Dealing with the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) is never easy. It required a lot of work, patience, and sometimes a smidgeon of luck in dealing with the right person at the IRS. However, when you believe you have filed your tax returns properly, receiving an IRS letter after Tax Day can feel pretty galling. Not only that, but it can also feel rather worrying!
Worried that you might be running headlong into an IRS dispute? Here are some useful tips on what to do if you get IRS letters after Tax Day. Now, you can resolve the issue without worrying about a drawn-out dispute with the IRS.
What To Do If You Get IRS Letters After Tax Day
1. Is the letter from the IRS?
First off, make sure that the letter is actually from the IRS. Log on to your IRS account at IRS.gov and see if the information letter corresponds with what is being said. For example, it could be a scam letter that claims you owe X amount in payments. If your IRS account does not correspond to that information, it might be better to seek further information from the IRS directly.
2. Read over the notice carefully
First off, find out what IRS wants from you. Sometimes, it can be a clarification of some details you provided. Other times, though, it might be an audit or a more serious look over your last tax details. Whatever they want, read it closely so that you know exactly what you will be responding to. Be sure to check the year of the tax return, too; only some letters correspond to your most recent return.
3. Double-check the details
You can look at the top-right of your IRS letter: it should have a specific notice number. You can double-check this with the IRS, as this particular number will correspond to a specific IRS issue or request. This will give you additional details on what you are dealing with here.
Remember that not all IRS letters are bad. It could even be a letter saying that your tax repayment was miscalculated and you are owed more money, not less!
4. Respond to the notice ASAP
The last thing that you should do is ignore the letter. You typically have around 30 days to respond to the letter, so make this a priority on your next day when you have free time. If you need to provide more information, you should provide that as soon as you can. If you think that you can handle this notice yourself, then please go ahead.
If you are being asked to make a payment you do not agree with, or the information is more complex than it seems, contact a tax professional ASAP. They can help you set up the next steps.
5. Provide a written explanation
It would help if you looked to respond whether you agree or disagree. If you agree with the motion being asked of you, then press on and provide the information, make the payment etc.
If you don’t agree, please explain your reasons in writing for your disagreement and mail this to the address in the top left-hand corner of your letter. Also, include the tear-off stub that comes with the letter as your reference. Be sure to create a copy of your response before sending it.
6. Do NOT ignore the letter
The last thing that you should do is ignore the letter. Yes, what the IRS is asking for might sound scary. It might come across as daunting or demanding. But ignoring the letter will get you nowhere, and pleading ignorance will rarely help you.
Whatever you are dealing with, positive or negative, please be sure to respond as soon as possible and, if needed, bring in a trusted tax professional. The sooner you respond, the sooner you’ll be able to find a solution.
Are you looking for additional help and support in dealing with the IRS? Then we can help you out today. We can provide you with the tax advice and insight you need to deal with even the most serious of IRS letters. Please feel free to contact us today for more information.