Why was I notified by the IRS?

The IRS sends notices and letters for the following reasons:

• You have a balance due.

• You are due a larger or smaller refund.

• We have a question about your tax return.

• We need to verify your identity.

• We need additional information.

• We changed your return.

• We need to notify you of delays in processing your return.

Keep a copy of your notice or letter

It’s important to keep a copy of all notices or letters with your tax records. You may need these documents at a later date.

Read

Each notice or letter contains a lot of valuable information, so it’s very important that you read it carefully. If we changed your tax return, compare the information we provided in the notice or letter with the information in your original return. 

Respond

If your notice or letter requires a response by a specific date, there are two main reasons you’ll want to comply:

• to minimize additional interest and penalty charges.

• to preserve your appeal rights if you don’t agree.

Pay

Pay as much as you can, even if you can’t pay the full amount you owe. You can pay online or apply for an Online Payment Agreement or Offer in Compromise. Visit our payments page for more information.