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Received a Tax Notice? Here's What to Avoid

Few moments can unsettle like receiving official correspondence from the IRS or your state tax agency.

The formal letterhead.
The legal jargon.
The unshakeable feeling that something might be amiss.

Before reacting, take a moment to breathe.

Often, the anxiety surrounding IRS and state tax notifications is less about the notice itself and more about the initial reaction to it.

Here’s our expert guide on what not to do if you get a tax notice—and why it pays to tread carefully.

Don’t Assume You’re in Trouble

Each year, tax agencies dispatch millions of notices.

Many are merely:

  • Requests for additional information

  • Notifications of automated discrepancies

  • Inquiries regarding missing details

  • Balance alerts that overlook recent transactions

A notice isn’t necessarily an accusation. Often, it’s a form letter requesting clarification or correction.

Jumping to conclusions only amplifies stress without contributing to a resolution.

Don’t Ignore It (Even If You Wish It Would Disappear)

Disregarding a notice is a quick way to escalate a minor issue into a significant one.

Failing to respond can result in:

  • Missed deadlines

  • Extra penalties and accrued interest

  • Limited avenues for resolution

This holds true for both IRS and state agencies. Some states even proceed more swiftly and assertively than the IRS if deadlines are overlooked.

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Don’t Contact the IRS or State Agency Unprepared

This might catch some by surprise.

Calling without a comprehensive understanding of the notice can:

  • Reinforce incorrect assumptions

  • Lead to fragmented or inaccurate explanations

  • Create confusion if the matter is more intricate than it seems

Tax agencies adhere to procedures, not context. An unprepared call can complicate matters rather than clarify them.

Don’t Make a Payment to Simply “Resolve It”

This mistake is both common and costly.

Paying without verifying can mean:

  • Overpayments

  • Overlooked credits or adjustments

  • Missed chances to challenge errors

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Once a payment is processed, fixing errors can become increasingly difficult.

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Don’t Rush to File an Amended Return

Amended returns have their place, but premature responses can rebound negatively.

The process:

  • Is time-consuming

  • May prompt further scrutiny

  • Can introduce new challenges if improperly filed

Amendments should be calculated, not impulsive.

Don’t Assume This Is Solely a DIY Situation

Some notifications are straightforward. Others can be complex.

What seems like a small oversight might indicate:

  • Withholding anomalies

  • Reporting inconsistencies

  • Estimated tax oversights

  • Legacy errors affecting current filings

Tackling potential issues singlehandedly may heighten stress—especially with looming deadlines and enforcement schedules.

What Steps to Take

The ideal response generally begins with three steps:

  1. Thoroughly review the notice

  2. Ascertain exactly what’s being requested

  3. Provide a timely and precise response

Guidance can make this process significantly easier, particularly when the emotional stakes are high.

The Takeaway

Receiving notification from the IRS or your state tax agency is unnerving—but it needn't be overwhelming.

Challenges often arise not from the letter itself but from panic, assumptions, or hasty actions.

If you’ve received a tax notice, reach out to our team at TaxxGuy LLC before reacting. As current clients, involving us early enables a comprehensive review, confirming what’s required and helping resolve the situation with minimal stress.

Disclaimer

This article is for instructional purposes only and doesn't constitute legal advice. Tax notices vary, and individual situations are unique. For legal consultation, seek a qualified attorney. For tax notice assistance, contact your tax professional.

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