What to Do When You Receive a Letter from the IRS

It’s common to feel a pit in your stomach when you see a notice from the IRS in your mailbox. Sometimes the anxiety starts even earlier, when your informed delivery email shows that an IRS envelope is on its way.

The first step (and it may sound simple) is to open the letter. I can’t tell you how many times clients have brought me stacks of unopened IRS mail. As scary as a notice may feel to read, it’s even scarier not to know what it says.

Once you open it, take a close look. Does it say you owe money? Are you being audited? Is there a missing return? The notice will tell you what the IRS is asking for and help determine the next steps.

After you read it, don’t ignore it. It won’t go away if you put it in a drawer and pretend it never came. Also, don’t panic. Most IRS notices give you time to respond or resolve the issue. Waiting only makes things worse and can limit your options later.

Can you handle it yourself? Usually, yes. Like many things in life, you can do it yourself. However, it often takes more time, and you may not have the expertise of someone who works with these issues on a daily basis.

If you’ve received a letter and aren’t sure what to do, or if you’d rather have someone guide you through the process for peace of mind, please reach out. I help people resolve IRS issues with clarity and confidence.