Common questions about IRS notices.
If the answer raises more questions — we're here to help.
About IRS notices
What is a CP2000 notice?
A CP2000 is a notice from the IRS stating that the income, payments, or credits on your return don’t match information they received from employers, banks, or other payers (W-2s, 1099s, etc.). It’s not an audit — it’s a proposed adjustment. You typically have 30 days to respond.
What happens if I ignore an IRS notice?
The proposed changes become final. The IRS will assess the additional tax, plus penalties and interest, and begin collection. This can include wage garnishment, bank levies, and tax liens on your property. Every day you wait increases the amount you owe.
Can I respond to an IRS notice myself?
Yes. The IRS provides instructions on every notice. For simple matters — like a missing 1099 that you did report — you may be able to resolve it by mailing a response with documentation. For anything involving disputed income, penalties, or amounts over $5,000, professional representation can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.
How long do I have to respond?
It depends on the notice. CP2000s typically allow 30 days. Statutory notices of deficiency (the “90-day letter”) give you 90 days to formally dispute the assessment before the IRS makes it final. Balance-due notices have varying deadlines. Check your notice for the specific date — the deadline runs from the date on the notice, not when you opened it.
What’s the difference between a notice and an audit?
A notice is IRS correspondence — often automated — about a specific issue (unreported income, unpaid balance, proposed adjustment). An audit is a formal examination of your entire return or specific items. Notices are more common and usually less complex, but they can escalate to audits if mishandled.
Working with us
What does the consultation include?
The initial 30-minute consultation is provided at no charge. You’ll start by completing our intake form with basic information about your IRS notice. Once submitted, you’ll book a time that works for you. During the call, we review your notice, explain what the IRS is claiming, and outline your options. The consultation is a preliminary review — not a comprehensive tax analysis. If you’d like to move forward, we’ll discuss fees and next steps at the end of the call.
What if my issue is simple — do I still need the consultation?
If you can resolve it yourself, you should. The consultation is for situations where you’re unsure, the amounts are significant, or you want professional representation.
Do you handle tax preparation?
Not at this time. Our practice is focused exclusively on IRS notice response and tax resolution. If you need tax preparation, we can refer you to a qualified preparer.
Do you handle state tax issues?
Our practice focuses on federal tax matters. For state-specific issues, we can refer you to a practitioner licensed in your state.
What are your credentials?
Our practitioner is an Enrolled Agent (EA), authorized by the U.S. Treasury Department to represent taxpayers before the IRS under Circular 230. This is a federal credential — we can represent clients in any state.
Are consultations confidential?
Consultations about federal tax matters are handled with professional discretion. IRC §7525 provides a federally authorized tax practitioner privilege for certain tax advice in noncriminal matters before the IRS, but that protection is limited. It does not extend to return preparation, criminal matters, state proceedings, or general website inquiries before conflicts clearance and secure intake are complete.
Fees and process
How much does it cost to resolve a notice?
Standard notice response services are billed at a flat fee quoted during your consultation. If a matter expands beyond the initial notice-response scope, any additional work is handled only through a separate engagement and may be quoted separately or billed hourly. Payment is collected only after a signed engagement agreement is in place.
Do you offer payment plans for your fees?
For engagements over a certain threshold, yes. We discuss this during the consultation.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel or reschedule your consultation at any time using the link in your confirmation email. There is no charge for the consultation, so there is nothing to refund. If technical issues prevent the call from completing, we will reschedule at no charge. No-shows without prior communication may result in a delay before rebooking is available.
How long does resolution take?
After we submit your response, the IRS typically takes 4–12 weeks to process it. More complex matters can take longer. If follow-up correspondence falls within the scope of your engagement, we monitor the matter and address it with you.
Still have questions?
Complete the intake form and book a 30-minute consultation at no charge. You'll know exactly where you stand.
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