Learning Center
We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Received a Tax Notice? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Nothing causes the heart to race quite like receiving a letter from the IRS or your state tax office. The official logo, stern wording, and the escalating panic that follows can be overwhelming.

Before you let anxiety take over, pause for a moment.

The majority of stress associated with IRS and state tax letters often stems from hasty reactions rather than the letter's actual content.

This guide explores what not to do when faced with a tax notice and why it's crucial to approach the situation with patience and strategy.

Don’t Jump to Conclusions

Every year, tax authorities send out millions of letters. Many of these are simply:

  • Requests for further details

  • System-generated mismatches

  • Requests to rectify missing data

  • Balance notices that might not reflect recent payments

Keep in mind, a notice isn't an accusation. Often, it's a routine request for more information or a minor adjustment.

Assuming the worst can exacerbate your stress without providing a solution.

Don’t Disregard the Notice

Ignoring a tax notice only serves to complicate matters. If left unanswered, you could face:

  • Missed deadlines for responses

  • Added penalties and interest

  • Limited paths to resolution

This advice is applicable to both IRS and state notices, with some states enforcing deadlines more stringently than the IRS.

Image 3

Avoid Calling Tax Agencies Without a Plan

This might catch you off guard, but contacting IRS or state agencies without fully comprehending the notice can:

  • Reinforce false assumptions

  • Result in incomplete explanations

  • Complicate matters if the issue is more intricate than anticipated

Remember, tax entities function by protocols, not context. Inadequately prepared calls may further muddle the situation.

Resist the Urge to Make a Payment Immediately

Rushing to pay can be both costly and unnecessary. Premature payments can lead to:

  • Overpayments

  • Overlooked credits and adjustments

  • Lost chances to contest inaccuracies

Image 1

Once a payment is made, rectifying errors becomes substantially more difficult.

Refrain from Hastily Filing an Amended Return

Though amended returns have their place, acting impulsively can have unfavorable results. Amended returns:

  • Require time to process

  • May provoke further scrutiny

  • Could introduce new issues if not completed accurately

It's best to pursue amendments with caution and clear intent.

Acknowledge When to Seek Expertise

While some notices are straightforward, others may not be. A seemingly minor error could hint at:

  • Withholding troubles

  • Reporting discrepancies

  • Issues with estimated taxes

  • Errors from previous years carrying forward

Tackling these issues solo can elevate stress, especially under tight timelines.

Steps to Take

Begin with these three crucial actions:

  1. Review the notice thoroughly

  2. Comprehend the specifics being requested

  3. Deliver an accurate and timely response

Securing guidance early can streamline this process, mitigating stress.

Key Takeaway

Receiving a letter from the IRS or a state tax body can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to feel insurmountable.

The heart of the problem lies not with the letter itself, but with emotional reactions and uninformed decisions.

Should you find yourself with a tax notice, connect with our team before acting. Our involvement from the outset can clarify the contents, identify requirements, and guide resolution with minimal stress.

Disclaimer

This article aims to provide educational insights only. It isn’t a substitute for legal advice. Tax circumstances differ; always consult a qualified attorney or tax professional for specific guidance.

Image 2

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

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 .