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How to Handle IRS Notices: Avoid Common Mistakes

Receiving an official letter from the IRS or your state tax agency can trigger stress and uncertainty.

The emblem itself
The formal language
The ambiguous vibe suggesting something's off

Before you react, pause and breathe.

Much of the anxiety surrounding IRS and state tax communications stems from immediate, rapid responses.

Here's a strategic guide on what not to do upon receiving a tax notice and why taking a measured approach is crucial.

Don’t Jump to Conclusions

Tax authorities dispatch millions of notices annually.

Often, these are:

  • Requests for additional information

  • Automated discrepancy alerts

  • Requests for missing data

  • Balance statements not reflecting recent payments

Receiving a notice isn’t inherently problematic. Generally, it’s a form-generated process to verify or correct details.

Assuming the worst only heightens stress without offering solutions.

Don’t Dismiss the Notice

Overlooking a notice can swiftly escalate minor issues.

Neglecting it can result in:

  • Lapsed deadlines

  • Increased fines and interest

  • Limited resolution pathways

This encompasses both IRS and state departments. In fact, some states may enforce measures more zealously and rapidly if timelines aren’t observed.

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Avoid Calling Unprepared

This might be surprising.

Calling without comprehending the notice can:

  • Reinforce incorrect assumptions

  • Lead to partial or unclear explanations

  • Increase complexity if the issue is intricate

Tax agencies operate on protocols. An unprepared call can obscure rather than simplify the matter.

Refrain from Making Blind Payments

This is a frequent and costly error.

Paying without verifying the notice can lead to:

  • Overpayments

  • Overlooking credits or adjustments

  • Missed chances for correction of errors

Once a payment is submitted, rectifying errors becomes challenging.

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Steer Clear of Hasty Amendments

Amended returns can be beneficial, yet impulsivity may lead to setbacks.

They:

  • Require substantial processing time

  • Can invoke further scrutiny

  • Introduce fresh issues if inaccurately submitted

Alterations should be methodical, not reactionary.

Avoid a DIY Approach

Some notices are straightforward. Others are less so.

A seemingly minor variance might indicate:

  • Withholding discrepancies

  • Reporting errors

  • Estimated tax complications

  • Errors from prior years surfacing

Managing such matters solo can amplify stress—especially amid rigid deadlines and enforcement pressures.

Strategic Next Steps

A suitable response generally involves three key actions:

  1. Thoroughly read the notice

  2. Clarify the agency’s actual request

  3. Provide a timely and correct response

Guidance is invaluable, particularly when tensions are high.

The Final Word

An IRS or state tax notice can be disturbing—but doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Most complications arise from hasty decisions rather than the notice itself.

If you've received a tax notice, contact our office prior to replying. Being proactive if you're a client allows us to examine the notice, affirm the intended request, and aid in resolving the concern with minimal stress.

Important Notice

This write-up is intended for educational purposes only. It's not legal advisement. Tax notice specifics vary. For legal counsel, engage a qualified attorney. Seek your tax professional for IRS or state notice responses.

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