|
IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2009-22
Every year, the IRS sends millions of letters and notices to taxpayers. Many
taxpayers will receive this correspondence during the late summer and fall. Here
are eight things every taxpayer should know about IRS notices – just in case one
shows up in your mailbox.
1. Don’t panic. Many of these letters can be dealt with simply and
painlessly.
2. There are number of reasons the IRS sends notices to taxpayers. The notice
may request payment of taxes, notify you of a change to your account or request
additional information. The notice you receive normally covers a very specific
issue about your account or tax return.
3. Each letter and notice offers specific instructions on what you are asked
to do to satisfy the inquiry.
4. If you receive a correction notice, you should review the correspondence
and compare it with the information on your return.
5. If you agree with the correction to your account, usually no reply is
necessary unless a payment is due.
6. If you do not agree with the correction the IRS made, it is important that
you respond as requested. Write to explain why you disagree. Include any
documents and information you wish the IRS to consider, along with the bottom
tear-off portion of the notice. Mail the information to the IRS address shown in
the upper left-hand corner of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a
response.
7. Most correspondence can be handled without calling or visiting an IRS
office. However, if you have questions, call the telephone number in the upper
right-hand corner of the notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the
correspondence available when you call to help us respond to your inquiry.
8. It’s important that you keep copies of any correspondence with your
records.
For more information about IRS notices and bills, see Publication 594, The
IRS Collection Process. Information about penalties and interest charges is
available in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals. Both
publications are available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM
(800-829-3676).
Links:
Publication 594, The IRS Collection
Process
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax
for Individuals |
