These answers are starting points. The complete document, tax period, account record, current official instructions, and procedural stage determine what comes next.
Build the file before choosing a conclusion
Keep the notice and envelope, write a one-page timeline, pull the relevant return and transcript, reconcile payments and withholding, and list what is agreed, disputed, missing, or urgent. Preserve objective delivery proof for every response.
Use the focused libraries
Notice library
Find a notice or letter number and the records commonly needed to verify it.
Audit library
Prepare evidence for correspondence, office, field, business, and issue-specific examinations.
Collection library
Separate balances, liens, levies, hardship, payment, and appeal questions.
Printable checklists
Track documents, dates, actions, delivery, and follow-up without transmitting entries.
Questions readers often ask
Is every IRS notice an audit?
No. Many notices concern account math, payments, refunds, information matching, identity verification, missing returns, or collection. Identify the notice number and requested action first.
What should I do first after receiving an IRS letter?
Keep every page and the envelope, identify the tax period and requested action, write down the response date, and compare the IRS figures with the return, transcript, and payment records.
How do I know whether an IRS balance is correct?
Reconcile the assessment, payments, credits, penalties, interest, amended returns, and adjustments by tax period. An account transcript and proof of payment are often useful starting records.
Can I rely on a website to calculate a Tax Court or appeal deadline?
No. Use the controlling document and current official instructions. Obtain qualified help promptly when a petition, hearing, or appeal date may apply.
What records should I send in an audit?
Send records that answer the identified return item or document request, organized through an exhibit index. Do not assume that unrelated records or a broad personal narrative will help.
Does this site receive private tax records?
No. It has no case intake, account, upload, or secure client portal. Do not send returns, notices, transcripts, Social Security numbers, bank records, payroll files, or identity documents.
Who can represent a taxpayer before the IRS?
Attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents generally have unlimited practice rights, subject to current standing and governing rules. Verify the credential and experience needed for the exact matter.
Where can I look for low-cost or independent help?
Check the Taxpayer Advocate Service for qualifying hardship or IRS system problems and the current Low Income Taxpayer Clinic directory for clinics subject to eligibility and capacity.
Official sources to verify
Rules, forms, addresses, thresholds, and deadlines can change. Check the current official page and the instructions printed on your own document before acting.
- IRS notices and lettersOfficial government, court, or taxpayer-assistance source.
- IRS auditsOfficial government, court, or taxpayer-assistance source.
- IRS Topic 201: the collection processOfficial government, court, or taxpayer-assistance source.
- Taxpayer Bill of RightsOfficial government, court, or taxpayer-assistance source.
- Taxpayer Advocate ServiceOfficial government, court, or taxpayer-assistance source.
- Get an IRS tax transcriptOfficial government, court, or taxpayer-assistance source.