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Handling IRS Notices: Stay Calm and Strategic

Receiving a letter from the IRS can be unsettling, yet it's crucial to approach it with a clear head. Even for the most meticulous individuals, an envelope emblazoned with “Internal Revenue Service” can provoke anxiety. Remember, the presence of an IRS notice does not automatically signify an emergency.

The majority of IRS communications are routine. Armed with the right knowledge, most issues can be smoothly managed. Take a moment to breathe and then proceed with a sensible strategy.

Understanding IRS Notices

The IRS sends out a multitude of notices annually, falling predominantly into these categories:

  • Data Discrepancy
    The IRS might receive a 1099 or W-2 that shows information differing from your filed return. This often triggers an automated notice—not an accusation, just a request for clarification.
  • Requests for Additional Information
    Sometimes minor document omissions or calculation adjustments lead to these notices. While potentially inconvenient, they are generally straightforward.
  • Payment Issues
    A payment may have been applied to the wrong fiscal year or might have been mismatched. These are typically easy to correct with proper guidance.
  • IRS Adjustments
    The IRS may be recalculating a refund or modifying a credit or deduction — standard procedure in many cases.
  • Identity Verification
    To combat fraud, the IRS might seek confirmation of identity, often through a routine verification process.

Immediate Actions: Consult a Financial Professional

Opening that letter can be jarring, but don't rush into a response. Hasty actions can complicate matters further. Common mistakes include immediately settling the amount demanded, contacting the IRS directly without preparation, sending uncontextualized documents, or ignoring the notice altogether. Image 2

Reach out to your financial advisor. This professional can help break down:

  • The notice’s accuracy and whether the IRS might be incorrect
  • Obligations versus misunderstandings
  • Documentation requirements, if any
  • Whether an immediate or any response at all is necessary

Interpreting Your Notice

IRS notices come with specific codes such as CP2000, CP14, or CP75, which help pinpoint the issue. Here is a breakdown of some key notices:

  • CP2000: Underreported Income
    This indicates the IRS believes there's a difference in reported income. Often, this is due to a tardy or incorrect vendor form.
  • CP14: Balance Due
    This might show an outstanding payment, which could arise from timing issues.
  • CP75: Audit Documentation Request
    This requires verification of a credit or deduction but isn't inherently alarming.
  • Letter 5071C: Identity Verification
    This routine precaution seeks confirming of personal identity.
  • Notice of Intent to Levy (LT11/CP504)
    These notices call for prompt attention, yet remain manageable with professional assistance.
Image 1

Avoid These Pitfalls

To reach a resolution efficiently, avoid common errors such as ignoring deadlines or making payments without verification. Before discussing your case directly with the IRS, consult your financial advisor to furnish the right context and ensure accuracy.

The Path to Resolution

  1. Share your IRS notice with your finance expert.
  2. They will cross-reference with your tax return to ascertain the notice's validity.
  3. Your advisor will draft a response or recommend no action.
  4. If a payment is due, they’ll confirm accuracy and direct the payment correctly.
  5. If necessary, they’ll articulate discrepancies and compile necessary documents.

Most issues settle with minimal correspondence, though some might require additional steps. Image 3

The Importance of Professional Support

While an IRS notice can feel overwhelming, don't forget that financial advisors handle these regularly. They are adept at decoding IRS communications, verifying information, correcting IRS missteps, and easing interactions with the agency—and most critically, they provide you peace of mind.

If you've received an IRS notice, reach out promptly for clarity and a composed resolution strategy. Chris Conway, CPA, and our team at Ember Coaching & Financial Services are ready to assist you, ensuring no guesswork—just a comprehensive approach to your financial concerns.

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