Understanding IRS Notices: What to Do When You Get a Letter From the IRS.
- Lily Tran
- Nov 11
- 1 min read
Got a Letter From the IRS? Here's What to Do
If you’ve ever received a letter from the IRS, you know that feeling, your heart skips a beat. But don’t panic. We’ll walk you through what IRS notices really mean, how to respond, and when to take action.
First, not all IRS notices are bad news. You might receive a letter for several reasons:
A balance due
A change to your return
A request for additional info
A delay in your refund
Or even confirmation of something you filed
Here’s what to look for:
Notice number in the top right corner (like CP2000, CP14, or LT11)
What the IRS says happened
What they’re asking you to do
Response deadline
Always read the entire notice carefully — don’t just go by the bolded amount.
Once you understand the notice:
If you agree with the changes, follow the instructions to pay or confirm.
If you disagree, you usually have 30 days to respond. Send documentation to support your case.
Never ignore it — interest and penalties can grow fast."
BONUS TIP:
Set up an IRS Individual Account online to view notices digitally and track payments.
Call a tax professional if:
You get a certified letter or lien notice
You don’t understand what they’re asking
You owe more than $10,000 and can’t pay
Pro tip: The earlier you act, the more options you have.
IRS notices aren’t fun, but they’re manageable when you know what to do. Drop your IRS letter questions in the comments below or schedule a complimentary phone consultation
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