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Addressing IRS Notices: A Calm, Strategic Approach

Receiving an envelope from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is often met with apprehension. Even the most meticulous taxpayers can experience a moment of panic when faced with an IRS notice. However, it’s crucial to remember that such notices are typically not emergencies. Most are routine, informational, and can be resolved with a steady approach.

Before you let anxiety take over, take a moment to breathe and prepare to take the right action steps.

Understanding Why IRS Notices are Sent

Each year, the IRS dispatches millions of notices, most of which fall into a few primary categories:

  • Discrepancies in reporting: Often, a form like a 1099 or W-2 received by the IRS doesn’t align with your tax return. Such mismatches automatically generate a letter and should not be viewed as an accusation.

  • Request for additional information: Sometimes it’s as simple as a clarification of numbers or follow-up due to a math correction. These are typically minor.

  • Payment discrepancies: Your payment may have been allocated to the incorrect tax year or not match the amount on your return, leading to a notice.

  • Adjustments to your account: This could involve recalculating a refund or updating a credit or deduction.

  • Identity verification: With enhanced identity-theft protections, the IRS may send notices to verify your identity. These are generally precautionary.

Responding to IRS Notices Wisely

The biggest misstep taxpayers make is hastily responding to the IRS without professional guidance. This can lead to actions like:

  • Paying the requested amount without verification

  • Immediate calls to the IRS

  • Sending documents without context or clarity

  • Ineffectively ignoring the issue

Addressing these notices without professional input can complicate matters further. Instead, consult with a financial advisor who can help you ascertain:

  • The accuracy of the notice

  • Any actual outstanding amounts

  • Possible IRS errors

  • The simplicity or complexity of resolving the issue

  • The necessary documentation, if any

  • The necessity of responding

Decoding IRS Notice Codes

IRS notices come with codes (e.g., CP2000, CP14, CP75) to help quickly identify their purpose. Here’s what some of them mean:

CP2000 — Underreported Income

This code indicates the IRS believes your reported income is less than what was filed. It's often due to late or incorrect filing by third parties, not wrongdoing on your part.

CP14 — Balance Due

This shows an identified balance the IRS believes you owe, which could be a timing discrepancy.

CP75 — Audit Documentation Request

A request for documentation relating to a credit or deduction—it's informational, not a call to panic.

Letter 5071C — Identity Verification

Part of fraud prevention efforts, this letter is not indicative of an incorrect return.

Notice of Intent to Levy (LT11/CP504)

While more urgent, requiring quick response, these notices are routinely managed by professionals every day.

It’s imperative to respond with context and informed guidance rather than impulsively.

A Strategic Plan for IRS Notices

A well-executed response usually comprises:

  1. Contacting your accountant to review the notice.

  2. Having them assess your return against IRS information to identify triggers.

  3. Determining the validity of IRS claims.

  4. Formulating an appropriate response, if necessary.

  5. Ensuring any needed payments are accurate and correctly recorded.

  6. Providing evidence and explanations if the IRS made a mistake.

Typically, these cases are resolved with a single correspondence, although occasionally more dialogue is necessary. Still, most issues remain well within manageable bounds.

The Advantage of Expert Guidance

IRS notices, while intimidating, are a common part of a tax professional’s role. They know:

  • How to decode notice codes

  • How to compare notices with your tax return

  • Common IRS mistakes and how to address them

  • How to rectify payment misapplications

  • How to communicate effectively with the IRS

  • When to escalate or not respond

Beyond technical know-how, advisors provide calm assurance through the process.

Seek Professional Help Promptly

If you've received an IRS notice, contact NR CPAs & Business Advisors. Led by Nischay Rawal, a licensed CPA and Enrolled Agent, our firm blends expert insight with agility. Together, we offer clarity and effective solutions without panic or guesswork.

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