Few things cause more immediate anxiety than an envelope from the IRS. The good news: the majority of notices are routine, address a specific and often minor issue, and are very resolvable — especially if you respond promptly and correctly.
First Steps
Read the notice carefully to understand what it's actually about. IRS notices are numbered (often in the top or bottom corner) and each number corresponds to a specific issue, such as a proposed change to your return, a request for additional information, or notification of a balance due. Do not ignore it — most notices include a response deadline, and missing it can limit your options.
What Not to Do
Don't assume the notice is correct without review — IRS notices are sometimes based on incomplete information and are not always accurate. Don't call the number on the notice without first understanding what you're responding to, and be cautious of unsolicited phone calls or emails claiming to be the IRS, since the agency generally initiates contact by mail.
When to Call Us
If you receive any notice referencing an audit, a significant proposed balance due, or anything you don't fully understand, it's worth having us review it before you respond. We can help verify whether the notice is accurate, draft an appropriate response, and in many cases communicate with the IRS directly on your behalf so you don't have to navigate it alone.
Keep a copy of any notice you receive along with our correspondence, and reach out as soon as possible — response windows are often tighter than they first appear.