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Steps to Take Post-IRS Letter: Avoid These Mistakes

Receiving an official letter from the IRS or your state tax agency can trigger immediate anxiety. The formal letterhead, complex language, and general apprehension all add to the tension. But before jumping to conclusions or taking any action, pause and consider your next steps carefully.

Most anxiety we encounter concerning these notices stems not from the letters themselves but from the hasty reactions they provoke.

This guide outlines the mistakes to avoid upon receiving a tax notice, highlighting the importance of a thoughtful, measured approach.

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Don’t Jump to Conclusions

Tax agencies dispatch millions of notices annually, and many are straightforward communications:

  • Clarification requests
  • Automated data mismatches
  • Follow-ups on missing documentation
  • Balance updates that overlook recent payments

These notices don't imply wrongdoing. Often, they’re automated queries for verification or correction. Assuming the worst without cause only escalates stress unnecessarily.

Ignoring It Won’t Make It Disappear

Disregarding a tax notice can rapidly transform a minor issue into a significant problem, resulting in missed deadlines, additional penalties, and limited options for resolution. This holds true for the IRS as well as state agencies, some of which are more stringent and proactive than the IRS in taking action once deadlines lapse.

Don’t Contact Tax Agencies Ill-Prepared

This might seem counterintuitive. However, calling tax agencies without thoroughly understanding your notice can cement incorrect assumptions, lead to inconsistent explanations, and increase confusion if the problem is intricate. Agencies operate according to procedures, not contexts; thus, unprepared calls may complicate rather than clarify the matter.

Avoid “Pay-to-Resolve” Tactics

Experience shows that paying a notice before confirming its accuracy is a costly lapse. Spontaneous payments can lead to:

  • Overpayment
  • Overlooked credits or adjustments
  • Lost opportunities for error disputes

Correcting such errors post-payment is cumbersome and often problematic.

Don’t File an Amended Return in Haste

Though filing amended returns is warranted in some scenarios, impulsively doing so may backfire. These returns require time to process, can trigger additional scrutiny, and may introduce new issues if incorrectly filed. Amendments should be a strategic response taken with due diligence.

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Not Every Notice Is DIY

While some letters pertain to obvious issues, others are complex. Seemingly minor discrepancies might indicate larger problems such as withholding issues, reporting mismatches, estimated tax discrepancies, or past errors carrying forward. Addressing these on your own can amplify stress, especially with pressing deadlines.

Appropriate Steps to Consider

Addressing a tax notice accurately typically begins with these key actions:

  1. Read the notice meticulously
  2. Determine precisely what the agency requests
  3. Respond accurately and promptly

These tasks are notably easier with guidance, especially when emotions are involved.

Summary

Receiving a notice from the IRS or state tax department may feel unsettling, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. Panic often stems from hasty assumptions and rushed responses, not the letters themselves.

If you’ve received a tax notice, engage our office before reacting. For current clients, early involvement helps us evaluate the notice, verify what’s requested, and assist in stress-free resolution.

Disclaimer

This content serves educational purposes and is not legal advice. Tax notices vary, and individual circumstances differ. For legal matters, consult an attorney. For IRS or state notice assistance, reach out to your tax professional.

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