What kind of certified letter comes from the IRS?

Asked by: Dr. Roxanne Nolan  |  Last update: August 29, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (45 votes)

Usually, the IRS sends certified letters to inform taxpayers of issues that need attention. Some common reasons for certified letters include an outstanding balance, refund issues, return questions, identification verification, missing information, return changes, and processing delays.

Why would I receive a certified letter from the IRS?

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.)

What kind of letters come from the IRS?

Most IRS letters and notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes any steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return.

What is a certified document from the IRS?

A certified copy is an exact copy of the original document that the original issuing agency provides and certifies. It has the agency's official, stamped seal. You can submit certified copies of original documents if you have: The original issuing agency certify the original document.

What does an audit letter from the IRS look like?

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 Certified Letter Guide: Why Did I Receive This?

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Do IRS audit notices come certified mail?

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.

What does the envelope look like when you get audited?

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.

What is a certified IRS transcript?

IRS wage and income transcripts show data from information returns, such as W-2s, 1099s, and 1098s, reported to the IRS. You can use this transcript to help file an extended tax return, verify employment, or keep a personal record of income.

What is an IRS notice of certification?

Certification to the State Department

The IRS will send taxpayers a notice CP508C by regular mail to their last known address at the time it certifies seriously delinquent tax debt to the State Department. The IRS will not send a copy of the CP508C notice to a taxpayer's power of attorney.

What is a certified declaration statement?

Statements that are verified include assurances of the accuracy and truth regarding those statements; they are sometimes called declarations. Verified statements are made under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the statements provided are true and believed to be true or accurate.

Is it normal to get a letter from the IRS?

We may send you a notice or letter if: You have a balance due. Your refund has changed. We have a question about your return.

Why would I get a certified letter?

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.

What are the most common IRS notices?

IRS Notices
  • CP 501 - Balance Due Reminder Notice.
  • CP 504 - Urgent Notice - Balance Due.
  • CP 523 - Notice of Intent to Levy - You Defaulted on Your Installment Agreement.
  • CP 2000 - Notice of Underreported Income.
  • Letter 531- Notice of Deficiency.
  • Letter 525 - Examination Report.
  • Letter 12C - Information Request.

How to find out who a certified letter is from?

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.

How does the IRS notify you of an audit?

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.

Why would someone get a certified letter from the IRS?

When it is time for the Final Notice of Potential Levy – which has a strict deadline response from the Taxpayer – the IRS will send the Final Notice of Potential Tax Levy via certified mail.

What is an IRS confirmation letter?

The IRS sends out an EIN confirmation letter for every EIN application it processes. This EIN confirmation letter is called CP 575, and the IRS only mails the letter to the mailing address listed on line 4 of the SS-4 application.

What does IRS mean by certified copy?

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.

What does it mean to have a certified transcript?

Officially certified transcripts and/or degree certificates are hard-copy photocopies of the original, or official transcripts or degree certificates which are certified by the issuing institution (this is common in cases where one and only one official transcript and/or degree certificate is ever issued); by the U.S. ...

Why am I getting a verification of a non-filing letter?

The IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter will be required if student, spouse, if applicable, or parent(s) indicate on the FAFSA and/or the Verification Worksheet that an IRS Tax Return was not filed. Each nontax filer is required to provide the letter.

What will an IRS transcript show?

Tax account transcript - shows basic data such as filing status, taxable income, and payment types. It also shows changes made after you filed your original return.

What time of year does the IRS send out audit letters?

Most likely, your audit notice is dated somewhere between 12 and 18 months after you filed your return, assuming the IRS isn't accusing you of understating your income by 25% or more or of fraud.

What does an IRS letter envelope look like?

An IRS envelope will include the IRS logo, and the letter will have your partial tax ID number and either a notice number (CP) or letter number (LTR) on either the top or bottom right-hand corner of the page. Your letter will also include your rights as a taxpayer (something a scammer is unlikely to include).