IRS Tax Tips: Notices and Letters

The Internal Revenue Service sends out millions of letters and notices to taxpayers each year, according to IRS Spokeswoman Dianne Besunder.

Here are 10 things you should know about IRS notices in case on shows up in your mailbox.

1. Don’t panic. Many of these letters require a simple response.

2. If you receive an IRS notice, it will typically cover a specific issue about your account or tax return. Notices may require payment, alert you to changes to your account or ask you to provide more information.

3. Each notice offers specific instructions on what you need to do the inquiry.  

4. If you receive a notice advising you that the IRS has corrected your tax return, 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, you should send a written explanation of why you disagree, including any information and documents you want the IRS to consider. Allow at least 30 days for a response.  

7. You should be able to resolve most notices you have received without calling or visiting and IRS office. If you have questions, call the telephone number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of your tax return ready.  

8. Keep copies of any notices you receive with your other income tax records.  

9. The IRS sends notices and letters by email. The agency never contacts taxpayers about their accounts or returns via email.  

10. For more information about IRS notices and bills, visit the IRS’s website and click on the link ‘Responding to a Notice’ at the bottom left of the home page.