A Notice
A notice often asks you to do one thing:
- Confirm or explain information
- Send a missing document
- Pay a balance due
- File a missing return
Read it first: the notice names the agency, the tax period and the date to respond by.
Tax notice support
Respond to Tax Notices
Respond to Tax Notices
With an Organized Plan
A tax notice is not always an audit. We help you read it, gather the records it asks for and plan your response before the deadline.
- Notice review
- Records
- Timeline
- Next steps
Quick answer
Received an IRS or State Tax Notice?
A tax notice does not always mean the same thing as an audit. The right response depends on the agency, the notice type, the tax period and the issue. Keep the notice, gather the supporting records and respond through the correct process.
- Keep the notice
- Note the deadline
- Gather your records
How it works
Notice Support in Four Steps
A calm, organized path from the letter to your response.
Start before the deadline
Step 1 of 4
An Audit
An audit is a closer look at a return:
- A review of items on a return
- Requests for supporting records
- Can be handled by mail
- May change the amount owed
Not every notice is an audit. Reading it first tells you which one you have.
Common Reasons a Notice Arrives
The exact wording depends on the agency, so bring us the notice itself.
- A balance due
- Information that does not match
- A missing return
- Payroll tax
- Sales tax
- A state agency notice
What We Do
We help you read the notice, gather records, build a response timeline and prepare organized materials. We coordinate next steps with the appropriate tax professional when your matter needs one. We do not promise any outcome.
What Needs an Authorized Professional
Speaking for you before the IRS or a state agency, or signing a power of attorney, can only be done by authorized professionals such as attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled agents. If your matter needs representation, we will say so.
After the notice
Bookkeeping
Fix the Cause, Not Just the Letter
Once a notice is answered, we can help you bring your books and filings up to date so the same issue does not come back.
What Should You Gather?
Start with the notice, then these.
- The noticeThe letter, its pages and any envelope
- Prior returnsThe return the notice is about
- Bank and cardStatements for the tax period
- BooksLedger, income and expense reports
- Receipts and invoicesSupport for items on the return
- PayrollPayroll reports and tax deposits
- Proof of paymentConfirmations of taxes already paid
- Earlier lettersEarlier notices and your replies
- AgreementsContracts or leases behind the items
Client portal
See the Client Portal
Keep Notices and Responses Together
The notice, its deadline and your records in one place. Select a tile to see what it shows.
Tax notice Example
- Received
- Reviewed
- Records
- Response
- Closed
Action Required: See notices that need an answer and the date to respond by.
FAQ
View All FAQs
Tax Audit and Notice Support Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tax notice the same as an audit?
No. A tax notice does not always mean the same thing as an audit. The right response depends on the agency, the notice type, the tax period and the issue.
What should I do first if I receive an IRS notice?
Keep the notice and supporting documents, identify the response deadline and obtain qualified tax help if you are unsure how to respond.
How long do I have to respond?
The response deadline is printed on the notice, and it differs by notice type. Do not wait: contact us as soon as you receive a notice so there is time to gather your records.
What records will I need?
It depends on the notice. Common items include the notice itself, the return it covers, bank and card statements, your books, receipts and invoices, payroll reports and proof of payments.
Can you speak to the IRS or a state agency for me?
Speaking for you before a tax authority can only be done by authorized professionals, such as attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled agents. We organize your records and response and coordinate with the appropriate professional when your matter needs one.
What happens after an audit?
An audit can end with no change, a change to your return or an amount owed. Afterward, you may need to update your books, adjust your filings or change how you plan your payments.
Does this service guarantee a result?
No. We help you understand the notice, organize your records and plan your response. We cannot promise how an agency will decide.
How much does tax notice support cost?
It depends on the type of notice, the tax periods involved and how many records need to be organized. Your price is shown to you before you start.
Related services
Connect This With the Rest of Your Tax Work
Business Tax ReturnsReturn preparation for your company.Business Tax Returns
Personal Tax ReturnIndividual returns for business owners.Personal Tax Return
BookkeepingRecords that are ready when a notice arrives.Bookkeeping
Business ComplianceKeep state and tax deadlines in one place.Business Compliance
Tax & AccountingThe overview of our tax services.Tax & Accounting
Sales TaxRegistration and filing support by state.Sales Tax
Related reading: Annual Report Deadlines LLC Checklist
Received a Tax Notice?
Keep the notice and send it to us. We’ll help you understand what it asks for, gather the records and plan your response.
Response deadlines are printed on the notice itself.