How To Deal With IRS Computer Notices

If you have IRS problems, you could be deathly afraid your mailbox. Will I get a notice from the IRS today? Were errors found in my tax return by an IRS computer audit? Do I owe even more money to the IRS?

Information from the IRS's own records and from other sources are utilized by the IRS computer system to check tax returns and mail notices. If an error was uncovered on your tax return, you'll receive a notice about the correction, whether you are asked to pay more taxes or getting refunded (very unlikely). Penalties and interest will be included in the tax.

This example is just one of over 300 different kinds of IRS computer notices generated. The common notices are:

• Claims you didn't report all of your income: The IRS computer knows if you have reported all of your income by scanning its files and comparing your information.
• Claims you made a math or clerical error: The IRS computer analyzes your return to verify the math and clerical responses.
• Claims you failed to file your return: If a return was filed as required, the IRS computer can see it.

Don't hesitate to ask the IRS for corrections if you receive one of the 300 computer-generated IRS notices and it's wrong. Have copies of all IRS correspondence in your records.

If you got a notice and indeed owe the IRS, you have 30 days to settle before you'll start getting the "500 series", a series of IRS computer-generated bills. The "500 series" includes a reminder of your tax debt (CP-501), your immediate action is required (CP-503), and a levy will be issued if you don't reply as soon as possible (CP-504).

Darrin T. Mish is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com