Got a letter from the IRS? The worst thing you can do is set it aside.
What you need to know right now
Every IRS notice has a deadline — and the clock starts running the day it’s issued, not the day you open it. Most notices give you 30 days to respond. Some deadlines, if missed, permanently eliminate your right to dispute what the IRS is claiming. That’s not a scare tactic — it’s how the system works.
The good news: most notices are manageable. The IRS follows a rulebook — and knowing that rulebook is exactly what an Enrolled Agent is trained to do. What feels overwhelming to you is a process we’ve seen many times.
The most common mistake people make is either ignoring the notice or responding without representation. What you say to the IRS matters. Having someone who knows the rules respond on your behalf changes the outcome.
Common notices we handle
CP2000 — Proposed changes to your return
The IRS received information that doesn’t match your return and is proposing additional tax. This is not a bill — it’s a proposal, and you have the right to respond. Many people pay it without realizing they don’t have to.
CP501 / CP503 — Balance due reminders
First and second notices that a balance is owed. Urgency is increasing — these shouldn’t be ignored even if you can’t pay immediately.
CP504 — Notice of Intent to Levy
This is serious. The IRS is telling you they intend to seize assets — bank accounts, wages, state refunds. You have 30 days. Do not wait on this one.
Audit letters & exam notices
If the IRS wants to examine your return, you need representation before you respond. What you say — and how you say it — matters enormously.
Statutory Notice of Deficiency
This is the most time-sensitive notice the IRS sends. You have 90 days to petition Tax Court. Miss that window and you permanently lose the right to dispute the amount.
What happens when you call us
Bring the notice. We’ll tell you exactly what it means, what your options are, and what needs to happen next. You don’t have to figure this out alone — and you shouldn’t respond to the IRS without knowing what you’re agreeing to.