Received a Tax Notice? Key Mistakes to Avoid

There's little that raises anxiety faster than an envelope stamped from the IRS or your state tax department. 

The insignia. 
The formal language. 
The uneasy feeling that there's been an error.

Before rushing to conclusions, take a deep breath. Image 3

The unease surrounding IRS and state tax notifications often stems not from the letter itself, but rather the hasty responses they provoke. Image 2

Here’s our expert guide on what not to do if you find a tax notice in your inbox—and why it pays to slow down.

Don’t Jump to Conclusions About Trouble

Tax authorities dispatch millions of notices annually. 

Many serve as:

  • Requests for further detail

  • Automated resolutions for inconsistencies

  • Follow-ups for missing data 

  • Balance updates that might not account for recent payments

A notice is not a conviction. It’s often a system-driven prompt for verification or correction. 

Jumping to negative conclusions exacerbates stress and solves little.

Do Not Ignore Notices Hoping They'll Disappear

Ignoring correspondence is a sure way to escalate minor issues. 

Unchecked notices can escalate into:

  • Missed response deadlines

  • Increased penalties and interest charges

  • Limited resolution alternatives

This holds true for both federal and state notices. Certain states may even act more swiftly and with greater enforcement than the IRS once deadlines are breached.

Avoid Contacting the IRS or Tax Agency Unprepared

Many find this counterintuitive. Image 1

Phoning agencies without fully grasping the notice can:

  • Anchor misunderstandings

  • Yield incomplete explanations

  • Complicate matters if the issue is complex

Tax departments function by protocols, not context. Rash calls can mire issues further instead of illuminating them.

Avoid Quick Payments to "Settle Things"

Making payments without due diligence is among the most common mistakes.

Paying without confirming the notice can result in:

  • Overpayments

  • Overlooking credits or adjustments

  • Forfeiting opportunities to contest inaccuracies

After a payment, correcting errors becomes significantly more complex.

Avoid Rushing to File an Amended Return

While amended returns are useful, reacting impulsively can be damaging. 

They:

  • Require processing time

  • May be subject to further scrutiny

  • Can introduce new complications if done improperly

Amendments should be strategic and well-considered.

Avoid Assuming You Can Handle This Solo

Certain notices are straightforward, others are multifaceted. 

Seemingly simple errors might actually indicate:

  • Withholding discrepancies

  • Reporting errors

  • Issues with estimated taxes

  • Errors from previous years affecting current filings

Trying to manage everything alone can be daunting—especially when deadlines and agency timelines are factors. 

Effective Steps to Take

The best course is grounded in three actions:

  1. Thoroughly read the notice

  2. Comprehend the agency's request

  3. Respond precisely and timely

Professional guidance simplifies this process, particularly when emotions are high.

The Crucial Bottom Line

Receiving an IRS or state tax notice is indeed unsettling; however, it shouldn't consume you. 

Often, issues arise not from the letter, but from knee-jerk reactions or erroneous assumptions. 

If you receive a tax notice, reach out to MJ Ahmed CPA PLLC before taking action. If you're a client, notifying us early enables us to examine the notice, ascertain the requirements, and resolve the matter with minimal stress.

Important Disclaimer

This article offers general educational insights only. It is not to be construed as legal advice. Varied tax notice situations necessitate specific approaches. Consult a qualified attorney for legal advice. For assistance with IRS or state tax notices, contact your tax accountant.

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .