TingoTaxReceived an IRS letter? Start with these steps
Identify the notice, check its deadline and organize your response without sharing private records on social media.
Read the letter before drawing conclusions
Received an IRS envelope and unsure where to begin? A notice may request information, report a change or require action. This guide is for people receiving correspondence about federal taxes. Before paying, responding or seeking help, take a few minutes to understand exactly what the notice says.
Identify the notice and organize your records
Find the CP or LTR code and the tax year involved. Look up the notice in the official IRS search tool linked below. Have that year’s return and related records ready. Keeping the letter, supporting records and your notes together helps you review the issue without mixing different tax years.
Check the requested action and deadline
Not every letter requires a reply. If you agree, take the requested action and respond only when instructed. If the IRS corrected your return, compare the changes with your copy. Write down the deadline shown on your notice: there is no single deadline that applies to every IRS letter.
Prepare a response if you disagree
Follow the notice’s specific instructions and include the information and document copies needed to explain your position. Responding on time matters for protecting your appeal rights. Keep a copy of what you send and proof of delivery; do not assume ignoring the letter will resolve the disagreement.
Check before sharing information
If a notice looks suspicious or you cannot find it in the search tool, use official IRS channels before sending information. Avoid posting photos of the letter on social media. Published October 15, 2026. This federal guide does not replace the instructions in your notice. Follow @tingotax for clearer tax information. TingoTax is independent of the IRS.