Received IRS Letter - Should I Respond Online or Call Them?

The response method depends entirely on the specific notice type you received. CP2000 notices (proposed changes) can be handled through the IRS online response portal. CP3219A notices (Statutory Notices of Deficiency) require written response by mail. CP501/CP503 (balance due reminders) don't require response unless you dispute the amount. Without knowing your exact notice number (top right corner), it's impossible to give definitive guidance. Phone lines are absolutely swamped right now with filing season in full swing.

I was in the same situation last month - got a letter asking for additional documentation for my child tax credit. I tried calling first and wasted 3 hours on hold before getting disconnected. Then I found https://taxr.ai which helped me understand exactly what my notice meant and what documents I needed to provide. It analyzed my notice and gave me step-by-step instructions on how to respond correctly. Saved me from having to take time off work to deal with the IRS phone system. Their document analyzer told me I could actually respond online for my specific notice type.

I've been through this rodeo before. Look at the notice number in the top right corner - that's your key to everything. Last year I got a CP12 and wasted days trying to call when I could have just waited. The year before that I got a CP2000 that actually required a response. Each notice type has different requirements and response options. Some can be handled online, some by phone, some by mail only. The IRS isn't exactly known for making this clear on the actual notices.

Trying to reach the IRS by phone right now is like trying to get concert tickets for a sold-out show - technically possible but practically impossible. I've had clients wait 3+ hours only to get disconnected. If you absolutely need to speak with someone, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). It's like having a FastPass at Disney World - they navigate the IRS phone tree for you and call you back when they've got an agent on the line. Generally costs less than taking half a day off work to sit on hold yourself.

Has anyone checked if the letter is actually legitimate? The IRS.gov website warns about scams that look like official notices. Before responding anywhere, I'd verify it's real by checking the notice number on the official IRS website. There are so many tax scams going around right now, especially with all the tax deadline stuff in the news.

I'm fairly certain the OP has a legitimate notice, as the IRS is currently conducting their annual post-filing verification processes. Most taxpayers with credits or deductions above certain thresholds receive some form of verification request. That said, it's always prudent to verify by checking the notice number on IRS.gov or by calling the general IRS number (not necessarily the one on the letter). In most cases, though, responding promptly through the appropriate channel is the best course of action.

Here's a methodical approach I've found works best for IRS notices: 1. First, verify the notice is legitimate by checking the notice number at IRS.gov 2. Take a clear photo or scan of the notice for your records 3. Check if your notice type qualifies for online response at IRS.gov/notices 4. If online response is available, use that (it provides confirmation receipts) 5. If mail is required, send via certified mail with return receipt 6. If phone is truly necessary, call early morning (7:00-7:30am) for shortest wait times 7. Keep all documentation of your response for at least 3 years This approach has saved me countless hours over the years. The most important thing is to respond by the deadline specified in your notice, regardless of which method you choose.

I'd strongly recommend following Jamal's systematic approach, but with one addition - if you do need to call, try using the IRS2Go mobile app first to check your account status and see if the information you need is available there. Sometimes what looks like a complex verification request can actually be resolved by simply viewing your account transcript online. Also, make sure to note the "respond by" date on your notice - most verification letters give you 30 days, but some are shorter. If you're running close to the deadline and can't get through by phone, responding by mail with tracking is always safer than missing the deadline entirely. The IRS is generally more forgiving of proper responses sent via the "wrong" method than they are of no response at all.

Based on everyone's advice here, I'd add that if you're dealing with a verification letter and have limited time, prioritize getting the RIGHT documents together over choosing the perfect response method. I made the mistake last year of spending too much time researching the best way to respond while scrambling to gather my paperwork at the last minute. The IRS is surprisingly flexible about response methods if you have the correct documentation, but they're not forgiving about incomplete or incorrect information regardless of how you send it. Make sure you have everything they're asking for first, then worry about whether to mail, call, or submit online. Also, if your letter mentions specific forms or schedules from your return, pull up your actual tax return and review those sections before responding - sometimes the "missing" information is actually there and you just need to highlight or explain it better.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is timing - if you received this letter yesterday, you're actually in a good position time-wise. Most IRS verification letters give you 30 days to respond, so you have room to breathe and choose the right approach. I'd recommend starting with the simplest step: look up your specific notice number on IRS.gov/notices to see exactly what response options are available for your particular situation. This will tell you definitively whether online submission is possible for your notice type. If online isn't an option and you're worried about phone wait times, remember that mailing your response (with tracking) is still perfectly valid and often less stressful than dealing with phone systems during tax season. The key is responding completely and on time - the IRS cares much more about getting the right information by the deadline than they do about which method you use to send it.