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Received an IRS Letter? Avoid These Common Mistakes

An envelope from the IRS or your state tax agency in your mailbox can instantly elevate your stress levels. Image 1

The emblem, the verbiage, and the subtle dread that something is awry can be overwhelming. Before reacting, pause for a moment.

Interestingly, much of the stress surrounding IRS and state notices comes not from the letters themselves but from the immediate reactions they provoke.

Here’s our professional guide on what not to do after receiving a tax notice—and why a measured approach is essential.

Don’t Jump to Conclusions

Every year, tax agencies dispatch millions of notices. Many are benign and simply:

  • Request more information

  • Notify of automated discrepancies

  • Seek clarification on missing details

  • Discuss balance discrepancies that haven’t accounted for recent payments

A notice is often a procedural request, not a blame. Assuming the worst only adds unnecessary stress.

Avoid Ignoring the Notice

Overlooking a notice in hopes it vanishes is a rapid route to escalating a minor issue. Unanswered notices can result in:

  • Missed deadlines

  • Additional penalties and accruing interest

  • Reduced resolution avenues

This advice holds true for both IRS and state agencies. In fact, some states enforce quicker and more stringent actions when deadlines lapse.

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Avoid Contacting Tax Agencies Unprepared

A common mistake is calling the IRS or state without understanding the notice fully. Doing so can lead to:

  • Imprecise assumptions

  • Incomplete or contradictory explanations

  • Increased complexity if the situation is more intricate

Tax entities follow standard procedures, devoid of context. Unprepared calls can muddle rather than clarify issues.

Refrain from Unverified Payments

This is a frequent and costly error. Paying to ‘resolve’ an issue without verifying may result in:

  • Overpayment

  • Unclaimed credits or adjustments

  • Limited ability to contest mistakes

Rectifying errors post-payment is exponentially difficult.

Don't Rush to File an Amended Return

Amended returns have their place, but hasty filings can boomerang:

  • They are time-consuming

  • Can trigger further scrutiny

  • May introduce new issues if improperly filed

Amend with strategy, not emotion.

Consider Professional Guidance Over DIY

Some notices are straightforward; others are perplexing. Apparent simple discrepancies could signify:

  • Withholding anomalies

  • Reporting inconsistencies

  • Estimated tax disputes

  • Prior-year errors looming large

Handling these alone can escalate stress, particularly with strict deadlines and enforcement looming.

Advised Steps

Effective handling usually involves:

  1. Thoroughly reading the notice

  2. Gaining a clear understanding of the inquiry

  3. Accurate and timely response

It’s simpler with informed guidance, especially when emotions run high.

The Final Thought

Receiving notice from tax authorities is unnerving, yet it need not be overwhelming. The core problems arise from panic, erroneous assumptions, or hasty actions.

If you’ve received a tax notice, contact our office before taking further steps. Current clients benefit from early consultation, enabling a detailed notice review, request confirmation, and issue resolution with minimal stress.

Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes and doesn’t constitute legal advice. Tax notices vary; personal situations matter. For legal counsel, consult a qualified attorney. For IRS or state notice assistance, engage your tax professional.

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