Individual Taxpayers: Nine Things to Do When an IRS Letter Arrives

The IRS mails millions of letters to taxpayers every year for many reasons. Here are Nine suggestions on how individuals can handle a letter or notice from the IRS:

1. Don’t panic. Simply responding will take care of most IRS letters and notices.
2. Read the entire letter carefully. Most letters deal with a specific issue and provide specific instructions on what to do.
3. Compare it with the tax return. If a letter indicates a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with their original return.
4. Only reply if necessary. There is usually no need to reply to a letter unless specifically instructed to do so, or to make a payment.
5. Respond timely. Taxpayers should respond to a letter with which they do not agree. They should mail a letter explaining why they disagree. They should mail their response to the address listed at the bottom of the letter. The taxpayer should include information and documents for the IRS to consider. The taxpayer should allow at least 30 days for a response.
   
   When a specific date is listed in the letter, there are two main reasons taxpayers should respond by that date:
   • To minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
   • To preserve appeal rights if the taxpayers doesn’t agree.
     
     
6. Don’t call. For most letters, there is no need to call the IRS or make an appointment at a taxpayer assistance center. If a call seems necessary, the taxpayer can use the phone number in the upper right-hand corner of the letter. They should have a copy of the tax return and letter on hand when calling. 
7. Keep the letter. A taxpayer should keep copies of any IRS letters or notices received with their tax records.  
8. Contact your preparer.  If you had your tax return prepared by a paid preparer, contact them. They should assist you with any problems with a return they prepared. 
9. Contact an Enrolled Agent (EA) If you didn't have a preparer, you may want to contact an Enrolled Agent (EA). EAs are the only federally licensed tax professionals who also have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. To find an EA in your area http://taxexperts.naea.org/.

IRS has Resources for Veterans, Current Members of the Military

---

As the nation prepares to celebrate Veterans Day, the IRS reminds them that they may be eligible for certain tax benefits. There are also tax benefits that can affect current members of the military.

The IRS has resources for both these groups. The following tools will help military members and veterans navigate tax issues:

Resources for veterans

• Frequently asked questions about veteran employment and retirement plan benefits. These include information about the re-employment of veterans and the restoration of retirement plan benefits.
• The Resources for Disabled Veterans page features links to resources geared to this audience: ◦Where to get free help in preparing income tax returns.
• Access to IRS forms and publications in formats accessible for people with disabilities.

Resources for current members of the military

• The Tax Information for Members of the Military page on IRS.gov includes resources geared to several groups: ◦Current and former military personnel.
• Those serving in a combat zone.
• Disabled veterans.
• Publication 3, Armed Forces Tax Guide covers special situations of active members of the Armed Forces, including: ◦Travel expenses of Armed Forces Reservists.
• IRA contribution rules for members of the military serving in combat zones.
• Rules for members of the Armed Forces deducting moving expenses.
• The Tax Exclusion for Combat Service page highlights information for members of the military who serve in a combat zone.
• The Notifying the IRS by E-mail about Combat Zone Service page includes information about the steps that someone serving in a combat zone follows to notify the IRS about their service.