When an IRS Letter Arrives - Guidance for Responding Safely

Sep 15, 2026

Explains how taxpayers should handle IRS letters, notices, and calls, emphasizing calm, timely and careful responses. Covers the purpose of most notices, typical reasons such as changes to accounts or payment requests, and when replying or making payments is necessary. Advises retaining copies, watching for tax scams, and avoiding direct calls to the IRS before consulting. Also outlines precautions if an IRS collection agency calls, stressing no disclosure of financial information and recognizing payment demands via prepaid cards or cash as a scam.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

When an IRS Letter Arrives

Key steps when IRS mail arrives

If the IRS Calls

Scam and collection agency precautions

From the desk of Peter S. Muffoletto, C.P.A. When an IRS Letter Arrives The IRS mails millions of notices every year to taxpayers for a variety of reasons. Below are some suggestions on how to best handle a letter or notice from the IRS: First, do not panic. Simply responding will take care of most IRS letters and notices. It is best that you let us handle all such correspondence as you do not want to say the wrong thing that we cannot fix later. Most IRS notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and provides specific instructions on what to do. A notice may likely be about changes to a taxpayers’ account, taxes owed or a payment request. Sometimes a notice may ask for more information about a specific issue or item on a tax return. Again, any response is best handled by us in your behalf. If a notice indicates a changed or corrected tax return, review the information and compare it with your original return. There is usually no need to reply to a notice unless specifically instructed to do so, or to make a payment. If such action is requested, be sure to contact us before doing so. Generally it is best not to make any telephone call to the IRS, or other taxing authority as it is more advisable to consult with us first. Always keep copies of any notices received with tax records. Be alert for tax scams. The IRS sends letters and notices by mail. IRS does not contact people by email or social media to ask for personal or financial information. If the IRS Calls The Internal Revenue Service has once again erroneously contracted with several collection agencies. Each time the IRS has done so in the past the program has ended in failure, but they are trying this approach again. If your matter has been turned over to a collection agency, you will receive a number of letters from the IRS indicating that your account has been turned over to a specifically enumerated collection agency. You may in fact receive telephone calls from that agency once your account has been turned over. The IRS has stated that only egregiously uncollectible accounts will be turned over to these collection agencies. If you do get any kind of call from any collection agency after you have been notified in writing by the IRS that your account has been turned over to an agency, call us. Do not disclose any financial information to anyone. We will handle the matter. Anyone representing the IRS will not demand payment by prepaid debit or credit card, or in cash. If someone claiming to represent the IRS asks for payment by any of the above methods, it is a scam. You may thank them for the attempt, and hang up. Do not try this at home! ______ Our emphasis at Muffoletto & Company is to provide you the proper guidance and understanding of the system so that you avoid taxes to the extent that the law allows. Should you have questions relating to these matters, tax, financial, and accounting issues, give us a call at (818) 346-2160. You can also visit us on [the web at](the web at www.petemcpa.com)[ ](the web at www.petemcpa.com)[www.petemcpa.com](the web at www.petemcpa.com)! We here at Muffoletto & Company believe that the more informed you are in regards to the rules and regulations that affect you the more we can be of service. Should you have questions relating to any tax or financial matters, or if you know of someone that could benefit from our assistance feel free in calling us at (818) 346-2160, or you can visit us on the web at [www.petemcpa.com](www.petemcpa.com)! Providing individuals, small businesses, corporations, partnerships, professionals, and other business entities with the necessary guidance and answers for a complex world. IMPORTANT NOTICE The contentsof this email and any attachments to it may contain privileged and confidential information from Muffoletto & Company. This information is only for the viewing or use of the int

FAQs

What should a taxpayer do if a collection agency calls after the IRS transferred the account?

Call the CPA if you receive a call from a collection agency after written notification. Do not disclose any financial information to anyone, and the CPA will handle the matter.

Sep 15, 2026

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