I got a letter from the IRS. What should I do first?

Thursday, November 19, 2026 · Question 8 of 19

Don't ignore it, and don't panic. Most IRS letters ask for one specific thing — money they think you owe, a return they think is wrong, or information they need. Read it twice and find the deadline printed on it. Deadlines run from the date on the letter, and missing one can cost you options you can't get back. Then get someone who reads these letters every day to read it with you — before you call the number on it or send anything back. If a letter is sitting on your counter right now, you don't have to carry it alone. Bring it in, and we'll tell you plainly what it means and what to do next.