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Understanding IRS Notices: A Tax Professional's Guide

Discovering an envelope from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in your mailbox can be unsettling. Even those who meticulously organize their tax documents and ensure compliance can experience a pang of anxiety upon encountering an IRS notice. However, the reality is that not all of these notifications signal emergencies. In fact, many IRS notices are routine communications that can be addressed methodically and effectively with the right understanding.

Why the IRS Issues Notices

The IRS annually distributes millions of notices that generally fall into several key categories:

  • Information Mismatch: This is a frequent occurrence where the IRS receives a document, such as a 1099 or W-2, that doesn't align with your tax return, prompting an automatic notice issuance—not an allegation of wrongdoing.
  • Request for Additional Information: Sometimes entries are unclear, omitted, or corrected, leading to follow-up requests for further clarification.
  • Payment Discrepancies: Payments may be incorrectly applied to the wrong tax year or might not match the return due to timing issues.
  • Internal Adjustments: The IRS may adjust your refund, credit, or deduction, necessitating a notice.
  • Identity Verification: To strengthen identity-theft protection, the IRS might request verification of your identity. Most such notices are informational rather than accusatory.

Seek Professional Guidance Before Responding

One of the most significant missteps individuals make is responding to IRS notices hastily and without professional advice. Though it might seem prudent to:

  • Remit the amount specified in the notice immediately
  • Immediately contact the IRS to clarify details
  • Submit documents ad hoc
  • Dismiss the notice and hope it resolves itself

These actions can inadvertently complicate matters. It's crucial to consult a financial professional who can help determine:

  • The accuracy of the notice
  • Any actual liabilities or discrepancies
  • If IRS errors are apparent
  • Whether the issue requires simple clarification or legal representation
  • Necessary documentation, if any, that should be submitted
  • If a response is warranted at all

Decoding IRS Notice Codes

IRS notices include codes (e.g., CP2000, CP14, CP75) that point to specific issues:

  • CP2000 — Underreported Income: Indicates perceived discrepancies in reported income but doesn't necessarily imply wrongdoing, often due to late or erroneous vendor filings.
  • CP14 — Balance Due: Suggests an owed balance, which could be either accurate or a timing miscalculation.
  • CP75 — Audit Documentation Request: Requests substantiation for a credit or deduction; typically not urgent, merely procedural.
  • Letter 5071C — Identity Verification: Part of identity assurances, unrelated to return validity.
  • Notice of Intent to Levy (LT11/CP504): Demands prompt attention but is routinely managed by professionals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A calm and accurate response typically results in an efficient resolution. However, errors such as ignoring notices or premature contact can exacerbate the situation:

  • Don't overlook the notice: Be mindful of deadlines.
  • Avoid rushing to call the IRS: Review alongside a professional to avoid unintended agreements.
  • Refrain from automatic payments: Confirm amounts as errors can occur.
  • Provide context with documents: The IRS requires detailed explanations for accurate processing.
  • Don't assume audits: Most notices are unrelated to audits.

Steps to Resolution

  1. Share the notice with a financial expert immediately.
  2. They will review both your return and IRS records to pinpoint trigger causes.
  3. Determine IRS correctness or misstep.
  4. Craft a response, if necessary, often resolving with a single letter.
  5. Ensure any payments align with accurate amounts and are allocated to the correct tax year.
  6. If an IRS mistake is evident, prepare a substantiated explanation.

Typically, issues resolve swiftly, though some may necessitate further exchanges. Rest assured, nearly all situations are effectively manageable with professional intervention.

The Value of Professional Tax Support

While IRS notices are daunting, professionals routinely address such concerns, adept at:

  • Interpreting notice codes efficiently
  • Cross-referencing notices with returns for accuracy
  • Identifying common IRS processing errors
  • Correcting allocation errors in payments
  • Articulating clear, effective communication with IRS staff
  • Assessing the need for escalation or omission of responses
  • Supporting and reassuring clients throughout the process

Don't Navigate IRS Notices Alone

Your best course of action is prompt and informed consultation. Contact our experienced team if you've received an IRS notice—whether it's perplexing, concerning, or merely unexpected. We will evaluate it with you, clarify its implications, and guide you towards resolution.

Stay calm, avoid conjecture, and rely on expert support to illuminate the path forward.

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