Received a Tax Notice? Here's What to Avoid

Encountering a letter from the IRS or state tax agency can be a major stress trigger. The official emblem, the formal language, and a lingering sense of error contribute to this anxiety.

Before you respond, take a deep breath.

The anxiety surrounding IRS and state tax notices often stems not from the letter itself, but from hasty reactions to it.

Here's a strategic guide to what not to do if you receive a tax notice—and why taking a measured approach is crucial.

Don’t Jump to Conclusions

Millions of notices are dispatched by tax agencies each year.

These often include:

  • Requests for additional information

  • Automated discrepancies

  • Follow-ups on missing details

  • Balance issues that overlook recent payments

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Notices are typically system-generated letters seeking verification or correction, not accusations of wrongdoing.

Don’t Disregard It

Ignoring a notice can rapidly escalate a manageable issue into a significant problem.

Overlooked notices may lead to:

  • Missed response deadlines

  • Increased penalties and interest

  • Limited resolution opportunities

This holds true for both IRS and state tax agencies. Some states are particularly swift and assertive in their enforcement once deadlines pass.

Don’t Call Without a Strategy

It's surprising to many, but contacting the IRS or state agency without carefully reviewing the notice can:

  • Entrench incorrect assumptions

  • Result in incomplete or inconsistent responses

  • Confuse matters if the issue is more complex than it appears

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Preparation before calling is essential as tax agencies adhere strictly to procedure, not context.

Don’t Make a Payment Prematurely

One of the costliest errors is sending a payment before understanding the notice, which can lead to:

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  • Overpayment

  • Missing applicable credits or adjustments

  • Losing the ability to contest errors

Correcting a mistaken payment can be quite complicated.

Don’t Hastily Amend Your Return

While amendments have their place, an impulsive amendment can backfire.

  • They require substantial processing time

  • Can trigger further scrutiny

  • May introduce new issues if improperly filed

Amendments should be calculated decisions, not emotional reactions.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

Tax notices vary in complexity. What might seem like a minor discrepancy could indicate:

  • Withholding issues

  • Reporting discrepancies

  • Estimated tax payment errors

  • Previous mistakes cascading into the present

Attempting to tackle everything independently can increase strain, especially with looming deadlines and enforcement actions.

Appropriate Steps to Take

The optimal response typically involves:

  1. Assessing the notice thoroughly

  2. Understanding the agency’s requests

  3. Responding accurately and promptly

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Turning to professional guidance can simplify this, especially in emotionally charged situations.

Final Thoughts

Receiving a notice from the IRS or state tax agency can be unsettling, but it doesn't need to be overwhelming.

Most pitfalls arise from panic, assumptions, or hasty actions.

If you receive a tax notice, reach out to our firm before responding. As a current client, involving us early allows us to evaluate the notice, clarify requests, and aid in resolving issues with minimal stress.

Note: This content is intended for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Tax notices differ, and personal circumstances are unique. For legal guidance, consult an attorney. For help with IRS or state tax notices, contact your tax professional.

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