TWTotal Wealth TaxTax-First Advisory
IRS Help5 min read

You Got an IRS Notice. Here's What to Do (and Not Do)

An IRS letter doesn't have to mean panic. Follow these steps — and know when to bring in a CPA.

TWTotal Wealth Tax AdvisoryApr 28, 2026

First: don't panic, and don't ignore it

Most IRS notices are routine — a math adjustment, a request for a form, or a balance due. The worst response is none.

Step by step

  1. Read the notice number (top or bottom right, usually starts with CP or LT).
  2. Note the deadline — many responses are due within 30 days.
  3. Understand the issue before you call.
  4. Gather the related return and records.
  5. Talk to a CPA if the amount is significant or you're unsure.

How representation works

With a signed authorization, we can communicate with the IRS on your behalf, respond to the notice, and work to resolve the underlying issue.

For informational purposes only. This article is general educational content and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws change and outcomes vary by situation. Whether any strategy applies depends on your specific facts, timing, and documentation. Consult a licensed CPA or tax professional before acting. Contact Total Wealth Tax Advisory for guidance specific to your circumstances.

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Want to know if this applies to your situation?

We do not guess. We review the documents, propose, and implement. A discovery call starts with your actual return and statements — not a generic checklist. Whether a strategy may help depends on your specific facts.

TW

Total Wealth Tax Advisory

Founder & Principal Advisor

Brandon is a CPA and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional who leads the firm's tax advisory practice. He built Total Wealth Tax Advisory around a simple idea: tax decisions and investment decisions should not be made in a vacuum. His approach is document-first and proactive — review the actual return and statements, propose a plan, then implement it on a quarterly cadence so clients know where they stand well before year-end.

About the team

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Ready to see if this applies to you?

Whether a strategy may help depends on your specific facts — timing, documentation, and your full tax picture. Book a short call and we will tell you honestly what we see.

Proactive tax strategy starts with one conversation.

We review the documents, propose a plan, and implement — on a quarterly cadence so you know where you stand before year-end, not after.

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