Identify the notice.
IRS correspondence can concern a balance, a refund adjustment, a question about a return, an identity check, or a processing issue. The CP or LTR number is usually in the upper-right corner and can be searched on IRS.gov.
Official resource: IRS: Understanding your notice or letter
Make a short reading checklist.
This checklist is a reading aid. It does not interpret a particular notice, and selections are not sent or saved by this website.
Follow the instructions that apply.
The IRS says to take the requested action if you agree. If you disagree, follow the dispute instructions and supply relevant copies. Responding by the deadline protects appeal rights. Some letters do not require a reply unless they specifically ask for one.
A referral call does not change a deadline. Use the response instructions printed in the notice. Ask a qualified professional about any uncertainty specific to your letter.
Check a suspicious letter with the IRS.
If a notice does not appear in its search or looks suspicious, the IRS directs taxpayers to contact it at 800-829-1040. The referral number on this website is separate from that government contact.
Use the official IRS resource to review the current instructions. Avoid sharing identifying documents with a party you have not verified.
Official resource: IRS: Official notice search and instructions
Turn uncertainty into a clear question.
A focused opening might be: “I have a letter about this tax year. I want to understand the requested action and the response process.” You can ask about a provider’s services without supplying every personal detail at the start.
See contact and referral information