Houston Accounting Tip: IRS Notice Letter

Just because you filed your taxes and are expecting no refund doesn’t mean you’re free and clear. Around this time of year, the IRS begins sending out notices, letters, and a bunch of other goodies to let tax payers know there is something missing or incomplete. In what we hope to be a number of tips from your Houston accounting expert, we are going to discuss one of the most common: the No File Letter.

It usually contains language such as “We sent you this notice because we have no record that you filed your prior personal tax return or returns.” Also known Houston Accountingas the CP59, this letter is used by the IRS to let you know that they have no record of your filing taxes with them. There are four reasons this usually happens:

    1. You filed late without filing the necessary extension.
    2. You have already filed and they didn’t get it.
    3. You thought you weren’t required to file but are.
    4. You actually aren’t required to file, and the IRS doesn’t know.

In any case, the matter must be straightened out to avoid more letters, notices, and this accountant’s least favorite: the IRS Collection Letter that often comes with promises of a tax levy on income, property, etc. This can involve everything from calling the IRS and explaining why you don’t have to file, what has changed since the last time you filed, or offering proof that your return was mailed on time.

If the above isn’t enough, it might be time to call up your bookkeeper or an accountant or even seek the services of a tax attorney. The worst thing you can do with a letter like this is ignore it, as the IRS is one problem that does not go away when ignored. For more information on the No File letter, click here.

And as always, if you live in the area and are in the need of a Houston accountant or bookkeeper to help with your IRS or other troubles, contact us at 281-894-6494.