IRS Correspondence Guides
Everything you need to know about IRS letters, notices, deadlines, and your rights as a taxpayer.
Fundamentals
Why You Should Never Ignore IRS Mail
That envelope from the IRS is not junk mail. Ignoring it can turn a manageable tax issue into a financial disaster.
How to Identify Your IRS Letter or Notice Number
Every IRS letter has a code. Here is exactly where to find it and what the format means.
The Difference Between an IRS Notice and an IRS Letter
Notices and letters come from different parts of the IRS and mean very different things for your case.
How to Read Your IRS Account Transcript to Understand Your Letters
Every IRS letter is reflected on your account transcript. Learning to read the transcript gives you the full picture.
Deadlines
IRS Letter Deadlines You Cannot Afford to Miss
Some IRS deadlines are absolute. Miss them and you lose rights you can never get back.
The IRS Statutory Notice of Deficiency: The Most Important Letter You Will Ever Receive
The 90-day letter is your last chance to challenge the IRS before paying. Miss the deadline and you lose your day in court.
Action Plans
What to Do the Moment You Receive an IRS Letter
A step-by-step action plan for the first 24 hours after you open an IRS letter.
7 Common Mistakes When Responding to IRS Letters
Most taxpayers make the same errors when dealing with IRS correspondence. Here is how to avoid them.
When to Hire a Tax Attorney for Your IRS Letter
Not every IRS letter requires professional help. But some absolutely do. Here is how to tell the difference.
Collections
The IRS Collection Notice Sequence: From First Notice to Levy
The IRS follows a specific escalation path before taking enforcement action. Here is every step.
Can the IRS Levy Your Bank Account Without Notice?
The short answer is generally no. The IRS must follow a specific notice sequence before levying. Here is what that looks like.
IRS Installment Agreement Letters: What They Mean for Your Payment Plan
Once you set up a payment plan with the IRS, the letters keep coming. Here is what each one means.
The IRS Trust Fund Recovery Penalty: Letters That Can Change Your Life
If you are responsible for a business that owes payroll taxes, the IRS can come after you personally. Here are the letters that signal it.
What Is a Collection Due Process Hearing and Why the IRS Letter Matters
A CDP hearing is your legal right to challenge IRS collection actions. The letter that triggers it has a hard 30-day deadline.
IRS Offer in Compromise Letters: From Submission to Acceptance
The OIC process generates its own set of letters. Here is what to expect at every stage.
How Long Does the IRS Have to Collect? Understanding the CSED and IRS Letters
The IRS has a limited time to collect tax debts. Understanding the collection statute can change your entire strategy.
IRS Passport Revocation Letters: When Tax Debt Grounds You
If you owe more than a certain amount, the IRS can certify your debt to the State Department and have your passport revoked or denied.
Identity
IRS Identity Verification Letters Explained
The IRS is increasingly aggressive about verifying your identity before processing returns. Here is what those letters mean.
IRS Letters About Identity Theft: The CP01 Series
If someone filed a tax return using your Social Security number, the IRS has a series of letters to address it.
Notices
Understanding the IRS CP2000 Notice
The CP2000 is one of the most common IRS notices. It proposes changes to your return based on income the IRS thinks you did not report.
IRS Math Error Notices: When the IRS Changes Your Return Without an Audit
The IRS can change your return through the math error process, and your rights are more limited than you think.
IRS Letters
IRS CP14 Notice: What It Means and What to Do
The CP14 is the most common IRS notice in America. It means you owe money. Here's how to handle it.
IRS CP2000 Notice: Underreported Income
The IRS says your income doesn't match their records. Before you panic or pay, read this.
IRS CP90 Notice: Final Notice of Intent to Levy
The CP90 is the IRS's final warning before they levy your bank account and wages. You have 30 days.
IRS Letter 1058: Final Notice Before Levy
LTR 1058 is the IRS's final notice of intent to levy. It triggers your CDP hearing rights. Don't waste them.
IRS CP504 Notice: Intent to Levy
The CP504 is the last notice before the IRS sends the final levy notice. Your state refund is already at risk.
IRS CP501 Notice: First Reminder of Balance Due
The CP501 is the IRS's first reminder that you still owe. It's your cheapest opportunity to resolve the balance.
IRS Letter 12C: Missing Information to Process Your Return
The IRS can't process your return without additional documents. Here's how to respond and avoid months of delays.
IRS CP523 Notice: Your Installment Agreement Is About to Default
The CP523 means the IRS is about to terminate your payment plan. You have 30 days to fix it or face full collection.
IRS Letter 3219: Statutory Notice of Deficiency (90-Day Letter)
The LTR 3219 is the most important letter the IRS sends. Miss the 90-day deadline and you lose your right to Tax Court.
IRS CP05 Notice: Your Return Is Under Review
The CP05 means the IRS is reviewing your return and holding your refund. Here's what to expect and when to worry.
Need Help With Your IRS Letter?
A tax attorney can review your letter and tell you exactly what to do. Free consultation.
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