The IRS frequently communicates with taxpayers by sending letters via the USPS. So what do you do if you receive one of these notices? The most important thing is to not ignore it. If the notice requests a course of action, the taxpayer should comply. However, many letters do not require any follow up. They serve as notifications only.
The IRS provides several tips including:
- Don’t panic. You often can take care of a notice simply by responding to it.
- Each notice relates to a specific issue.
- Specific instructions are provided if follow up is required.
- If you agree with the notice, you usually don’t need to reply unless it gives you other instructions or you need to make a payment.
- Always keep copies of received notices with your other tax records.
To read the IRS' entire publication, please click here.
Kelly A. O’Leary, CPA, CGMA, MBA, CITP, CIA, CFE
Vice President, Finance and Administration
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