice. Failing to respond can lead to:

  • Missed deadlines

  • Extra penalties and interest

  • Limited resolution options

This is vital for IRS and state-level communications. Some states could pursue matters more aggressively than the IRS if deadlines are not met.

Don’t Contact the Tax Agency Without a Game Plan

Many people don’t realize this, but contacting the tax agency impulsively can:

  • Entrench unfounded assumptions

  • Lead to partial explanations

  • Encourage confusion if complexities arise

Without proper preparation, these calls often complicate rather than resolve the issue.Image 2

Avoid Sending Payment as a Quick Fix

Rushing to pay without verifying the notice can result in:

  • Payment errors

  • Overlooking credits

  • Missing correction opportunities

Reversing mistakes post-payment can be a significant challenge.

Avoid Filing an Amended Return In Haste

While amendments are sometimes necessary, filing prematurely can:

  • Cause delays

  • Trigger added scrutiny

  • Introduce errors

Strategic planning is vital; emotional responses are not conducive to effective amendments.

Think Twice Before DIY Handling

Easy-to-misinterpret notices might actually signal:

  • Withholding problems

  • Mismatched reporting

  • Estimated tax issues

  • Carryover errors from prior years

Handling these issues solo can be stressful, especially given tight response timelines and enforcement procedures.

Steps to Take Instead

The best approach includes:

  1. Carefully reviewing the notice

  2. Deciphering the agency’s request

  3. Timely and precise responses

Having professional guidance can greatly ease this process.

The Core Message

An IRS or state tax notice is unsettling but manageable. Most challenges arise from panic or hastiness rather than the notice itself.

If you've received a tax notice, reach out to our office for advice before responding. Leveraging our expertise early can ease the resolution process significantly.

Important Note: This content is for general education. It is not legal advice. For tailored legal counsel, consult a tax professional.

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