Don't panic! The IRS mails millions of notices and letters to taxpayers every year, so you are not alone. Here is what you should do:

1. Don't ignore the notice. You can respond to most IRS notices quickly and easily. It's important that you reply as soon as possible.
2. Ask for assistance. Please contact our office for assistance with tax notices. You are entitled to retain us for representation in your dealings with the IRS. We can help prepare correspondence to the IRS, and in contacting the IRS by telephone. Our staff is experienced in dealing with these issues.
3. Focus on the issue. IRS notices usually deal with a specific issue regarding your tax return or tax account. It's important to understand the reason for the notice before responding.
4. Follow instructions. Read the notice carefully. It will tell you if you need to take action to resolve the matter. The notice may request copies of additional information or any explanation of items on your return.
5. Correction notice. If the notice says that the IRS corrected your tax return, you should review the information provided, and compare it with the return you filed. If you agree, you don't need to reply unless a payment is due; if you don't agree, it's important to respond to the IRS and explain why you don't agree with the changes. Include any information you want the IRS to consider. It will probably take the IRS thirty to sixty days to respond to your letter.
6. Premium tax credit. The IRS may send you a letter asking you to clarify or verify your premium tax credit information, and may also ask for a copy of your Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (this is a form you should have received in late January from the insurance provider). Follow the instructions in the letter you received. This will help the IRS verify information and issue the appropriate refund.
7. Don't visit the local IRS office. Most notices can be handled without calling or visiting the IRS. If you do have questions, call the telephone number in the upper right corner of the notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the notice with you when you call.
8. Keep the notice with your tax documents for future reference.
9. Watch out for scams. Don't fall for phone or phishing email scams that use the IRS as a lure. The IRS first contacts people about unpaid taxes by mail—not by phone. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media.

These comments also apply to tax notices received from the State of Michigan or local governments. The city tax departments are more likely to call with questions, but you still have the right to respond in writing. Please contact our office with any questions.

AND NOW, AN UPDATE FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

"Beware of mailings that may appear to come from the State of Michigan offering assistance in performing non-existent or non-required services," said Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Chief Deputy Director Shelly Edgerton. "Our corporation customers should only respond to correspondence from LARA. No such letters are being sent from the LARA Corporations Division, no matter how official they may look."

Michigan businesses are receiving an official-looking form called the "2015 Annual Minutes Form." The form implies that the recipient is obligated to complete and return it with a fee payment for the preparation of corporate meeting minutes. The accompanying instructions for completing the form list a return address at 3105 S. Martin Luther King Blvd, Suite 317, Lansing, MI 48910. In 2012, 2013, and 2014, LARA warned of similar scams requesting $125 that involved a company with a similar name and an address located in Lansing.

"Annual meeting minutes for Michigan corporations are best prepared either by corporate officers, directors, or by a business attorney, but are not required to be filed with our Corporation Division," Edgerton emphasized. "This is not to be confused with the legally required annual report or annual statement which can be filed online along with the applicable fee to the State of Michigan."

As always, if you have questions about any of the information listed above, please feel free to contact us here at Mierendorf. We're always happy to help!