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Handling IRS Notices: A Professional Perspective

Opening a mail envelope from the Internal Revenue Service often triggers a knot in one’s stomach. Regardless of how meticulous you are about your tax filings, receiving an IRS notice can still spark anxiety. However, the reality is that most IRS notices are far from emergencies. They are typically routine communications that can be resolved efficiently once understood appropriately.

Before allowing worry to take over, take a deep breath. Recognize that most IRS notices can be managed calmly and methodically.

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Understanding the Intent Behind IRS Notices

The IRS dispatches millions of notices annually, which generally fall within a few straightforward categories:

  • Discrepancies Detected
    This is most common. If the IRS receives a form, such as a 1099 or W-2, that doesn’t coincide with your return, this discrepancy triggers an automatic notice—merely an informational communication.

  • Additional Information Required
    Numbers not aligning, missing forms, or minor calculation corrections lead to these requests, typically involving minor issues.

  • Payment Issues
    Payments might be inaccurately applied to different tax years, or there might be inconsistencies with amounts reported on your return.

  • Administrative Adjustments
    These adjustments may involve refund recalculations or credit/deduction updates.

  • Identity Verification
    To prevent identity theft, the IRS might need you to confirm your identity, serving more as a security check than a punitive measure.

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Seeking Professional Guidance: A Key Step

The greatest mistake involves hastily responding to the IRS without seeking professional advice. People are often inclined to:

  • Pay the indicated amount without validation
  • Contact the IRS without prior consultation
  • Submit documents without adequate context
  • Ignore the notice, hoping it resolves itself

Such actions can complicate the situation further. It is crucial to confer with your financial professional, who can guide you on whether the notice is accurate, if any payment discrepancy exists, whether an IRS error has occurred, or if this issue warrants professional representation.

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Understanding Notice Codes

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Each IRS notice comes with a specific code such as CP2000, CP14, or CP75. These codes highlight the notice's purpose:

CP2000Underreported Income, reflecting discrepancies in reported income.

CP14Balance Due, pointing to an outstanding balance.

CP75Audit Documentation Request, requesting proof for certain claims.

Letter 5071CIdentity Verification, ensuring your identity is verified accurately.

Notice of Intent to Levy (LT11/CP504) — Calls for immediate attention but isn't cause for panic with professional aid.

Avoid Avoidable Pitfalls

Calm responses usually lead to straightforward resolutions. Avoid these mishaps:

  • Ignoring notices—pay attention to deadlines
  • Prematurely contacting the IRS without professional input
  • Automatically paying with unverified amounts
  • Sending information without contexts
  • Assuming all notices imply audits

Resolution Process Overview

The usual resolution trajectory involves:

  1. Consulting with your tax professional
  2. Analyzing the cause of the notice
  3. Validating the IRS claim
  4. Developing or dismissing the need for response
  5. Ensuring accurate payment amounts and addressing discrepancies
  6. Clarifying IRS misunderstandings with documented explanations

Most cases resolve with concise communication, though some might require multiple correspondences. Nonetheless, they remain manageable.

Significance of Professional Assistance

While IRS notices can appear daunting, tax professionals, particularly Enrolled Agents like us, are well-versed in these matters. We excel in:

  • Decoding notice specifics
  • Aligning notices with your tax records
  • Identifying IRS inaccuracies
  • Correcting misplaced payments
  • Articulating precise communications with the IRS
  • Recognizing when intervention is needed or unnecessary

Notably, we manage these issues while safeguarding your peace of mind.

Addressing IRS Notices: Professional Solutions

Never face these issues alone. Timely consultations with experienced professionals like us foster smoother resolutions.

If you receive an IRS notice—confusing, alarming, or just unexpected—reach out to our firm. We’ll guide you through interpreting its meaning and devising an appropriate action plan.

No panic. No guesswork. Clear guidance and a path forward.

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We solve tax problems for individuals and help tax pros solve tax problems for their clients.
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