Tax Tip Tuesday: Getting a Letter from the IRS or Iowa Department of Revenue
This is an important topic that we want to revisit as it is that time of year when the IRS and Iowa Department of Revenue are sending out letters. And while getting one of these letters may be stressful, it isn’t always a reason to worry. Here are some things you need to know if you do receive that letter.
Don’t panic. You can usually deal with a notice with a simple response.
Most of these notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice has specific instructions, so read your notice carefully because it will tell you what you need to do.
Your notice will likely be about changes to your account, taxes you owe or a payment request. However, your notice may ask you for more information about a specific issue.
If your notice says that the IRS changed or corrected your tax return, review the information and compare it with your original return.
If you agree with the notice, you usually don’t need to reply unless it gives you other instructions or you need to make a payment.
If you don’t agree with the notice, you need to respond. Write a letter that explains why you disagree and include information and documents you want the IRS to consider. Mail your response with the contact stub at the bottom of the notice to the address on the contact stub. Allow at least 30 days for a response.
For most notices, you won’t need to call or visit a walk-in center. If you have questions, call the phone number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice. Be sure to have a copy of your tax return and the notice with you when you call.
Always keep copies of any notices you receive with your tax
records.
Always be alert for tax scams. The IRS sends letters and notices by mail. They don’t contact people by email or social media to ask for personal or financial information. If you owe tax, you have several payment options. The IRS won’t demand that you pay a certain way, such as prepaid debit or credit card.
We are always ready to help you with any correspondence you receive from the IRS or state.
If you have any questions about anything you receive from the IRS or state, please give us a call at 515-225-3141 or send an email to cbrand@ryungivens.com.
Next week we will be taking a break and will return with a new edition of Tax Tip Tuesday on Tuesday, June 6th.
Disclaimer: The items included in the Tax Tip Tuesday Video Blog are informational only and are not meant as tax advice. Consult with your tax advisor to determine how any item applies to your situation. IRS Circular 230 disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advise contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein
