Why would the IRS send you a letter?
The first (and main) way the IRS will contact you is by sending a letter or notice in the mail. The IRS might send you a letter for many different reasons, such as:
- You owe the IRS money
- Your tax return requires corrections
- Your tax return is delayed
- The IRS has a question about your tax return
- Your tax refund has changed
- The IRS needs to verify your identity
Nicole Rosen, an enrolled agent at Boundless Advisors in Chickasha, Oklahoma, said that some IRS letters are informational only. The IRS might send a letter to let a taxpayer know a specific action was taken, but it won’t ask for a response.
What to do if the IRS sends you a letter
If you receive a letter from the IRS, follow these steps:
1. Make sure the letter isn’t a scam
The IRS will mainly contact you via a letter in the mail, but it’s still a good idea to confirm that the letter isn’t a scam. An IRS scam letter might be angry or threatening, or demand immediate payment information. Legitimate IRS letters are objective in tone and will give you options to appeal or inquire further.
You can confirm an IRS letter is legitimate by logging in to your secure IRS online account to see if the letter is on file or by contacting IRS customer service at 800-829-1040.
If you receive a collection notice from a private collection agency, you can confirm it’s legitimate by making sure it has the same taxpayer authentication number as the notice the IRS already sent to you (Notice CP40). Notice CP40 should also list the specific collection agency assigned to your case. The IRS currently works with three private collection agencies: CBE Group, Coast Professional and ConServe.
» MORE: Tax relief scams: what to look out for
2. Read the letter carefully
Once you’ve confirmed the letter is real, read it carefully and make sure you understand what it’s asking of you. You should check the tax year and whether the notice relates to the most recent tax return. Note if you need to respond to the letter or take action by a specific date. Doing so can help you avoid any penalties and preserve your right to appeal.
How to look up your IRS notice or letter
If you want to learn more about what a specific type of IRS notice or letter means, you can search for the topic on the IRS’s website by typing it into the search bar. You can also search for it by the CP or LTR number listed in the right corner of the letter.
If the letter doesn’t explicitly ask for a response, no response is required. Also, be sure to keep a copy of the letter for your records.
» MORE: What is an IRS levy?
3. Take action
If you need to respond to the letter, make sure you follow any instructions listed if you agree with the decision. If you disagree with the IRS notice, you can dispute it by following the instructions listed in the letter. You’ll generally have 30 days to respond, and should expect a response from the IRS within 30 days.
“If you disagree, then read through the letter a second time and find out the time frame for sending a response,” Rosen said. “Make sure you send that response within that time frame. Send it how the IRS asks for it, and if you mail it, send it with tracking.”
If you owe money, pay it promptly to avoid accumulating penalties and interest. If you’re unable to pay, you might qualify for an offer in compromise or a payment plan. If you have any questions, contact the IRS directly or someone who is credentialed, such as an enrolled agent or tax lawyer.
» MORE: How to file back taxes
When to see a qualified tax professional
If you want to dispute the IRS notice, have a complex tax situation or are experiencing financial hardship, you may need to contact a qualified tax professional. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) are independent organizations that provide free or low-cost assistance for taxpayers dealing with audits, appeals or disputes. Similarly, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) offers free services for qualifying taxpayers facing issues with the IRS.
Some tax attorneys specialize in working through IRS problems. You can search for qualified tax professionals in your area if you need help resolving a dispute or managing an audit from the IRS.
FAQ
What happens if you ignore a letter from the IRS?
If you don’t respond, or if you respond incorrectly, there’s a good chance the IRS will send a tax bill that includes penalties and interest. It’s best to respond to an IRS letter immediately (if required) and take action before the deadline listed.
» MORE:What if you don't pay taxes?
How can you avoid getting letters from the IRS?
The best way to avoid getting letters from the IRS is to file your tax returns accurately and on time. One of the most common reasons you might get a letter from the IRS is if there’s a mistake on your tax return. Make sure to review your tax returns carefully for errors before filing.
» THE MORE YOU KNOW: What triggers IRS audits?
Are there free or low-cost taxpayer assistance resources?
There are several free taxpayer assistance resources available. There are educational resources available on the IRS’s website, and you can also call or get in-person help at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. There’s also the Taxpayer Advocate Service, which is an independent organization within the IRS that offers tax help by phone or in person.
Bottom line
Receiving a letter from the IRS can be intimidating. However, understanding why it was sent can help put your mind at ease. Knowing how to respond appropriately is essential in order to avoid further issues down the road, such as penalties and interest payments on overdue taxes.
If you feel overwhelmed by a letter from the IRS, contact the IRS directly for help understanding your case or else contact a qualified tax professional who can review your case and help guide you through the process.
» MORE: Best tax relief companies
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- IRS, “Recognize Tax Scams and Fraud.” Accessed June 17, 2026.
- IRS, “Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter.” Accessed June 17, 2026.
- IRS, “How To Know It's the IRS.” Accessed June 17, 2026.
- IRS, “Ways To Tell if the IRS Is Reaching Out or if It’s a Scammer.” Accessed June 17, 2026.
- IRS, “Private Debt Collection.” Accessed June 17, 2026.
- IRS, “Low Income Taxpayer Clinics,” Accessed June 17, 2026.
- Taxpayer Advocate Service, “Contact TAS.” Accessed June 17, 2026.
