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Received a Tax Notice? Here’s What to Avoid

Few situations trigger anxiety as quickly as discovering an official envelope from the IRS or your state tax authority in your mailbox. The agency’s logo, the legal jargon, and the uneasy feeling that something has gone amiss all conspire to increase your stress levels.

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Before reacting hastily, take a moment to breathe. Most of the stress around IRS and state tax letters stems from immediate reactions. Hasty decisions can lead to complications.

Here's a guide on what not to do when you receive a tax notice—and why exercising patience is crucial.

Don’t Presume You’re Immediately at Fault

Each year, tax agencies send millions of communications. Often, these are mere:

  • Requests for additional information

  • Notifications of mismatches

  • Requests for missing details

  • Balance reminders not updated with recent payments

A notice is not necessarily an accusation. Frequently, it is an automated request for verification. Jumping to conclusions can foster anxiety without addressing the core issue.

Avoid Ignoring the Notice (Hoping It Fades Away)

Disregarding a notice can swiftly escalate a minor issue into a significant one. Responses that go unaddressed can lead to:

  • Missed deadlines for response

  • Additional penalties and interest

  • Limited options for resolution

This advice applies to both IRS and state entities. In fact, state agencies may operate more swiftly and enforce actions more aggressively if deadlines are missed.

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Avoid Unplanned Calls to Tax Agencies

Surprisingly, calling without full understanding can:

  • Reinforce incorrect assumptions

  • Result in incomplete or inconsistent responses

  • Add confusion if the situation is complex

Since tax authorities follow strict procedures, uninformed calls may complicate matters rather than clarify them.

Avoid Sending Payments Impulsively

A common and costly misstep involves paying to resolve the notice without verification. This can lead to:

  • Overpayments

  • Overlooked credits or adjustments

  • Missed chances to contest erroneous claims

Correcting an erroneous payment is often more challenging than addressing the original notice.

Don’t Rush to File an Amended Return

Although amended returns serve their purpose, they can backfire if filed prematurely. They often:

  • Require significant processing time

  • May trigger further review

  • Could introduce new issues if mishandled

Strategic planning should guide amendments, not a spontaneous reaction.

Don’t Assume It’s a DIY Task

Some notices are straightforward; others aren’t.

Minor notices can sometimes indicate:

  • Withholding discrepancies

  • Mismatches in reported figures

  • Problems with estimated taxes

  • Errors from previous years impacting current filings

Handling it all independently can add undue stress, especially with looming deadlines and enforcement actions.

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The Proper Response Strategy

An appropriate response usually involves:

  1. Thoroughly reading the notice

  2. Understanding the agency's actual requests

  3. Providing accurate, timely responses

It is significantly less daunting with professional guidance, notably when you're feeling emotional.

The Conclusion

Although receiving a tax notice can be unsettling, it doesn’t have to be daunting. Most challenges arise not from the notice itself, but from panic, assumptions, or quick reactions.

If you’ve received a tax notice, contact our firm before responding. As a current client, bringing us into the loop early enables us to review the notice, verify the demands, and assist in resolving the issue with minimal stress.

Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as general educational material only. It does not constitute legal advice. Tax notices vary with circumstances; for legal advice, engage a qualified attorney. For assistance with IRS or state tax notices, contact your tax advisor.

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