Government & courts
How do I respond to an IRS notice by mail?
Updated · By the SendMyLettersOnline team
Reply to the address printed on the notice, by the response date on the notice, and include either the notice's response form or a copy of the notice so the IRS can match your reply to your file. Explain whether you agree or disagree, attach copies (not originals) of supporting documents, and send it by Certified Mail so you can prove when it was mailed.
| Include | Why |
|---|---|
| Response form or a copy of the notice | Lets the IRS match your letter to the right case |
| Name, taxpayer ID (or last 4 digits), tax year, notice number | Identifies you and the issue |
| Clear statement: agree, partly agree or disagree | The notice usually asks you to choose |
| Copies of supporting documents | Originals may not be returned |
| Daytime phone number | The IRS may call to clarify |
Before you write
- Read the whole notice. The IRS Understanding your notice page explains each notice by its number (for example CP2000).
- Check the deadline printed on the notice. If you can't meet it, call the number on the notice.
- Confirm the notice is real: genuine IRS notices arrive by mail and point you to irs.gov or the number printed on the letter.
How to send it
- Write a short, factual letter, or use our IRS letter template.
- Upload the notice and supporting documents as a PDF so they are printed behind your letter.
- Address it exactly as the notice shows, including any department or stop number.
- Choose Certified Mail (add a return receipt if you want the signature back) and keep the tracking number with your copy.
If you owe money
We can't enclose checks. Pay through the IRS's online options such as IRS Direct Pay, then say in your letter how and when you paid.
Quick answers
How to respond to an IRS notice by mail?
Send your reply, with the notice copy or response form, to the address on the notice before its deadline, and keep proof of mailing.
Can I fax or respond online instead?
Some notices list a fax number or online option. If yours does, you can use it; otherwise mail is the default.
How long does the IRS take to answer?
It varies by notice and workload. The IRS usually tells you on the notice or on irs.gov what to expect; keep your tracking record in case you need to show you replied.
What to do next
Fill in the IRS response template, attach your notice, and we mail it by Certified Mail with tracking and proof of mailing.
Respond to my IRS noticeSources
Checked: . General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.