Received a notice?
What to Do After a Letter From the IRS or the State
A tax notice needs a careful, prompt response. It is serious, not a crisis, and most have a clear path. Here is what to do in the first few days.
Keep the Letter and Note Two Things
Keep the original. Note the date on it and the notice or letter number, usually printed near a corner of the first page. Those tell a CPA exactly what the agency is asking about.
Find the Response Date
Each notice says what it is about and when a response is due. Most allow 30 days, and some allow fewer. The sooner it is reviewed, the more options you have.
Do Not Set It Aside
An unanswered notice does not go away. Penalties and interest can grow, and after a series of letters an agency can move to collection.
You Do Not Need to Call the Agency
Once you sign a power of attorney (IRS Form 2848, or the California form for the Franchise Tax Board), Bill can speak with the agency for you.
Get It to Bill
Call the office or send a message through the form below, describing the notice in general terms. Bill will tell you how to get him a copy. Please do not email Social Security or account numbers.
Be Wary of Calls, Texts and Emails
The IRS generally makes first contact by mail. A call, text or email demanding immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer or prepaid card is not the IRS. If you are unsure whether a notice is real, check with Bill before you respond or pay anything.
What Bill Does From Here
He reads the notice, works out what the agency is asking for and why, and tells you exactly what happens next. Then he handles the response: gathering and organizing the records, representing you in correspondence or an examination, and, if tax is owed, working out payment arrangements or requesting penalty relief where the facts support it. See IRS Representation.
Send it over
Describe the Notice
Which agency sent it, the date on it and the response date. Bill will reply and tell you what happens next.
This page is general information, not advice for your situation. See also the FAQ and official agency links.