IRS & state letters
Got a letter? Don't panic and don't ignore it. Bring it in and we'll tell you in plain words what it says and what to do next.
In plain words
Most IRS and Wisconsin letters are about one thing: a number on your return doesn't match a number they have, or they need to confirm who you are. Many are fixed with one clear reply. A few need more.
Bring the letter (all pages) to any office or upload it. A preparer reads it with you for free, marks the reply date, and tells you what we'd charge to answer it, if anything. If the letter is about a return we prepared and the mistake was ours, the reply is on us.
Who this is for
- Anyone with a notice from the IRS or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue
- People asked to verify their identity before a refund is released
- Anyone told their income doesn't match what employers reported
- Anyone with a balance due who wants to set up a payment plan
- Clients of other preparers (we read those letters too)
✓ Included in the fee
What you get
- A free first look and a plain-words summary
- The reply date marked on your calendar and ours
- The written reply, with copies of any proof attached
- Mailing or faxing it the way the letter asks
- Follow-up until the IRS or the state closes it out
- Representation by our Enrolled Agent when you need someone to speak for you
The fee, before we start
$ IRS letters
- First look A preparer reads it with you and explains it Free
- Written reply to a notice For example, answering a CP2000 income mismatch from $95
- Amended return (Form 1040-X) When the fix is a corrected return from $125
- Representation by our Enrolled Agent Audits and collections; estimate given first $125 an hour
- Letters caused by our own error On a return we prepared No charge
Example fees for the 2025 tax year. Every letter is different, so after the free first look you get a written price before we do anything.
How you pay
You pay when you sign: card, cash or check. We never take our fee out of your refund, and we don't sell refund loans or refund transfers.
Our accuracy promise
If we make a mistake on your return that leads to an IRS or Wisconsin penalty or interest, we pay that penalty and interest and fix the return for free. The tax itself was always yours to pay, so that part isn't covered. Bring us the letter; we handle the rest.
Good to know
1 Spotting a fake
The IRS usually reaches you by mail first. It won't demand payment by gift card, wire or crypto, and it won't threaten arrest on the phone. If something feels off, bring it in before you call anyone back.
2 Mind the date
Most letters give a reply date, often about 30 days out. Answering on time keeps your options open, even if you disagree with the letter.
What to bring
- The full letter, every page, including the envelope if you have it
- The return the letter is about
- Any forms or proof the letter mentions
Missing something? Book anyway. Many gaps can be filled from your IRS transcript.
The full checklist you can tick and print →Questions about irs letters returns
All questions →Is this letter real?
Real IRS letters have a notice number (like CP2000) in the top or bottom corner and point you to irs.gov. If you're unsure, don't call any number in it yet. Bring it to us or look the notice number up on irs.gov.
Can you talk to the IRS for me?
Yes. Our owner is an Enrolled Agent, licensed by the IRS to represent taxpayers. With your signed Form 2848, she can call, write and meet with the IRS on your behalf.
I can't pay what the letter says I owe. Now what?
Reply anyway. The IRS and Wisconsin both offer payment plans, and setting one up early usually costs less than waiting. We'll help you ask for the plan that fits.
Other services
Ready when you are.
Book a time at any of our three offices or on video. The fee is set before we start, and nothing comes out of your refund.