There are several reasons the IRS sends a letter certified mail: to notify you of back taxes owed; to inform you that a lien is being placed against you; to inform you that you're being audited. (Btw, the IRS will NEVER contact you by phone; that's a scam, pure and simple.)
Certified mail is used whenever the sender believes they may have to prove that they sent out a piece of mail. If the sender has also paid to get your signature, then they believe they may have to prove that you got the mail.
The IRS uses certified mail as a critical communication tool to ensure important tax notices are officially delivered. This process provides tracking and proof of delivery, confirming that taxpayers are informed and can respond appropriately.
An IRS audit letter typically contains the taxpayer's name, tax ID number, contact information, and a request for additional documentation to support claims on the tax return. It may also include the name of the IRS officer handling the case and invite the taxpayer to a meeting.
The IRS is a government agency and the audit letter is sent by certified mail. It is important to respond within the time frame indicated. Consulting with a tax professional is recommended to understand the specific issues and provide accurate information.
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.
The IRS will issue these balance due notices and letters in gradual stages in 2024 to ensure taxpayers who have questions or need help are able to reach an IRS assistor. This will also provide additional time for tax professionals assisting taxpayers.
You can find out who sent the letter by calling the number on the slip that was left and giving the USPS service agent the delivery number on the slip. . They will tell you the name of the company or person and the address.
Certified Mail® is a mail service from the United States Postal Service (USPS) that provides proof of mailing as well as proof of delivery. The service is used by individuals, businesses, and government entities at the local, state, and federal levels.
It's Usually Best Not to Refuse Certified Mail
Tax notices, evictions, and or being summoned to court are all things that won't go away just because you refuse Certified Mail.
Signature requirement: A certified letter isn't left in someone's mailbox. It requires a signature as a record of delivery and will be returned if not accepted by the intended recipient. Electronic delivery: The final component of IRS-certified mail is electronic delivery tracking.
You might be on the receiving end of such correspondence for several reasons. It could be anything from official documents to government notices or even personal letters mailed with urgency. The sender might have chosen Certified Mail for added security and proof of delivery, making it all the more intriguing.
A certified document is one that the original issuing agency provides and certifies as an exact copy of the original document and contains an official stamped seal from the Agency. These documents will be accepted.
The IRS won't call, text or contact you via social media to demand immediate tax payment. We begin with a letter in the mail and explain how you can appeal or question what you owe. If you're unsure whether you owe money to the IRS, you can view your tax account information on IRS.gov. Beware of phone scams.
A wide variety of sensitive, legal, or official documents are often sent as certified letters. The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) often sends documents via Certified Mail, including audit notices, Notices of Deficiency, and Notices of Intent to Levy.
They are likely attempting to either serve you with notice of some legal action or deliver a judgment in a legal action. If you have been evicted, gotten into a wreck, or owe someone money, it is probably a summons. Or it could possibly be a jury duty notice. The only way to know for sure is to pick up the letter.
Certified Mail service provides date and time of delivery or attempted delivery when you access www.usps.com (under “Quick Tools,” click on Tracking) or call toll-free 800-222-1811.
IRS collection actions: When the IRS initiates collection activities for unpaid federal taxes, certified letters are sent to notify taxpayers of the actions being taken. This may include notices of liens, levies, or other enforcement actions.
Getting a letter from the IRS can make some taxpayers nervous – but there's no need to panic. The IRS sends notices and letters when it needs to ask a question about a taxpayer's tax return, let them know about a change to their account or request a payment.
Should your account be selected for audit, we will notify you by mail. We won't initiate an audit by telephone. Assistance is available to help you understand the letter/notice received: Understanding your IRS notice or letter.
6 years - If you don't report income that you should have reported, and it's more than 25% of the gross income shown on the return, or it's attributable to foreign financial assets and is more than $5,000, the time to assess tax is 6 years from the date you filed the return.
Characteristics of an Official IRS Audit Letter
Within this envelope, you'll find crucial details such as your name, taxpayer identification number (usually your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number), the tax year being audited, and a unique notice or identification number specific to your case.