Received a tax notice or letter? Start here

First steps when an IRS notice arrives

The IRS says a notice or letter will explain the reason for the contact and give you instructions. It may concern a balance due, a changed refund, a question about a return, identity verification or a correction.

1. Read the whole notice. Note the notice number, tax year, requested action and due date.
2. Keep it with your records. Compare it with your copy of the return if it concerns a change or correction.
3. Follow the notice’s instructions. If it asks for a response, act by the date shown. If you disagree, follow the stated dispute instructions.
4. Get the right help. Call or text Irini to discuss whether the matter is within her preparation scope. Representation, appeals, collection and legal matters need separate confirmation.

What not to do

• Do not ignore a date printed on the notice.
• Keep copies of everything you send, and do not send originals unless the notice requires them.
• Do not email or text the notice, your tax return, your Social Security number or supporting documents.
• Do not assume a caller, text or social-media message is the IRS just because it sounds urgent.

How Capital Tax Returns can help

After you become a client, you can bring the notice to a conversation in a safe, agreed way. Irini can review the return context and tell you honestly whether the request fits her services. If it needs tax controversy work, legal advice or formal representation, she tells you that a different specialist may be needed.

No one can promise that every notice will be resolved through tax preparation, and no one should promise a particular outcome. See also prior-year returns and amended returns.