You open your mailbox and see an envelope from the Internal Revenue Service. Your stomach drops. Before you spiral into worst-case scenarios, take a breath — the vast majority of IRS notices are routine, and most can be resolved without professional representation.

First: Don't Ignore It

The single worst thing you can do with an IRS notice is ignore it. The IRS sends notices with deadlines, and missing those deadlines can turn a manageable situation into a serious one. Even if you're confused or scared, open the letter and read it carefully.

What the Notice Number Tells You

Every IRS notice has a number in the upper right corner — CP2000, CP501, LT11, etc. That number tells you exactly what the IRS is communicating. Here are the most common ones:

• CP2000: The IRS received income information that doesn't match your return — this is a proposed change, not a final bill
• CP501/CP503/CP504: Balance due notices — escalating urgency, but still resolvable
• LT11 / Letter 1058: Final notice of intent to levy — this one requires immediate action
• CP90: Notice of intent to seize assets — contact a tax professional immediately
• CP12: The IRS made a change to your return that resulted in a refund — good news!

“An IRS notice is a communication, not a verdict. Most notices are asking for information or proposing a change — not demanding immediate payment or threatening legal action.”

Your Step-by-Step Response Plan

• Read the entire notice carefully — note the notice number, the tax year in question, and the deadline
• Gather your tax return and supporting documents for the year referenced
• Determine if the IRS is correct — sometimes they are, and the fastest resolution is simply paying
• If you disagree, respond in writing with documentation before the deadline
• Keep copies of everything you send to the IRS, and send via certified mail
• If the amount is significant or the notice is complex, consult an Enrolled Agent or tax attorney

When to Get Professional Help

You should contact a tax professional immediately if you receive a notice of intent to levy, a notice of federal tax lien, or any notice related to an audit. As an Enrolled Agent, I have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS — including in audits, collections, and appeals.