4 Things to Know about IRS Notices
Getting a letter from the IRS is scary. But if you do the right things, the worst consequences can be avoided. Here are four things to keep in mind about letters from the IRS.
- Don’t panic! This letter may not be a request for more money, and it may be perfectly harmless. Sometimes the IRS makes mistakes, or gets wrong information. The IRS may even be writing to let you know they owe you a refund.
- Don’t ignore it! Bring it to our office as soon as possible. Notices from the IRS usually have a time frame for a required response, and we can’t help you if we don’t know about it in time. If you really do owe additional tax, the longer you put it off, the worse it will get. We can help you get to the bottom of the problem and can help you pay the smallest amount possible. Showing a good faith effort goes a long way in solving problems with the IRS.
- Don’t call one of those 1-800 Get Tax Relief Now numbers you see on TV. They don’t have any more options to offer you than an accountant or a good tax attorney has. Call us instead.
- The IRS NEVER uses phone calls or email for its first contact with a taxpayer. They only send letters. If you ignore the letters long enough, you may get an in-person visit from an IRS agent. Phone calls and emails with dire warnings to pay now or else are scams and should be ignored.
Call our office as soon as you get a letter from the IRS or any other tax authority. We’ll take care of it. Don’t panic!