IRS letters can mean many things — a balance due, a changed refund, identity verification, a correction to your return, or simply a processing delay. Use this guide to quickly identify your notice and respond the right way.
First steps when a notice arrives
- Read it carefully and keep it for your records.
- Follow any due dates in the notice to protect your rights and minimize penalties/interest.
- If you agree — take the requested action; you generally don’t need to reply unless asked.
- If you disagree — use the instructions in the notice to dispute and include copies of supporting documents. To guarantee appeal rights, reply by the due date.
If you have an amount due
Paying by the due date reduces interest and penalties. Even a partial payment helps. Here are your options:
| How to pay | What it’s good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pay from your bank account | Balance due, estimated payments, or plan payments | Pay now or schedule up to 1 year in advance. |
| Debit/credit card or digital wallet | Individuals & businesses | Processing fees apply. Not for payroll taxes. |
| Pay in your IRS Online Account | Individuals: pay balance/estimated tax, see plan details/history; Businesses: make federal tax deposits and balance payments | View amount due, scheduled payments, and separate assessments. |
| EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) | Bank-account payments; tax deposits; estimated tax; Offer in Compromise and more | Enrollment required. |
| Other methods | Same-day wire; check/money order; cash via retail partners; electronic funds withdrawal (during e-file) | Bank/retailer fees may apply; mail only via U.S. Postal Service. |
Need more time to pay?
- Payment plan (installment agreement) — apply online (fees apply). Options include guaranteed, streamlined, in-business trust fund express, and partial-payment plans.
- Offer in Compromise — see if you can settle for less than you owe.
- Temporary collection delay — if you’re facing financial hardship, you may request a pause until finances improve.
If your return was changed or corrected
Compare the notice with your filed return. If you agree, note the correction on your copy and keep it. You only need to act if more info is requested, there’s a balance due, or you disagree.
Paperless & accessible notices
Go paperless
Opt in to receive certain notices and letters in your IRS Online Account.
Accessible formats
Need Braille, large print, or audio? File Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference, to request accessible notices.
Quick reference: Why did I get a notice?
Balance due
You owe tax, penalties, and/or interest.
Refund changed
Your refund amount was adjusted.
Question about your return
IRS needs clarification or documents.
Identity verification
Confirm it’s really you before processing.
Return corrected
Math or other corrections were made.
Processing delay
Your return is taking longer than usual.
Pro tips
- Act by the due date to protect appeal rights and reduce charges.
- Only send copies of documents unless the IRS specifically requests originals.
- Keep a record of phone calls, dates mailed, and receipts of any payments.
- Consider IRS Online Account for secure messaging, payments, and to view notices available to you.
