Tax season has come and gone again and now the IRS is taking a second look at some returns. Even if you’ve already filed a return and received a refund, it is possible that a letter from the IRS could show up in your mailbox. Each year, the IRS sends millions of letters and notices to clergy for a variety of reasons. Here are nine things you should know about IRS notices in case one shows up in your mailbox. 1. Don’t panic. Many of these letters require a simple response. 2. There are many reasons why the IRS sends correspondence. If you receive an IRS notice, it will typically cover a very specific issue about your account or tax return. Notices may require payment, notify you of changes to your account or ask you to provide more information. 3. Each notice offers specific instructions on what you need to do to satisfy the inquiry. 4. If you receive a notice advising you that the IRS has corrected your tax return, you should review the correspondence and compare it with the information on your return. 5. If you agree with the correction to your account, then usually no reply is necessary unless a payment is due or the notice directs otherwise. 6. If you do not agree with the correction the IRS made, it is important that you respond as requested. You should send a written explanation of why you disagree. Include any information and documents you want the IRS to consider with your response. Mail your reply with the bottom tear-off portion of the IRS letter to the address shown in the upper left-hand corner of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response. 7. You should be able to resolve most notices that you receive without calling or visiting an IRS office. If you do have questions, call the telephone number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the notice with you when you call. This will help the IRS answer your inquiry. 8. Remember to keep copies of any notices you receive with your other income tax records. 9. The IRS sends notices and letters by mail. The agency never contacts taxpayers about their tax account or tax return by email.

Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.

This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.

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