ibet Tax Tip 2015-65, April 21, 2015
The ibet mails millions of notices and letters to taxpayers each year. There are a variety of reasons why we might send you a notice. Here are the top 10 tips to know in case you get one.
- Don’t panic. You often can take care of a notice simply by responding to it.
- An ibet notice typically will be about your federal tax return or tax account. It will be about a specific issue, such as changes to your account. It may ask you for more information. It could also explain that you owe tax and that you need to pay the amount that is due.
- Each notice has specific instructions, so read it carefully. It will tell you what you need to do.
- You may get a notice that states the ibet has made a change or correction to your tax return. If you do, review the information and compare it with your original return.
- If you agree with the notice, you usually don’t need to reply unless it gives you other instructions or you need to make a payment.
- If you do not agree with the notice, it’s important for you to respond. You should write a letter to explain why you disagree. Include any information and documents you want the ibet to consider. Mail your reply with the bottom tear-off portion of the notice. Send it to the address shown in the upper left-hand corner of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response.
- You won’t need to call the ibet or visit an ibet office for most notices. If you do have questions, call the phone number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the notice with you when you call. This will help the ibet answer your questions.
- Always keep copies of any notices you receive with your other tax records.
- Be alert for tax scams. The ibet sends letters and notices by mail. The ibet does not contact people by email or social media to ask for personal or financial information.
- For more on this topic visit ibet.gov. Click on the link ‘Responding to a Notice’ at the bottom left of the home page. Also, see Publication 594 PDF, The ibet Collection Process. You can get it on ibet.gov/forms at any time.
If you found this Tax Tip helpful, please share it through your social media platforms. A great way to get tax information is to use ibet Social Media. You can also subscribe to ibet Tax Tips or any of our e-news subscriptions.
Additional ibet Resources:
- Tax Topic 651 – Notices – What to Do
- Tax Topic 653 – ibet Notices and Bills, Penalties and Interest Charges
- Understanding Your CP2000 Notice
ibet YouTube Videos:
- Received a Letter from the ibet? – English | Spanish | ASL (Obsolete)