Please note: We DO NOT offer free tax advice for TurboTax users or self-preparers.

Received a Tax Notice? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Not much induces stress faster than receiving an official envelope from the IRS or your state tax agency.

Image 1

The official seal. The formal language. That unsettling feeling that an error might have occurred.

Before reacting, take a step back and breathe.

Most of the anxiety associated with IRS and state tax notices stems not from the letters themselves but from hasty responses.

This guide takes a contrarian view on what not to do upon receiving a tax notice and highlights why measured reactions are essential.

Don’t Assume You’re in Trouble

Tax agencies issue millions of notices annually.

Many are simply:

  • Requests for further information

  • Automated data mismatches

  • Requests for missing data

  • Balance notices not reflecting recent payments

A notice should be seen as a request for verification, not an accusation. Jumping to conclusions can elevate stress levels unnecessarily.

Don’t Ignore It (Even If You’re Hoping It Disappears)

Ignoring a notice can swiftly transform a minor issue into a major one.

Failure to respond can result in:

  • Missed deadlines for responses

  • Additional penalties and accrued interest

  • Limited resolution options

This is true for both IRS and state tax agencies. In fact, some states may act more swiftly and stringently than the IRS upon missing deadlines.

Don’t Contact the IRS or State Agency Without a Strategy

This may be unexpected for many.

Image 2

Without fully grasping the notice details, making a call can:

  • Reinforce inaccurate assumptions

  • Result in vague or inconsistent communications

  • Create misunderstandings if the issue is more intricate than it appears

Tax agencies are governed by set procedures, not situational context. Contacting them without adequate preparation can complicate rather than clarify matters.

Don’t Make a Payment Just to “Resolve the Issue”

This is one of the most common—and expensive—errors.

Paying without verifying the notice can result in:

  • Overpayment

  • Overlooking eligible credits or adjustments

  • Forfeiting the chance to dispute errors

Once a payment is made, rectifying errors becomes significantly more challenging.

Don’t Rush to File an Amended Return

Amended returns can be beneficial, but impulsive actions can lead to complications.

They:

  • Require time to process

  • Can trigger further scrutiny

  • Might introduce new issues if not filed correctly

Amendments should be strategic, not reactions driven by emotion.

Don’t Treat This as a DIY Task

While some notices are straightforward, others are complex.

What appears to be a minor discrepancy might actually involve:

  • Withholding issues

  • Reporting mismatches

  • Problems with estimated taxes

  • Errors from previous years influencing the current tax year

Handling these issues independently can increase stress—especially when deadlines and compliance timelines are tight.

What to Do Instead

The appropriate response typically consists of three steps:

  1. Read the notice thoroughly

  2. Understand the agency’s specific request

  3. Provide an accurate and timely response

Guidance can facilitate this process, particularly in emotionally charged situations.

The Bottom Line

Receiving a tax notice from the IRS or a state agency can be distressing—but it needn’t be overwhelming.

Most challenges arise not from the notice itself, but from panic, assumptions, or rushed reactions.

Image 3

If you've received a tax notice, contact our office before responding. For existing clients, informing us early enables us to review the notice, identify what’s being requested, and assist in resolving the issue with minimal stress.

Important Note

This article serves as a general educational resource. It does not constitute legal advice. Tax notices can vary, and individual situations are nuanced. For legal advice, consult a qualified attorney. For help with IRS or state tax notices, reach out to a tax professional.

Share this article...

Want our best tax and accounting tips and insights delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
Have a question? Check out the frequently asked questions below.
Hi there! Welcome to Steve Shapiro, EA website. For any questions not listed here, use the Ask Me A Question form and one of our staff will reach out to you.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully