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The IRS Notice Decoder (PDF)*
A practical guide for taxpayers and business owners who received an IRS notice and want to understand what it means, what deadline matters, and what to do next.
What to Do Next
1. Read the guide.
Start with the sections on the four buckets of IRS notices. Your response depends on whether the notice involves a mismatch, a balance due, collection escalation, or identity verification.
2. Identify the notice number.
Look for the notice or letter number, such as CP2000, LT11, or Letter 1058. Write it down before calling the IRS or sending anything.
3. Calendar the deadline.
Do not work from memory. Find the response date, appeal deadline, or payment deadline, then calendar it immediately.
4. Gather the source documents.
Pull the notice, the tax return, W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, transcripts if available, prior notices, and payment records. The right response starts with the file.
5. Do not respond casually.
Calling the IRS before understanding the issue, sending incomplete documents, or making casual admissions can make the problem harder to resolve.
6. Schedule a consultation if the notice is serious or unclear.
If the notice involves multiple years, a large balance, LT11, Letter 1058, levy risk, lien risk, unfiled returns, payroll tax issues, or an issue you do not understand, we help taxpayers and business owners assess the notice, protect deadlines, and decide on the right next move.
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* This guide is for general educational information only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and should not be relied on as legal or tax advice for your specific situation.