The IRS letter shows an amount that looks wrong. What to do next.

In short

• Read the whole notice and find its number and date.
• If you agree, you generally do not need to reply unless the notice asks you to.
• If you disagree, follow the notice's instructions and reply by its due date with copies of your documents.
• If you think you already paid, gather your proof of payment before you do anything else.
• If you do owe it, paying as soon as you can limits penalties and interest.

Read the notice first

Find the notice number and the date on the letter. The notice number is in the right corner of the letter (IRS, Understanding your IRS notice or letter). Then read the whole letter before you compare it with anything.

If you agree

If you agree with the notice, the IRS says you do not need to reply unless it specifically asks you to (IRS, Understanding your IRS notice or letter).

If you disagree

Follow the instructions on the notice. Include your information and copies of supporting documents, and reply by the due date. The IRS puts it this way: "To guarantee your appeal rights, reply by the due date." (IRS, Understanding your IRS notice or letter)

If you think you already paid

Check your payment records. If you have proof you paid the correct amount, do not pay again. Payments may not have posted yet.

Gather proof of payment, such as canceled checks, and any amended return you filed.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service describes timing for the specific balance due notice its page covers, including when to call the number on the notice or mail your response (Taxpayer Advocate Service, What to do if you receive an IRS balance due notice for taxes you have already paid). That timing belongs to that notice type. If the IRS asks you to respond, act by the due date; to guarantee your appeal rights, reply by the due date.

If you do owe it

Pay as soon as you can to limit penalties and interest, even if you cannot pay in full (IRS, Understanding your IRS notice or letter).

See what kind of letter you have

OweRight can scan the letter and show what kind of letter it is. See a sample result.

Questions