What to Do If You Get a Letter from the IRS: Your Complete Guide to Responding Quickly and Correctly

No one likes getting mail from the IRS. The moment you see that official envelope in your mailbox, your heart might skip a beat. But before you panic or assume the worst, it’s important to understand what these letters actually mean and what to do next. The truth is, IRS letters are surprisingly common and, in many cases, not nearly as serious as people fear. Still, it’s critical to handle them the right way.

So, what should you do if you get a letter from the IRS?

First, open it. A lot of people set it aside, intending to deal with it later, but delaying can make the situation worse. IRS notices usually include deadlines, and missing them could lead to additional penalties or limited options for response. It might be tempting to ignore it, but the sooner you open and read the letter, the better.

Once you’ve opened it, take your time reading the letter carefully. Most IRS letters will clearly state why they’re contacting you. It might be something simple, like a request for more information, or it could be a notice about a change to your tax return. Every IRS notice has a specific code in the top or bottom corner that indicates what type of issue it’s about. Some of the most common ones include letters about underreported income, math errors, missing forms, or requests to verify your identity.

The next step is to compare the letter with the tax return you originally filed. If the IRS says you owe more money or that they’ve made a change to your return, don’t automatically assume they’re right. Mistakes happen. Take a moment to review your return and the documents you submitted. Look at the numbers the IRS is questioning and see if they actually match your records. If you don’t understand what’s being asked, it’s okay to ask for help.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is paying the amount requested without verifying it. If the IRS is saying you owe more money, make sure the amount is accurate before sending any payment. In some cases, the issue can be resolved just by submitting additional paperwork or an explanation. In other situations, you might need to amend your return. But again, don’t rush to pay — understand first, respond second.

Timing is important, though. The IRS will usually give you a deadline to respond or take action. If you miss that deadline, your options may become limited, and penalties or interest could be added to your account. Even if you need more time to gather documents, it’s better to acknowledge the letter and let the IRS know you’re working on a response rather than go silent.

It’s also worth mentioning that scams are everywhere. If you get a message claiming to be from the IRS by phone, text, or email, be cautious. The IRS almost always contacts taxpayers through official mail. If something feels off about a letter or someone is pressuring you to pay immediately over the phone, take a step back. You can always call the IRS directly using the number listed on their website to confirm whether a notice is real.

If you’re unsure about how to handle the letter or don’t feel confident reviewing it yourself, that’s where professionals can help. At QuickStart Tax, we work with clients all over the country who receive IRS letters and don’t know what to do next. Whether it’s a simple notice or something more complex like an audit request or a payment demand, we can review the letter, explain what it means, and guide you through your options. For many people, just having someone experienced on your side brings a huge sense of relief.

Getting a letter from the IRS isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it’s often just a request for clarification or a heads-up about something small. But how you respond and how quickly you respond can make all the difference. Stay calm, take the time to understand the letter, and don’t be afraid to get help if you need it.

If you’ve received a letter from the IRS and aren’t sure what to do, reach out to QuickStart Tax. We’re here to help you handle it the right way, avoid unnecessary stress, and get back to peace of mind.