What Does An IRS Audit Letter Look Like? Plus, How To Spot A Fake IRS Letter

Failure to respond can result in denial of the credits and a tax bill. For instance, if you claimed a dependent but the IRS couldn’t confirm their relationship to you, they’ll request documents like a birth certificate or custody agreement. We also specialize in unfiled taxes help and have a dedicated wage garnishment attorney who can protect your income and help you navigate your tax issues with confidence. By tax year 2026, the IRS aims to more than double the audit rates for the wealthiest taxpayers—those with incomes over $10 million. The average American taxpayer does not have this experience, which can make dealing with an IRS audit even more stressful and overwhelming. But receiving an IRS audit letter does mean you need to read everything very carefully and pay special attention to all instructions and deadlines.

Write An Audit Response Letter

The IRS will send the notice to your last known address, which is the address listed on your tax return. The IRS tries to audit tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed. Accordingly, most audits will be of returns filed within the last two years. OverviewLetters 525, General 30-Day Letter, and 915, Examination Report Transmittal, are 30-day letters you receive when the audit of your tax return results in proposed adjustments. Unreported income The IRS receives copies of irs audit your W-2s and 1099s, and their systems automatically compare this data to the amounts you report on your tax return.

• IRS examination letters are typically more comprehensive and complex.
• Learn how the team of seasoned tax professionals at Larson Tax Relief can help with speedy tax relief for individuals and businesses.
• These changes may affect the amount of tax you owe or the amount of your refund.
• The IRS typically issues audit letters within one year of filing.
• It’s a good idea to hire a tax professional if you’re selected for an IRS audit.

Get Help Responding to an Audit Notice

The IRS employee who handles correspondence audits is usually not an IRS agent. The IRS officer for correspondence audits is usually a tax compliance officer. Estimates and statements about program performance are based on historical results and specific client trial balance testimonials.

What to do if you get a letter or notice

Given the high stakes and intrusive nature of a field audit, we strongly recommend professional representation. The team at Segal, Cohen & Landis is experienced in handling even the most complex field audits. However, some audits are more complex, such as field audits of your business or audits spanning multiple years. In these cases, understanding your rights and knowing when to seek professional help is critical. You can even file your returns right through the Bookkeeping for Consultants app — and there are tax professionals standing by to support you if you do get audited.

• This removes your right to dispute the amount in Tax Court and can lead to liens or levies.
• With Taxfyle, your firm can access licensed CPAs and EAs who can prepare and review tax returns for your clients.
• Even if you determine that a letter is real, it is still best to verify its authenticity by giving the IRS a call and providing the notice and letter number.
• Read all IRS letters and notices you receive, both certified and via regular mail.

Having well-organized records will not only help you respond accurately but also demonstrate to the IRS that you are cooperative and diligent. If you do owe tax money to the IRS, a tax professional can usually help you negotiate an installment agreement so you can pay your taxes in small, affordable increments. It’s possible that the IRS may even forgive some of your liability. They know that it’s better to collect some money than no money at all.

• However, as technology has advanced, even official seals can be manipulated.
• If you are not sure what your IRS letter means and don’t know what to do about it, an experienced tax lawyer can help.
• An audit letter from the IRS will always request supporting documentation, such as receipts and other paperwork, to support the figures in your tax return.
• Collect all the documents that the IRS is asking for, such as tax forms, employment slips, receipts, bank statements, and other financial records.
• Once you’ve sent in your response, expect a minimum of 30 days before the IRS responds back (again, it will be by mail).

If your tax return is selected for audit, you will receive a notice in the mail from the IRS. They will never notify you by phone, email, or social media. You will receive IRS Letter 2202 if the IRS requests a meeting in person, typically at your regional IRS office. The IRS audit letter will also explain the audit process, including the time frame of the audit and what to expect from the IRS. It will also explain your rights as a taxpayer, such as the right to appeal the audit decision or to hire a representative.

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