Got an IRS letter? Here's what to do first.

Few things make a stomach drop like an envelope from the IRS. In online tax forums, two questions come up again and again: "What does this letter mean?" and "How do I reach an actual person?" Here's how to answer both, calmly and in order.

Step 1: Make sure it's real

The IRS starts almost every contact with a letter in the mail. It does not demand gift cards or wire transfers, and it does not threaten arrest over the phone. Every real notice has a number, usually in the top or bottom corner, like "CP2000" or "LTR 4883C." Search that number on the IRS "Understanding your IRS notice or letter" page. If it isn't listed, or anything about it feels off, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 using the number from IRS.gov, not one printed in a suspicious letter.

Step 2: Figure out what kind of letter it is

Different letters ask for very different things. The common ones:

CP2000. The income your employer or bank reported doesn't match your return. This is a proposed change. It is not a bill and it is not an audit. You can agree, partly agree, or disagree and send documentation, by the date on the notice.

CP11 or CP12. The IRS found a math error and fixed it. CP11 means you now owe; CP12 means your refund changed. If you disagree, respond by the date on the notice and the IRS will usually reverse the change. Miss that date and you lose the formal right to have it reversed.

CP14. You have a balance due. Pay it, set up a payment plan, or call if you think it's wrong.

CP501, CP503, CP504. These are follow-up reminders about unpaid tax, and each one is more serious. A CP504 is a notice of intent to levy: the IRS can take your state refund and, after more steps, wages or bank accounts. Don't let it get this far.

CP161. A balance due on a business account. If you think it's wrong, contact the IRS within 10 days of the notice date.

CP5071-series or Letter 4883C. The IRS wants to confirm your identity before processing your return. Follow the instructions on the letter exactly.

The worst thing you can do with an IRS letter is put it in a drawer.

Step 3: Respond by the date, even if you disagree

If you agree with a notice, you usually only need to reply if it asks you to. If you disagree, reply by the due date to keep your appeal rights. Keep copies of everything you send and note the date you sent it.

How to reach a real person at the IRS

The individual line is 800-829-1040, and the business line is 800-829-4933. Both run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. The IRS says waits are longest on Mondays and Tuesdays and near the April deadline. When waits run long, you may be offered a callback.

Many answers don't need a call at all. An IRS online account shows your balance, digital copies of notices, transcripts, payment history, and refund status, and lets you set up a payment plan.

Having someone handle it for you

If the letter is about an audit, a levy, or a large balance, you don't have to deal with it alone. A qualified representative, such as a CPA, enrolled agent, or attorney, can be authorized with Form 2848 to talk to the IRS on your behalf. Call us at (800) 850-5237. We'll read the letter with you for free and tell you what it actually asks for.

General information, not tax advice for your situation. Facts checked against IRS and Georgia sources as of October 2026; rules change, so confirm before acting. Sources: IRS: Understanding your notice or letter, IRS: CP2000, IRS: CP12, IRS: CP14, IRS: CP504, IRS: CP161, IRS: Let us help you (phone lines), IRS: Online account, IRS: Form 2848.