When it comes to the IRS, many people take the approach that no news is good news. And when individuals and businesses receive IRS mailings, they tend to feel panic and anxiety. Although not all IRS communications are harbingers of doom, it is still important to address them promptly and thoroughly.
In numerous cases, the IRS sends straightforward requests that an individual taxpayer can take care of with relative ease. Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s easy to forget a name or an account number on tax forms. In these cases, it is a simple fix to respond with the requested information.
In other situations, the taxpayer miscalculated. Fortunately, math mistakes can be remedied by submitting a corrected tax form, along with any additional funds due.

When a Notice Is Serious

In some situations, an IRS communication identifies a more complex problem. In these cases, it may be important that you not proceed alone. Trying to handle a complicated tax matter on your own can result in costly mistakes. It’s also important to remember that the IRS isn’t always correct. As a huge federal agency that oversees millions of taxpayers, the IRS is quite capable of getting things wrong.
If you believe that an IRS communication was sent in error, you may need to produce compelling evidence that shows why its information is incorrect. You will also want to be very careful if you decide to speak with the IRS directly. Choose carefully – frequently you are better off having a lawyer speak for you or at least monitor your communications. Evidence on which the IRS/U.S. Attorneys rely in tax prosecutions often comes from the taxpayers themselves. The IRS will jump at the opportunity to introduce your communications with government representatives as evidence of tax evasion or other crimes, or in support of a civil fraud penalty.
Bottom line: You don’t need to be nervous when you get an IRS notice in the mail, but you do need to be very thoughtful and careful.