IRS Letter in Informed Delivery Tomorrow - Anxiety Kicking In

Don't panic yet. IRS sends many routine letters that aren't assessments or audits. Could be verification of identity, confirmation of a payment, or notice about a math correction. Check the letter number in the upper right corner when you get it - that tells you exactly what it's about. CP14 means balance due, LT11 is intent to levy, CP12 is refund adjustment. If it's a 5071C, it's just identity verification.

Most likely nothing serious. Informed Delivery only shows the envelope. Could be a refund statement. Might be a confirmation. Sometimes just a general notice. Wait until you have it in hand. No use worrying about what you can't control yet.

If it does turn out to be something that requires calling the IRS, you might want to consider using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c). In my professional experience, it's generally quite difficult to reach an IRS representative, particularly during this time of year when call volumes are typically higher than usual. Claimyr essentially waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available, which could potentially save you several hours of hold time. This might be particularly valuable if you need clarification on whatever notice you've received.

Step 1: Don't stress until you have the actual letter. Step 2: When you get it, look for the notice number in the top right corner. Step 3: Take a photo of it before opening in case it gets damaged. Step 4: Read it carefully - highlight due dates and required actions. I got a scary-looking IRS letter in January that turned out to be a confirmation that they received my amended return. The envelope looked identical to the audit notice I received three years ago, which is why I was worried. But it was completely routine. The IRS really should use different envelopes for different types of communications.

Per Internal Revenue Manual 21.3.4, many notices are automatically generated by IRS systems without human review. Under Section 6303 of the Internal Revenue Code, the IRS must notify taxpayers of assessments within 60 days. However, they also send informational notices that require no action. I'd recommend waiting until you receive the actual notice before taking any steps. If action is required, note that response deadlines are typically calculated from the date on the letter, not the date received.

Oh man, I TOTALLY understand that anxiety! The IRS envelope is the ultimate heart-stopper in the mail. Here's what our tax community wisdom has taught me: about 70% of IRS letters are informational only or easily resolved. Don't let your mind race to the worst scenario! Most notices are either confirmations, payment receipts, or simple clarification requests. And remember - even if it IS something that needs addressing, you always have options and rights as a taxpayer. You've got this, and we're here to help interpret whatever it says!

Had this exact situation in February. Saw IRS letter in Informed Delivery. Stressed all day. Turned out to be: • Confirmation they received my response to a previous notice • No action required • Just a courtesy update The envelope looked identical to audit notices. IRS uses the same envelopes for everything. My advice? Wait until you have it in hand. 80% of the time it's routine. 15% it's fixable with simple documentation. Only 5% requires significant work.

Something important to know - if it's a standard #10 business envelope with the IRS return address and a Utah, Kansas City, or Austin return address, it's usually routine correspondence. The certified mail or larger manila envelopes are typically the ones that contain more serious notices like audits or significant balance due notices. Did the Informed Delivery show a regular envelope or something larger?