What Not to Do When You Receive an IRS Notice

Opening an envelope from the IRS or your state tax authority can instantly elevate your stress levels. The formality, the cryptic language, the unnerving possibility of a mistake on your part—all contribute to the anxiety. Before reacting, it's important to pause and take a deep breath.

Most of the taxation anxiety doesn't stem from the actual letter. It results from the actions many take upon receiving such notices. Here’s a distinctive guide on what not to do if you receive a tax notice—and why patience is critical.

Don’t Assume You’re in Hot Water

Tax agencies dispatch millions of letters annually. Often, these are merely:

  • Requests for additional explanation

  • Automated discrepancy notifications

  • Follow-ups on missing documents

  • Balance updates that might overlook recent payments

An alert is not an indictment. More often than not, it’s a system-generated request for clarification. Jumping to conclusions can lead to unnecessary stress without aiding the resolution.

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Don’t Disregard It (Even If You Hope It'll Vanish)

Ignoring a notice is one of the quickest routes to exacerbate minor issues. Failing to respond can mean:

  • Missing response deadlines

  • Accumulating penalties and interest

  • Having fewer options for resolution

This extends to both IRS and state entities. In fact, some states respond more rapidly and stringently than the IRS once deadlines are surpassed.

Don’t Contact the IRS or State Tax Office Without a Plan

This might come as a surprise. Dialing in without grasping the notice fully can:

  • Solidify incorrect assumptions

  • Result in partial or incoherent explanations

  • Induce confusion, especially if the issue is more intricate than it appears

Tax agencies function by protocols, not personal narratives. Engaging them unprepared can muddle instead of clarify.

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Don’t Send a Payment as a Quick Fix

One of the most frequent and expensive blunders is paying a notice off without verification. Jumping the gun can lead to:

  • Overpayments

  • Overlooking available credits or adjustments

  • Missing the opportunity to contest discrepancies

Once paid, rectifying errors becomes significantly more challenging.

Don’t Rush to File an Amended Return

Amended returns serve a purpose, but hasty submission can backfire. They may:

  • Require significant processing time

  • Launch further scrutiny

  • Potentially introduce new complications if poorly executed

Amendments should be deliberate, not rash.

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Don’t Go It Alone

Some notices are straightforward. Others aren’t, and what might seem like a small inconsistency can sometimes allude to:

  • Withholding complications

  • Reporting discrepancies

  • Issues with estimated tax payments

  • Past year mistakes reemerging

Tackling it single-handedly can be overwhelming—especially when deadlines and enforcement are concerned.

Consider the Right Steps

The proper approach typically involves three steps:

  1. Meticulously review the notice

  2. Ascertain what precisely the agency requests

  3. Respond correctly and punctually

This process is much smoother with expert advice, particularly when stress levels are high.

The Takeaway

While receiving a letter from tax authorities can be unsettling, it doesn’t need to cause alarm. Often, complications stem from hastily made assumptions and responses. If you've received a tax notice, connect with our office before proceeding. Current clients who involve us promptly enable us to thoroughly examine the notice and decipher what action is needed, reducing stress significantly.

Important Reminder

This content is for educational purposes and is not legal counsel. Tax notices vary and personal circumstances can differ. Consult with a qualified legal professional for specific advice or contact your tax expert for help responding to tax notices.

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