The "Do's and Don't's" for if you get mail from the IRS

Here are some "Do's and Don't's" for anyone who receives mail from the IRS.

DO

DON’T


Take timely action. 

A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request, or a specific issue on a tax return. Acting timely could minimize additional interest and penalty charges. 

Ignore it.

Most IRS letters and notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes specific instructions on what to do.

Review the information. 

If a letter is about a changed or corrected tax return, you should review the information and compare it with the original return. If you agree, you should make notes about the corrections on your personal copy of the tax return and keep it for your records.

 

Throw it away.

You should keep notices or letters you receive from the IRS. These include adjustment notices when an action is taken on the taxpayer's account, Economic Impact Payment notices, and letters about advance payments of the 2021 child tax credit. You may need to refer to these when filing your 2021 tax return in 2022. In general, the IRS suggests that all taxpayers keep records for three years from the date they filed the tax return. 

 

Respond to a disputed notice. 

If you don't agree with the IRS, you should mail a letter explaining why you dispute the notice. You should mail it to the address on the contact stub included with the notice. Please include information and documents for the IRS to review when considering the dispute. 

Panic

The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies do send letters by mail. Most of the time, all you need to do is read the letter carefully and take the appropriate action.

 

Remember there is usually no need to call the IRS. 

If you must contact the IRS by phone, you should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice. Please have a copy of their tax return and letter when calling the agency. 

Reply unless instructed to do so. 

There is usually no need for you to reply to a notice unless specifically instructed to do so. On the other hand, if you happen to owe a payment, you should reply with the payment. IRS.gov  has information about payment options.

 

Avoid scams. 

The IRS will never contact you using social media or text message. The first contact from the IRS usually comes in the mail. If you are unsure if you owe money to the IRS, you can view your tax account information on IRS.gov. 

 

For more information, please see the IRS website.