Individual Taxpayers: Seven Things to Do When an IRS Letter Arrives

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Individual Taxpayers Seven Things to Do When an
IRS Letter Arrives
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The IRS mails millions of letters to taxpayers
every year for many reasons. Here are seven
simple suggestions on how individuals can handle
a letter or notice from the IRS
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1. Dont panic. Simply responding will take care
of most IRS letters and notices.  2. Read the
entire letter carefully. Most letters deal with a
specific issue and provide specific instructions
on what to do. 3. Compare it with the tax
return. If a letter indicates a changed or
corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review
the information and compare it with their
original return. 
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4. Only reply if necessary. There is usually no
need to reply to a letter unless specifically
instructed to do so, or to make a payment. 5.
Respond timely. Taxpayers should respond to a
letter with which they do not agree. They should
mail a letter explaining why they disagree. They
should mail their response to the address listed
at the bottom of the letter. The taxpayer should
include information and documents for the IRS to
consider. The taxpayer should allow at least 30
days for a response.
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• When a specific date is listed in the letter,
  there are two main reasons taxpayers should
  respond by that date
• To minimize additional interest and penalty
  charges.
• To preserve appeal rights if the taxpayers
  doesnt agree.

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6. Dont call. For most letters, there is no
need to call the IRS or make an appointment at a
taxpayer assistance center. If a call seems
necessary, the taxpayer can use the phone number
in the upper right-hand corner of the letter.
They should have a copy of the tax return and
letter on hand when calling.    7. Keep the
letter. A taxpayer should keep copies of any IRS
letters or notices received with their tax
records.  
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