1. Follow the instructions very carefully. The IRS sends out millions of these a year so don't panic, but they are a highly bureaucratic agency. So everything must be done to the letter from their instructions.
2. There are a lot of reasons that they could contact you. They may need more information, they found a discrepancy, or may need payment. Identify exactly what this is and follow the instructions per the notice.
3. If the notice is a correction, then review it carefully with the tax return you submitted.
4. Usually you don't need to go to the IRS office and I assure you that is the last thing you want to do if you don't have to. If you have any questions, there should be a number to call on the notice to answer any questions that you may have.
5. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS, keep every scrap of paper that you send (copies) the IRS or that they send you. And keep it until you die. This is an exaggeration, but not a bad idea. Also, something that they won't tell you, be sure to write your social security number on every piece of paper that you send them. This is not a time to worry about identity theft. I've seen cases where they will disregard responses because there was no SSN on the pages.
If this still makes you nervous, go see your tax CPA who prepared it or go find one that can help you.
2. There are a lot of reasons that they could contact you. They may need more information, they found a discrepancy, or may need payment. Identify exactly what this is and follow the instructions per the notice.
3. If the notice is a correction, then review it carefully with the tax return you submitted.
- If you agree with their assessment, then there is no need to respond unless they're asking for payment. Be sure to pay it promptly and keep a record of the payment.
- If you don't agree, then respond in writing and include any supporting documentation explaining why you disagree. Be sure to include the bottom tear off portion of the notice so that it doesn't get lost in the mountain of paperwork that consumes the IRS. Mail it to the indicated address and then wait at least 30 days (more like 45) for a response.
4. Usually you don't need to go to the IRS office and I assure you that is the last thing you want to do if you don't have to. If you have any questions, there should be a number to call on the notice to answer any questions that you may have.
5. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS, keep every scrap of paper that you send (copies) the IRS or that they send you. And keep it until you die. This is an exaggeration, but not a bad idea. Also, something that they won't tell you, be sure to write your social security number on every piece of paper that you send them. This is not a time to worry about identity theft. I've seen cases where they will disregard responses because there was no SSN on the pages.
If this still makes you nervous, go see your tax CPA who prepared it or go find one that can help you.
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