Read the complete notice—but do not react to only the balance
Identify the tax year, type of tax, response deadline and reason stated for the proposed change or request. A balance at the top of the notice does not explain how the agency reached it. Keep every page, any attachments and the envelope when the mailing date may matter.
Gather the return and supporting records
- The complete notice, including blank-looking reverse pages
- The originally filed return for the year involved
- Income statements and records relevant to the adjustment
- Proof of payments, withholding or estimated taxes
- Earlier correspondence and proof of prior responses
- A current account transcript when available and appropriate
Compare before responding
Determine whether the notice reflects missing income, a payment mismatch, a calculation change, a filing-status issue, a credit adjustment or another discrepancy. Do not send unrelated records. A focused response should address the issue actually raised and retain proof of what was submitted.
Know the scope of help
AllTax can review and explain many notices, compare them with available return information, identify missing documentation and assist with an appropriate written response when the matter is within the firm’s services. Matters requiring legal advice or representation outside the firm’s authority may require referral to another qualified professional.
Send it securely
Do not attach the notice to the website contact form or ordinary email. Use the contact form only to describe the notice generally. Accepted matters receive separate instructions for providing the complete document securely.