Received an IRS Letter? Step One: Don't Panic!

Each year the IRS sends millions of letters to taxpayers. While our immediate reaction to seeing an IRS envelope in our mailbox is to panic, very often the letter can be dealt with quickly and effortlessly by sending backup documentation to the IRS. Many times they are looking for additional information – maybe you forgot to send in a copy of your W-2 or a copy of a supporting schedule. Sometimes they just want to see a copy of your receipts for business expenses, mileage or charitable contributions. Or you are eligible for an additional credit and the IRS owes you a refund.

You can call the IRS directly for assistance if you don’t understand what they are looking for. Better yet, visit your local PRO-TAX office. We can get on the phone with you and translate the IRS requests into plain English. We will know what questions to ask and can help you send the correct information to the IRS to deal with the issue in a timely manner. Most letters can be taken care of without having to visit the IRS office. Our tax professionals can help you gather the documentation needed, and also help you fill out any additional forms to be sent to the IRS.

If after talking with the IRS, you do not agree with their decision, you still need to respond to the letter. You need to send a written explanation of why you disagree and include any backup, 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.

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