Got a Letter from the IRS? Here's What You Should Avoid

Few things ignite anxiety quite like receiving an ominous envelope from the IRS or your state tax authority. The iconic logo, the formal language, and the underlying worry that something amiss has been discovered can be unnerving.

Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to calm down.

The panic associated with IRS and state tax letters often results more from panicked reactions than from the actual letters themselves.

Here's your guide to what you should definitely avoid doing if you get a tax notice, and why it’s crucial to remain composed.

Don’t Jump to Conclusions About Trouble

Tax authorities dispatch millions of notices annually.

Many of these are simply:

  • Requests for clarification
  • Notifications of data mismatches
  • Follow-ups on missing information
  • Balance reminders that overlook recent payments
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A notice should not be perceived as an accusation. Typically, it serves as a straightforward request for confirmation or modification.

Don’t Ignore It (Hoping It'll Disappear)

Disregarding a notice is a surefire way to escalate a minor issue.

Neglected notices can result in:

  • Missed response deadlines
  • Accumulating penalties and interest
  • Limited resolution pathways

This is true for both IRS and state entities. Some states may, in fact, enforce more rigorously and swiftly than the IRS regarding missed deadlines.

Don’t Call Tax Authorities Unprepared

This surprises many taxpayers.

Contacting without a full grasp of the notice could lead to:

  • Locking into incorrect assumptions
  • Incomplete or erroneous explanations
  • Compounded confusion over more complex issues

Tax departments function based on procedure, not context. An unprepared call might muddy the waters rather than clarify them.

Don’t Rush to Pay Just to "Resolve It"

One of the most prevalent—and costly—errors is paying without verifying the notice.

Paying impulsively might result in:

  • Overpayment
  • Forfeiting credits or adjustments
  • Missing chances to dispute inaccuracies

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Rectifying mistakes post-payment can prove significantly more challenging.

Avoid Filing an Amended Return on Impulse

While amended returns have their utility, impulsiveness can lead to complications.

They

  • Require processing time
  • Could trigger further scrutiny
  • Might introduce new issues if not filed correctly

Amendments should be strategic, avoiding emotional reactions.

Avoid Approaching It as a Solo Task

Some notices are straightforward, others, significantly less so. What appears to be a simple inconsistency might reveal:

  • Withholding concerns
  • Reporting discrepancies
  • Estimated tax troubles
  • Prior-year errors affecting the present

Handling these tasks alone can add to stress, especially when deadlines and enforcement are looming.

Appropriate Steps to Take Instead

Typically, an appropriate response involves the following:

  1. Carefully review the notice
  2. Comprehend what the agency needs
  3. Respond accurately and promptly

Engaging guidance easily facilitates these steps, particularly when emotions run high.

In Summary

Receiving correspondence from the IRS or state tax authorities is unsettling, yet it needn’t be incapacitating.

Most problems stem from panic, assumptions, or hasty reactions rather than the letter itself.

If you’ve received such a notice, reach out to our office before taking action. Existing clients who inform us promptly allow us to assess the notice, discern what is needed, and assist in resolving the situation with minimal stress.

Important Disclaimer

This article is meant for general educational objectives only and does not serve as legal advice. Tax notices can vary, and personal circumstances play a significant role. For legal advice, consult a qualified legal professional. For help with IRS or state tax notices, contact your tax expert.

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