Read the full notice
Identify the notice number, period, requested action and date.
IRS help
IRS Letters & Notices
For people and business owners who received unexpected tax correspondence. ASB reviews the complete notice, identifies the issue and helps organize the information needed to discuss a response. A letter does not always mean an audit or an amount you must immediately accept.
Who it is for
Anyone who has received IRS correspondence.
When this can help
A letter reports a mismatch, requests information, proposes a change or asks you to review an account issue.
Service scope
Explanation of the notice, comparison with relevant records and help organizing the agreed response. More complex disputes may require a separately confirmed engagement.
Understanding the service
Read the complete letter and identify what it asks
An IRS notice can explain a change, request information or show an account balance. Its purpose, tax year and response instructions matter. Keep every page and compare the letter with the relevant return and records rather than assuming all correspondence requires the same response.
If you already contacted the agency or sent documents, retain copies and dates. Those details help avoid reviewing the issue without its history. ASB can explain the notice and discuss the appropriate scope for organizing a response; complex disputes may need a separate engagement.
Our process
A defined process that is easy to follow
The exact scope depends on your situation. These steps show how we organize the work.
Compare the records
Review the return, payment records and earlier correspondence.
Clarify the issue
Determine what information supports an explanation or correction.
Agree on follow-up
Discuss the response and keep copies of the relevant records.
A distinct approach
What to prepare for this conversation
Your records support a focused conversation without assuming the outcome.
Every page of the notice and the envelope
Gather what is available and note any records you cannot locate.
The return referenced in the notice
Gather what is available and note any records you cannot locate.
Records of related payments
Gather what is available and note any records you cannot locate.
Prior correspondence on the same issue
Gather what is available and note any records you cannot locate.
No outcome promises: Every matter depends on its facts, records and the agency process. Specific outcomes are not guaranteed.
Common questions
IRS Letters & Notices questions
Does an IRS letter mean I am being audited?+
Not necessarily. The complete notice explains the issue and requested action.
What should I bring?+
Bring all pages, the envelope, related returns and records of payments or prior responses.
Can I ignore a notice I believe is wrong?+
Ask ASB to review it promptly. A disagreement does not remove the need to understand the notice and its response instructions.
Need help with your situation?
Let’s discuss your records, questions and next steps.