Got a letter from the IRS? We can help.
CP2000 notices, audits, balance-due letters and state tax notices — we review what the notice means, prepare the response and help you work toward a resolution.
Don’t wait on a notice
IRS and state letters often have short response deadlines. Responding late can mean losing your right to contest the proposed changes.
We know how to deal with tax authorities
Notices can be hard to understand, and the stakes can be high. We have years of experience working with the IRS and state tax agencies.
We draft a professional response letter and compile the supporting documents for you to review before anything is sent. You can handle a notice on your own — or have specialists work toward the best available resolution on your behalf.
How long it can take
Every case is different. As a general guide:
- If the dispute is only about the tax owed, a complete reconsideration request can be resolved in as little as about 3 months
- If accuracy penalties have already been assessed, reconsideration can take much longer — sometimes up to 3 years
Three steps to resolving your notice
Review
We listen to your situation and give you a free initial review of the notice and your options.
Investigation
With your authorization (Form 8821 for the IRS, or the state equivalent), we obtain your complete account record, then walk you through our findings and options.
Resolution
We gather financial details and supporting documents, prepare a proposal for the IRS or state, and handle the follow-up — with the goal of keeping you in good standing going forward.
Options we may explore with you
Penalty abatement
First-time abatement may let a taxpayer with a clean history request removal of certain penalties for a single tax period.
Installment agreements
Monthly payment plans for taxes owed — including partial-pay agreements, where only part of the balance is repaid over time.
Representation
Negotiating with the IRS on your own is possible, but professional help is worth considering if you owe more than $10,000 or face an audit.
Gather these items
Having these ready helps us review your notice quickly.
- A copy of your IRS or state notice
- Any responses you’ve already sent
- A copy of the tax return in question
- Returns from the year before and after
- Deductions or costs related to the item in question (for example, cost basis for stock sales on Form 1099-B)
- Any underreporter notices you’ve received before
Frequently asked questions
What is a CP2000 notice?
The IRS sends a CP2000 when the income on your return doesn’t match the information it received from third parties, such as Forms W-2 and 1099. It proposes changes to your tax — it is not a bill or an audit, but it does need a response by the date on the notice.
How should I respond to a CP2000?
First, compare the notice with your records and your return to see whether the income was actually missing or reported differently. If you agree, you can sign and return the response form. If you disagree in whole or in part, send a signed response explaining why, with supporting documents.
Stock sales are a common source of mismatches, because the cost basis may not have been reported to the IRS. We can review the notice and prepare the response for you.
What if I can’t pay the full amount?
The IRS offers options such as installment agreements, and in some cases penalty relief. Which options fit depends on your income, expenses and assets. We can review your situation and explain what may be available.
How long does it take?
It depends on the issue. A straightforward disagreement about the tax owed may be resolved in a few months; cases involving assessed penalties or appeals can take much longer.
Can you help if I’m not local?
Yes. We work with clients remotely — you can share your notice and documents through our secure file upload and meet with us by phone or video.
What does it cost?
It depends on the notice and how much work is involved. Schedule a call and a team member will review your notice and explain the next steps.
Don’t face the IRS alone
Send us your notice and we’ll help you understand it and plan your response.
Monday–Friday, 9 am–6 pm Pacific