What To Do If You Receive an IRS Notice or Letter

What To Do If You Receive an IRS Notice or Letter

Receiving a letter from the IRS can feel stressful, but many IRS notices are routine and can often be resolved quickly when handled properly. The IRS sends notices and letters for many reasons, including questions about a tax return, requests for additional information, account changes, identity verification, or balances due.



If you receive any IRS notice or IRS letter, Barklee Financial Group recommends uploading a copy to your secure client portal as soon as possible — even if you believe the issue has already been resolved.

 Why Did the IRS Send Me a Notice?

The IRS may send notices or letters for several reasons, including:

  • A balance due
  • Changes made to your tax return
  • Requests for supporting documentation
  • Identity verification
  • Questions regarding reported income
  • Payment reminders
  • Penalties or interest charges

Many IRS notices are informational and do not necessarily mean you are being audited.


What To Do If You Receive an IRS Notice

Review the notice completely before taking action. Pay close attention to:

  • The notice or letter number
  • The tax year involved
  • Any response deadlines
  • Instructions provided by the IRS
  • Compare the Notice to Your Tax Return
  • Review the IRS notice alongside your filed tax return and supporting documents to determine what triggered the correspondence.


Upload the Notice to Your Barklee Client Portal

  • We strongly encourage clients to upload any IRS notice or letter to their secure Barklee portal promptly so our team can review the issue and help determine next steps.


Respond Promptly If Required

  • Some IRS notices require action while others are informational only. If the IRS requests documentation or a response, make sure deadlines are not missed.
  • If you disagree with the notice, you may need to provide written documentation supporting your position.


Keep Copies for Your Records

  • Retain copies of all IRS correspondence, responses, and supporting documentation related to the notice.


Watch for IRS Scams and Fraud

  • IRS scams continue to increase each year. Remember:
  • The IRS generally initiates contact through mailed correspondence
  • The IRS does not contact taxpayers through social media or text messages
  • Be cautious of urgent payment demands or threats

If you are unsure whether an IRS letter is legitimate, contact Barklee Financial Group before responding.


Need Help Understanding an IRS Notice?

If you receive an IRS notice, IRS letter, CP2000 notice, or balance due notice and are unsure how to proceed, Barklee Financial Group can help review the correspondence and guide you through the next steps.

For additional information directly from the IRS, visit:

Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter