--- title: "I Received an IRS Audit Letter: What Now?" description: Receiving a written notice from the IRS may trigger feelings of fear or concern. Receiving an IRS audit letter in particular can be a scary experience. What's in an IRS audit letter? Can you do anything about an impending audit? What should you do if you disagree with the findings in an audit letter? image: https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/file-705371961-jpg/images/i_received_an_irs_audit_letter_what_now.jpg --- [(866)866-1555](tel:866-866-1555) | [Contact](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/contact-us) [![Top Tax Defenders](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nov_15/ttd_logo_test_new.png?width=314&height=64&name=ttd_logo_test_new.png "Top Tax Defenders")](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com) - [Tax Solutions](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions) - [Unfiled Tax Returns](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/unfiled-tax-returns) - [Settle Back Taxes](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/settle-back-taxes) - [Stop Wage Garnishments](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/stop-wage-garnishments) - [Remove Tax Liens](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/remove-tax-liens) - [Remove Tax Levy](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/remove-tax-levy) - [Asset Seizure](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/asset-seizure) - [Audit Representation](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/audit-representation) - [IRS Revenue Officer Help](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/irs-revenue-officer-help) - [Offer In Compromise](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/offer-in-compromise) - [Setup Payment Plan](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/setup-payment-plan) - [Tax Preparation Help](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/tax-preparation-help) - [Customized Tax Planning](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/customized-tax-planning) - [Criminal Tax Defense](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/criminal-tax-defense) - [Payroll Taxes](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/payroll-taxes) - [Innocent Spouse Relief](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/innocent-spouse-relief) - [Tax Evasion](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/tax-evasion) - [IRS Tax Attorneys](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/irs-attorney) - [Why Top Tax](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/why-top-tax/about) - [About](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/why-top-tax/about) - [Your Tax Team](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/your-tax-team) - [Testimonials](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/why-top-tax/testimonials) - [Client Success Stories](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/why-top-tax/client-success-stories) - [Partners](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/why-top-tax/partners) - [Resources](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/resources/guides-and-case-studies) - [Guides & Case Studies](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/resources/guides-and-case-studies) - [FAQs](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/resources/faqs) - [Legal Documents](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/resources/legal-documents) - [Tax Scams & Schemes](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/resources/tax-scams-and-schemes) - [Events](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/events) - [Blog](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog) - [Free Consultation](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/schedule-a-free-consultation) # Tax Matters - The Top Tax Defenders Blog # I Received an IRS Audit Letter: What Now? By Top Tax Staff | May 30, 2014 7:00:00 AM | [IRS Audit](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-audit) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F197063%2Fi-received-an-irs-audit-letter-what-now%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F197063%2Fi-received-an-irs-audit-letter-what-now%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F197063%2Fi-received-an-irs-audit-letter-what-now%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F197063%2Fi-received-an-irs-audit-letter-what-now%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=I%20Received%20an%20IRS%20Audit%20Letter%3A%20What%20Now%3F) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F197063%2Fi-received-an-irs-audit-letter-what-now%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F197063%2Fi-received-an-irs-audit-letter-what-now%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F197063%2Fi-received-an-irs-audit-letter-what-now%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ![Question](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Question.jpg?width=800&name=Question.jpg) Receiving a [written notice from the IRS](http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Understanding-Your-IRS-Notice-or-Letter) may trigger feelings of fear or concern. Receiving an IRS audit letter in particular can be a scary experience. What's in an [IRS audit letter](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/bid/194166/What-Time-of-the-Year-Does-the-IRS-Send-out-Audit-Letters)? Can you do anything about an impending audit? What should you do if you disagree with the findings in an audit letter?  ### [![DID YOU RECEIVE AN IRS AUDIT NOTICE? DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GUIDE ON FIGHTING AN IRS AUDIT >>](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/7b6035f5-162a-44ad-8fb1-35e7a2cd3f78.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/7b6035f5-162a-44ad-8fb1-35e7a2cd3f78) ## What's in an IRS Audit Letter? An IRS audit letter generally includes a written explanation of the reason for the audit. It may detail the specific tax issue that has been raised and how your return [triggered an audit](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/bid/112585/10-Common-Audit-Triggers). The notice also describes how to appeal the audit findings and what you need to do to complete the audit. When you read the audit letter, you'll also see the specific tax year for which the audit applies. If you've already completed an IRS audit and you receive another notice, your document may contain the audit results and the amount of additional tax due, if any. [![FREE GUIDE Got a Letter From the IRS? Everything you need to know about common IRS Collection Notices explained and simplified  ](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/interactive-178909509282.png) ](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLRwDG%2BQXtvv2AIntedEXrgq6KefAPER%2Bek1DvM87py%2BzbXqFTqQJF9yaO68keiBbrPvlQMFZkKYgEjnkja6qBouwB8ZOmDWTYnUl1bi10IvwL2yp7LzVaT9Ml5yfietzVU6n8a6QJJHsAoIUZMvGn1ejE0cnLtrhrzskAb0nlE8nPZBD80Uk0lfY7xHJup8FI5%2FQ4AcBxSTLh%2F%2Bx6YQz%2F5Xxx6kI8KYJC9XR0rsg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=178909509282&portalId=139062) ## How to Handle an IRS Audit Notice While it may be natural to panic upon receipt of an IRS audit notice, try to remain calm and read the notice thoroughly. Pay special attention to the tax year that is involved. Get a copy of your return for that year and examine it to see if you can find the area of concern. As you read the notice, look for the timeframe in which you should respond. Generally, the IRS allows you 30 days to respond via letter or telephone. If you had your taxes for that year done by a tax professional, contact him or her first to ask for clarification about the problem. If he or she is unable to help or if you don't have a regular tax professional, [consult a qualified enrolled agent](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/bid/179847/What-is-an-IRS-Enrolled-Agent) or a Certified Public Accountant and ask for a review of your return. ### [![DO YOU NEED IRS TAX HELP? SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR TAX EXPERTS »](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/758dc20d-7fa2-4e2a-a2ae-b124ff4cd561.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/758dc20d-7fa2-4e2a-a2ae-b124ff4cd561) ## How to Resolve Your Tax Bill Following an IRS audit, you may have a tax balance due to the IRS. If you owe an additional amount and you agree with the findings, you still don't need to panic. Even if you owe a sizable amount, the IRS will not require that you submit the entire amount at once. Contact the agency about setting up an [installment plan](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/setup-payment-plan/) that will allow you to send in a portion of the bill each month. On the other hand, if the notice says you owe an additional amount but you disagree with the findings, write a detailed letter explaining your objections and mail it right away. Your tax professional should be able to help you compose your response. Whatever you do, don't simply ignore an IRS audit notice and hope it will go away. The agency is usually willing to cooperate with taxpayers, as long as they communicate with representatives on a regular basis. If you respond to an IRS audit notice promptly, you'll be able to finish the audit process quickly.   [![New Call-to-Action](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/0c8c0960-2b92-4ab7-84be-b0a0a0f0977b.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/0c8c0960-2b92-4ab7-84be-b0a0a0f0977b) COMMENTS ### SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL ### POSTS BY TOPIC - [Tax Tips and Help (288)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-tips-and-help) - [IRS Collections (121)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-collections) - [IRS Audit (72)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-audit) - [Tax Credits and Deductions (69)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-credits-and-deductions) - [Tax Resolution (62)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-resolution) - [Business Taxes (53)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/business-taxes) - [Back Taxes (52)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/back-taxes) - [Wage Garnishment (22)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/wage-garnishment) - [Tax Levies (19)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-levies) - [IRS Payment Plans (15)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-payment-plans) - [Tax Liens (14)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-liens) - [Offer in Compromise (9)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/offer-in-compromise) - [Unfiled Tax Returns (9)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/unfiled-tax-returns) - [IRS Tax Attorneys (7)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-tax-attorneys) - [Asset Seizure (6)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/asset-seizure) - [Tax Evasion (6)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-evasion) - [Criminal Tax Defense (4)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/criminal-tax-defense) - [Innocent Spouse Relief (4)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/innocent-spouse-relief) [see all](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/bid/197063/i-received-an-irs-audit-letter-what-now#) ### RECENT ARTICLES ### POPULAR ARTICLES Aenean sollicitudin, lorem quis bibendum auctor, nisi elit consequat ipsum. - [Tax Solutions](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions) - [Why Top Tax](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/why-top-tax/about) - [Resources](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/resources/guides-and-case-studies) - [Blog](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog) - [Free Consultation](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/schedule-a-free-consultation) 11222 Richmond Avenue Suite 235, Houston, TX 77082 Copyright 2026 Top Tax Defenders. 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