Why the IRS Sends Letters and Notices Every year, the IRS sends millions of letters and notices to taxpayers across the United States. These communications serve a wide range of purposes—from requesting additional information about a tax return to demanding payment of overdue taxes to announcing the intent to seize assets. For the recipient, receiving an IRS notice can be alarming, confusing, and stressful. But understanding what the notice means and how to respond is the first and most critical step toward resolving whatever issue has been identified. IRS notices are not random. Each notice is generated because the IRS has identified a specific issue with your tax account, your filed return, or your compliance status. The notice will explain the issue, tell you what action (if any) is required, and provide a deadline for response. Ignoring an IRS notice is never the right strategy —it will only escalate the situation and reduce your options for resolution. At Neil Jesani Tax Resolution, our team of over 70 CPAs, tax controversy tax professional s, and Enrolled Agents reviews and responds to IRS notices for clients every day. We understand the urgency these notices create and the precision required in responding to them. If you have received an IRS letter or notice that concerns you, call (800) 758-3255 for a free consultation. The Difference Between a Notice and a Letter The IRS uses both "notices" and "letters" to communicate with taxpayers, and while the terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, there is a technical distinction. Notices are typically system-generated communications that address a specific issue with your tax account, such as a balance due, a proposed change, or a request for information. They are identified by a notice number (e.g., CP2000, CP504, CP14). Letters are usually more formal communications, often...