What you should do when the IRS contacts you
Has the IRS questioned something on your tax return? Ignoring it is not the proper course of action. Learn the do’s and don’ts of IRS correspondence.
After you file your tax return, the last thing you want to see is a notice from the IRS questioning your return. Some IRS notices involve very minor changes, like a correction to a Social Security number. Some are for serious changes that could involve a lot of money, such as a billing for more taxes, interest, or penalties due for an adjustment to your total tax liability.
So, what should you do if you get a letter from the IRS?
Here is a list of do’s and don’ts concerning contact from the IRS.
- Don’t ignore the notice; the problem will not go away.
- Act promptly. A quick response to the IRS may eliminate further, more complicated correspondence.
- If you agree with the IRS adjustment, you do not need to do anything unless a payment is due.
- If the IRS is requesting more money or a significant amount of new information, be sure to contact your tax preparer immediately.
- Always provide your tax preparer with a copy of any IRS notice, regardless of how minor it appears to be.
- Keep a copy of all the IRS correspondence with your tax return copy for the year in question.
Often taxpayers experience anxiety when they receive correspondence from the IRS. Don’t worry. The most important thing to remember is not to ignore the IRS. Bring any notice you receive to our office and let us assist you in resolving the problem quickly.