The IRS notifies taxpayers of audits exclusively by mail. This means that any notification you receive by phone or email is probably part of a scam. An IRS notification letter typically asks the recipient to answer specific questions or explain the details of a tax return. It arrives via certified mail.

What month does IRS send audits?

In general, the IRS has a maximum of three years from the filing date of the return to request an audit. For many taxpayers, this date is April 15. As an example, if you filed a 2007 tax return on April 15, 2008, the agency would have until April 15, 2011, to audit that particular return.

What happens when you get audit letter from IRS?

For example, the IRS may ask you to confirm your income or expenses to ensure you qualified for one of the tax deductions you claimed. Most audits happen completely by mail and you just need to respond within 90 days by mailing the documents requested in your audit letter.

When to contact a tax professional about an IRS audit?

No matter what your situation may be, you should contact a tax professional as soon as you receive an IRS audit letter. The IRS is clear and concise in its letters and notifications. An IRS audit letter is certified mail that will clearly identify your name, taxpayer ID, form number, employee ID number, and contact information.

How to request an extension for an IRS audit?

For audits conducted by mail – fax your written request to the number shown on the IRS letter you received. If you are unable to submit the request by fax, mail your request to the address shown on the IRS letter. We can ordinarily grant you a one-time automatic 30-day extension.

Why does the IRS send you a certified letter?

Mostly, an IRS computer automatically sends IRS letters including certified mail. Sometimes, if the IRS assigned an IRS employee to work on your case, this IRS employee may manually send you a letter through certified mail. For example, when the IRS audits you, the IRS assigns an Auditor to review your tax records.