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What Not to Do When You Receive an IRS Notice

Few things elevate stress levels as quickly as receiving an official-looking document from the IRS or a state tax agency. The emblem of authority.
The formal language.
The unsettling notion that some error or issue has occurred.

Before hastily reacting, take a moment to compose yourself.

Most of the anxiety associated with IRS and state tax notices stems not from the actual content of the letter but from individuals' immediate responses to it.

This guide offers insights into what you should avoid doing if you receive a tax notice—and why taking deliberate, informed actions can make all the difference.

Don’t Assume You're in Distress

Each year, tax authorities dispatch millions of notices. Many are merely:

  • Inquiries for additional information

  • Automated discrepancy alerts

  • Requests for missing documentation

  • Statements of account balances that might not account for recent payments

A notice is not an allegation. Frequently, it's a system-generated request for verification or correction. Jumping to conclusions exacerbates stress without addressing the matter.

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Don’t Disregard It (Even If You Wish It Away)

Disregarding a notice swiftly morphs a minor concern into a significant problem.

Unaddressed notices might result in:

  • Missed response deadlines

  • Additional penalties and interest

  • Fewer options for resolution

This applies to both federal and state authorities. Notably, some states act faster and with greater enforcement once deadlines slip by.

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Avoid Calling the IRS or State Agency Without a Plan

This may catch many by surprise.

Making contact without thoroughly analyzing the notice can:

  • Solidify incorrect presumptions

  • Lead to fragmented or inconsistent explanations

  • Complicate matters if the case is deeper than it first appears

Tax agencies function under strict procedures, not situational context. A call made prematurely may confound instead of clarify.

Avoid Issuing Payment to "Resolve It Quickly"

This is a frequent and expensive blunder.

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Paying without verifying can lead to:

  • Overpayments

  • Missed credits or adjustments

  • The forfeiture of disputing errors

Once a payment is made, rectifying mistakes becomes considerably more challenging.

Avoid Filing an Amended Return in a Hurry

While amended returns have an appropriate time and purpose, an impulsive filing is ill-advised.

They can:

  • Require extensive processing time

  • Initiate further examination

  • Introduce new issues if not filed with precision

Amendments should be calculated, not enacted out of a reactionary state.

Don’t Mistake This for a Solo Task

Certain notices are straightforward. Others not so much.

What initially seems like a small disparity might signal:

  • Withholding complications

  • Reporting discrepancies

  • Estimated tax challenges

  • Errors from prior years being carried forward

Handling everything independently can escalate tension, especially when hard deadlines and enforcement actions loom.

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Strategic Steps to Take Instead

A considered and proper response usually involves:

  1. Thoroughly reading the notice

  2. Gaining an accurate understanding of what the authority is requesting

  3. Responding accurately and punctually

These steps are much simpler with expert advice, particularly when tensions are high.

Conclusive Insights

Receiving a notice from the IRS or state tax authority can feel daunting—but it needn't be as overwhelming as it seems.

The bulk of the complications arise not from the notice itself but from unwarranted panic, assumptions, or rushed responses.

If you receive a tax notice, connect with our office before making any moves. If you're a returning client, involving us early enables us to review the notice, establish what's needed, and orchestrate a resolution with minimal stress.

Important Consideration

This article serves an educational purpose only and is not legal advice. Tax notices and individual circumstances differ. For legal advice, consult an attorney. For professional guidance on IRS or state tax notices, reach out to our tax specialist team.

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