For a range of reasons, the IRS sends out plenty of letters and tax notifications to taxpayers in Dallas each year. How can I tell if this letter is from the IRS, and what should I do with it? You should be OK with this, but make sure to contact a Dallas tax resolution specialists.
What to do next if taxpayers receive a letter or notice from the IRS?
When taxpayers, particularly Americans residing abroad, get an IRS letter or tax notice, they should follow these dos and don’ts:
- Do not ignore it
Federal tax returns or tax accounts are the main focus of the majority of IRS letters and notices. Every notice targets a specific issue while offering detailed information on how to resolve it. You should be fine if you follow it closely.
- Do not panic.
Letters are sent out by the IRS and its authorized private collection companies. The taxpayer usually only needs to read the letter and take the necessary action carefully.
- Unless specifically directed, do not respond.
Unless specifically directed to do so, a taxpayer is usually not required to reply to a notification. On the other hand, taxpayers who are overdue need to respond by making a payment. Information about payment choices is available on IRS.gov. A balance that you may not owe will appear on some notices. Therefore, if you cannot afford to pay, why hurry? Ask your certified public accountant for advice if you are concerned.
- Do act quickly.
A notice might be about a specific problem on a tax return, taxes due, a payment request, or changes to a taxpayer’s account. If you just owe, taking swift action could reduce extra interest and penalty fees.
- Review the details.
The taxpayer should examine the content and contrast it with the original tax return if the letter relates to a modified or corrected tax return. The taxpayer should take note of the corrections on their own copy of the tax return and save it for their records if they consent.
- Reply to a disputed notice.
Taxpayer should submit a letter explaining their disapproval with the notification if they argue with the IRS. The address on the contact stub that comes with the notice is where they should send it; make sure it is an IRS official postal address. When the IRS decides on the disagreement, the taxpayer should submit information and additional proof. It is advised that people let the IRS at least 30 to 60 days to answer. Expect a longer response time from the IRS in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 timeframe.
- Keep in mind that calling the IRS often is not required.
If a taxpayer needs to call the IRS, they should use the contact information listed in the notice’s top right corner (be sure that it is a genuine IRS phone number!). When calling the agency, the taxpayer should provide a copy of their letter and tax return.
- Do not fall for fraudsters.
The IRS will never use text messaging or social media to get in contact with a taxpayer. Usually, the IRS contacts you for the first time through the mail.
- Confirm that the letter is from the IRS and not a con artist.
- If the number fails to be an IRS number, avoid dialing it.
- If the address is not an IRS address, do not mail anything.
- Do get in touch with your accountant if you have any concerns.
- Never give out your personal information to people or possible scammers over the phone, by text, or on social media.
Please get in touch with tax resolution specialists if you require help analyzing and reacting to an Internal Revenue Service letter.
