Navigating Tax Troubles: A Sample Letter To IRS Explaining Mistake

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Address on IRS Notice]
Subject: Response to Notice [Notice Number] – Incorrectly Reported Income

Dear IRS,

I am writing in response to Notice [Notice Number] that I received on [Date you received the notice]. The notice indicates a discrepancy in the reported income on my tax return for the year [Tax Year].

After reviewing my records, I have identified the following issue: [Clearly explain the mistake, e.g., “I inadvertently included a 1099-MISC from a vendor for services that were not performed.”].

To correct this, I am providing the following information:

1. A copy of the 1099-MISC that was reported incorrectly.
2. Supporting documentation (e.g., contract, canceled check) showing the correct income.
3. A revised tax return (if necessary, though often not required if you provide the documentation to support the mistake.)

I have recalculated my tax liability based on the corrected income. [Optional: State the difference and how you plan to pay it, if any, or state that you would like to amend.] I believe that this resolves the issue. Please let me know if you require any further information. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Address on IRS Notice]
Subject: Response to Notice [Notice Number] – Incorrect Deduction Claimed

Dear IRS,

I am writing in response to Notice [Notice Number] that I received on [Date you received the notice]. The notice indicates a discrepancy in deductions claimed on my tax return for the year [Tax Year].

Upon review of my tax return and supporting documents, I realized that I incorrectly claimed a deduction for [Type of deduction]. I understand that I was not eligible to claim this deduction because [Explain why you weren’t eligible].

To rectify this, I am providing the following documentation:

• Supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, statements) for the items incorrectly claimed.
• A copy of the relevant tax form with the correct deduction amounts.

I have adjusted my tax liability accordingly. If necessary, I will also send an amended tax return (Form 1040-X). I have already paid the additional taxes owed (if applicable) and am enclosing a copy of the payment confirmation. I apologize for the error and any resulting inconvenience.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Address on IRS Notice]
Subject: Response to Notice [Notice Number] – Math Error

Dear IRS,

I am writing in response to Notice [Notice Number] regarding a math error on my tax return for the year [Tax Year].

After reviewing the notice and my tax return, I identified the math error. [Explain the error, e.g., “I made an error in adding the itemized deductions on Schedule A.”].

I have recalculated my tax liability based on the correct calculations. There is [State if there is an overpayment or underpayment].

I’m including a copy of the corrected tax return pages (if necessary). I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I have paid the amount due or I’m expecting the overpayment (if applicable).

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Address on IRS Notice]
Subject: Response to Notice [Notice Number] – Incorrect Dependent Claim

Dear IRS,

I am writing in response to Notice [Notice Number] regarding my dependent claimed on my tax return for the year [Tax Year].

I have reviewed the requirements for claiming dependents and realize that I was not eligible to claim [Dependent’s Name] as my dependent. [Provide a brief, honest explanation. E.g., “They did not meet the residency test.”].

I have corrected my tax return to remove [Dependent’s Name] and have recalculated my tax liability. I am enclosing a copy of my amended return (Form 1040-X) and have paid the additional taxes (if any). I apologize for the error.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Address on IRS Notice]
Subject: Response to Notice [Notice Number] – Incorrect Information

Dear IRS,

I am writing in response to Notice [Notice Number] regarding an error in my taxpayer information on my tax return for the year [Tax Year].

I have reviewed my tax return and noticed that [Describe the mistake. E.g., “My Social Security number was entered incorrectly.”].

The correct information is as follows: [Provide the correct information: Full Name, SSN, Address, etc.].

I have attached a copy of my [Provide supporting documentation, like a Social Security card or a copy of your driver’s license]. I apologize for this error and any inconvenience it may have caused.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Address on IRS Notice]
Subject: Response to Notice [Notice Number] – Credit Error

Dear IRS,

I am writing in response to Notice [Notice Number] regarding a discrepancy with a tax credit claimed on my tax return for the year [Tax Year].

After reviewing the notice, I have identified the issue. [Clearly explain the error. E.g., “I claimed the child tax credit, but I was not eligible because…” or “I made an error in calculating my [Credit Name]”].

To correct the issue, I am [Explain your action. E.g., “removing the credit” or “providing corrected calculations based on the correct information”]. I am including supporting documentation (if needed) to support this correction. The credit has been adjusted, and this resulted in [Explain the change to your liability, such as an increase or decrease in taxes owed].

I have recalculated my tax liability and have either paid the additional taxes owed or am awaiting the overpayment. I apologize for this error. I have reviewed the instructions again.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Internal Revenue Service
[Address on IRS Notice]
Subject: Response to Notice [Notice Number] – Payment Discrepancy

Dear IRS,

I am writing in response to Notice [Notice Number] regarding a payment discrepancy related to my tax return for the year [Tax Year].

After reviewing my records, I believe the issue is that [Describe the payment issue, e.g., “You did not receive my payment,” or “The payment was posted to the wrong tax year”].

To resolve this, I am providing [Include the following].

• A copy of my cancelled check.
• A copy of the bank transaction showing the payment.
• Any other documentation supporting the payment (e.g., Payment confirmation).

I believe this resolves the issue. If any further information is needed, please let me know. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]