IRS Notice? What You Should Avoid Doing

Receiving a letter from the IRS or your state tax agency can be unsettling. The emblematic logo on the letterhead, the formal language, and the looming uncertainty of having committed a financial faux pas can easily spike your stress levels. However, before reacting impulsively, take a moment to breathe.

At Christiansen Accounting, based in California, we often see that the stress associated with IRS and state tax letters doesn’t stem from the letter itself, but rather from hastily reacting to it.

In this guide, we provide a strategic overview of what not to do if you find yourself holding a tax notice, emphasizing why taking your time is crucial.

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Don’t Assume You’re at Fault

Tax agencies send millions of notices annually. These often include:

  • Requests for additional information

  • Automated alerts on minor mismatches

  • Inquiries for missing documentation

  • Balance updates that may not consider recent payments

It’s important to remember that a notice serves as a request rather than an accusation. Allowing worst-case scenarios to cloud your judgment won’t resolve anything and only increases stress.

Don’t Ignore the Notice, Hoping It’ll Disappear

Overlooking a notice can lead to significant complications. When notifications are not addressed, it can cause:

  • Collapsed response windows

  • Additional fines and interest charges

  • Limited resolution alternatives

Both IRS and state tax agencies place great importance on deadlines. Some states are even more stringent, enforcing regulations more vigorously when deadlines lapse.

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Avoid Contacting Tax Authorities Without Preparation

This might come as a surprise, but reaching out without a comprehensive understanding of your notice can result in misguided assumptions and incomplete explanations. You might find yourself embroiled in unnecessary complexity with tax authorities that strictly follow procedural rather than contextual operations.

Refrain from Making Payments to Settle Prematurely

One prevalent mistake is rushing to settle the notice by paying immediately. However, this could result in:

  • Overpayments

  • Overlooked credits and necessary adjustments

  • Missed opportunities to dispute errors

Once a payment is executed, correcting such actions can prove painstakingly difficult.

Avoid Filing Amended Returns Prematurely

While amendments can remedy tax discrepancies, hurried filing can backfire. Consider that they:

  • Require time for processing

  • Can trigger further scrutiny

  • Might introduce new complications if improper documentation is provided

Amending should be approached thoughtfully and strategically.

Don’t Consider Every Notice a DIY Task

While some notices are trivial, others are complex. Minor discrepancies might indicate:

  • Withholding discrepancies

  • Mismatches in reported income

  • Issues with estimated taxes

  • Errors stemming from prior years that persist

Attempting to handle every aspect single-handedly can be overwhelming, especially when managing deadlines and strict enforcement timelines.

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Steps for a Proactive Response

Initiating a well-considered response generally involves:

  1. Thoroughly reading the tax notice

  2. Deciphering the agency's explicit requests

  3. Providing accurate and timely responses

It’s best to do this with professional guidance, particularly when emotions could cloud judgment.

The Essential Takeaway

Receiving a notice from the IRS or state tax agency may cause worry, but it need not be overwhelming. By addressing issues like panic, inaccurate assumptions, and rushed decisions, you mitigate this.

If you receive a tax notice, we encourage you to contact Christiansen Accounting promptly before responding on your own. If you’re already a client, early communication allows us to review the notice, confirm requests, and work towards minimizing your stress with efficient problem-solving.

Important Notice

This publication serves as a general informational piece and not as a substitute for legal advice. Since tax notices vary widely, personal circumstances must be factored in. For legal counsel, consult a licensed attorney. For professional help with IRS or state tax notices, reach out to your trusted tax advisor.

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