The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account. The IRS offers several o ptions to help taxpayers who are struggling to pay a tax bill. Reply only if instructed to do so.
Most IRS letters are called “notices,” and they always contain the IRS logo. You may receive multiple letters or notices for the same issue. The letter should clearly explain the reason for contacting you and what you may need to do in response. Letters always include your rights as a taxpayer.
All genuine IRS mail will come in official government envelopes with the IRS logo on the front. If your letter comes in an envelope without that logo, or if it looks otherwise suspicious, it's most likely a fake IRS letter.
Some IRS notices are sent via certified mail, such as the Notice of Intent to Levy, while others are mailed via regular post, like changes made to your tax return. Read all IRS letters and notices you receive, both certified and via regular mail. Do not ignore any of them.
A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return. Taking timely action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
October 2023 Update – The IRS has resumed sending CP501, CP503, and CP504 collection notices in limited circumstances. The IRS has resumed sending out some automated collection notices to taxpayers with outstanding balances due.
Are all notices available online? Not all notices are available online, please continue to check your postal mail for IRS notices. You can sign up to receive email notifications when new notices are available on your profile in your online account.
When you receive an IRS audit letter, it will clearly list your full name, taxpayer/SS ID number, form number, IRS employee ID number, and IRS contact information. This letter should clearly identify the primary reason for the audit and what documents you will be expected to provide.
The IRS sends its first tax notice to collect on the balance due, normally 4 to 6 weeks after the return is electronically filed. The tax notice may be one of two forms: CP14 Balance Due Notice (see Exhibit A), for most cases.
Paper checks will arrive by mail in a white envelope from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. For those taxpayers who received their tax refund by mail, this paper check will look similar, but will be labeled as an "Economic Impact Payment" in the memo field.
The IRS performs audits by mail or in person. The notice you receive will have specific information about why your return is being examined, what documents if any they need from you, and how you should proceed. Once the IRS completes the examination, it may accept your return as filed or propose changes.
Use the U.S. Postal Service® to mail your tax return, get proof that you mailed it, and track its arrival at the IRS. The IRS considers a tax return filed on time if it is addressed correctly, has enough postage, and is postmarked by the due date.
The IRS conducts audits in two ways – by mail, or in person. This topic deals with an audit by mail – where the IRS sends you a letter explaining your tax return has been selected for examination and identifying the items under review.
Go to Identity and Tax Return Verification Service to verify your identity and tax return, if you filed one. It's quick, secure, and available 24 hours a day. You must register on the website before verifying your identity. Be sure to check the website and prepare all the documents needed to complete the registration.
The IRS audit letter will arrive via certified mail and list your full name, taxpayer ID or social security number, the form number, and the Information they are reviewing. It will also provide the IRS agent's contact information for more information or questions on the process or specific case.
In many cases, the IRS will send a letter simply asking for additional information or clarification of details listed on your tax return. An IRS audit letter will come to you by certified mail and you might notice that indicated on the IRS audit envelope.
A federal tax lien comes into being when the IRS assesses a tax against you and sends you a bill that you neglect or refuse to pay it. The IRS files a public document, the Notice of Federal Tax Lien, to alert creditors that the government has a legal right to your property.
Every year the IRS mails letters or notices to taxpayers for many different reasons. Typically, it's about a specific issue with a taxpayer's federal tax return or tax account. A notice may tell them about changes to their account or ask for more information. It could also tell them they need to make a payment.
Determining if you owe back taxes may be as simple as filing or amending a previous year's tax return. Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. You can also call the IRS to get more information on your outstanding tax bill.
“Generally, the IRS can include returns filed within the last three years in an audit. If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years. We usually don't go back more than the last six years. The IRS tries to audit tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed”
The good news is that normally the IRS sends you five letters (five for individuals and four for businesses) before actually seizing your assets.
The IRS will send the first round of refunds starting now through January 2024. If a taxpayer does not receive a refund, a special reminder notice may be sent with their updated balance beginning in early 2024. Taxpayers with questions on penalty relief can contact the IRS after March 31, 2024.
The first notice you receive will be a letter that explains the balance due and demands payment in full. It will include the amount of the tax, plus any penalties and interest accrued on your unpaid balance from the date the tax was due.