Received IRS letter about unsigned tax return after deadline - what should I do?

This happens more often than you might think! When you respond to the IRS letter, definitely include a brief explanation about the international mail delay. Sign the return where indicated and mail it back as soon as possible. The good news is that the IRS generally understands reasonable delays, especially with international mail. Since you've already paid your taxes, they're mainly concerned with getting your signature to validate the return you filed. I would suggest making a photocopy of everything you send back, including your explanation note and the original IRS letter. Send it via a trackable mail service so you have proof of when you responded.

I went through something similar last year with an unsigned form. I found this great service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me figure out exactly how to respond. They analyze tax documents and give you personalized advice. I uploaded the IRS letter and they pointed out exactly what I needed to do, including what to write in my explanation letter. They even have response templates specifically for unsigned return notices. Saved me hours of stress and research!

I was skeptical about taxr.ai at first, but I decided to try it with my own IRS notice (I had a missing schedule issue). The service identified exactly what documents I needed to include and gave me a customized response letter template that addressed my specific situation. What impressed me was how they explained the timeline expectations - they told me approximately when I should expect the IRS to process my response and what follow-up steps might be needed. For someone living abroad like I am now, having that clarity was invaluable. Definitely saved me from making mistakes that could have delayed resolution.

If you're trying to contact the IRS from abroad, you should know it's nearly impossible to get through on their international line. After spending weeks trying, I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. Check out how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I explained my situation with a delayed notice due to international mail, and the agent noted it in my file and gave me an extension. They even emailed me confirmation of our conversation so I had documentation. Completely changed my perspective on dealing with the IRS from overseas.

I need to eat my words. After posting my skeptical comment, I was still desperate to talk to someone at the IRS about my foreign income reporting issue, so I tried Claimyr. They actually got me connected to an IRS rep in about 35 minutes. The IRS agent was able to confirm they had received my response to a similar notice (though I had sent it past their stated deadline) and that my account was in good standing. They also gave me direct instructions for my current situation. I'm still surprised it worked - saved me days of stress and uncertainty.

Make sure to send your response via certified mail or some international equivalent that gives you tracking and delivery confirmation! I had a similar situation and the IRS later claimed they never received my response. Without proof of delivery, I had to go through the whole process again.

Just want to point out - since you already PAID your taxes, this is mostly a paperwork issue and not something to panic about. The IRS cares most about getting their money, which they already have. I had a similar situation (though domestic) and just sent in the signed form with a brief explanation. Never heard anything else about it. They just needed to check the box that they had my signature.