An IRS envelope in the mailbox? Most are fixable.
Help Responding to an IRS Letter in Clearwater
You opened the envelope, saw "Internal Revenue Service," and your stomach dropped. Take a breath. Most letters ask a specific question with a clear deadline. Iris reads it with you, explains it, and helps you answer correctly. Call 678-614-4636.
Hablamos español. Monday to Saturday, 8 to 6.
Common letters and what they mean
- CP2000. The IRS matched a W-2 or 1099 that doesn't appear on your return and proposes a change. You can agree, partly agree or disagree with documents.
- CP14. You have a balance due. Pay, request a payment plan, or show why the balance is wrong.
- CP501, CP503, CP504. Reminders that grow more serious. A CP504 can lead to collection action, so respond quickly.
- Letter 5071C or 4883C. The IRS needs to verify your identity before processing your return. Answer only through the official IRS website or phone number printed on the letter.
- CP12. The IRS corrected a mistake on your return, which may change your refund.
A typical example
An illustrative example, not a client testimonial. A Clearwater rideshare driver receives a CP2000 saying he didn't report $18,000 in income from a 1099-K. In fact, he did report his driving income, on Schedule C, but under a different total, because the 1099-K included fees and tolls.
Iris reconciles the 1099-K to his Schedule C, prepares a written response with the app's annual summary, and he mails it before the deadline. The IRS closes the notice with no change.
Before you do anything
Don't ignore the letter, and don't pay a balance you haven't checked. Confirm the letter is real by checking your IRS online account. Note the response date. Then call Iris.
Many CP2000 notices, for example, count gross proceeds from a stock sale or 1099-K payments as income without the cost or expenses that go with them, and a documented response can reduce or eliminate the change. More help is on our IRS notice help in Clearwater page.
What Tax Link can and can't do
Iris helps you understand the notice and prepare a response that you sign and submit. Tax Link is not a law firm or CPA firm and does not represent clients in IRS collections, appeals or audits beyond what IRS rules allow for tax return preparers. For complex cases, Iris refers you to an enrolled agent, CPA or tax attorney.
How it works
- Call 678-614-4636 and read Iris the notice number and response date from the letter.
- She meets you at home, reads the full letter with you and compares it to your return and records.
- Together you prepare the response or request, which you sign and send by the date on the letter. Iris keeps a copy for follow-up.
What it costs
A notice review and response is [notice response price]. If Iris prepared the return in question, the price is [client notice price].
Iris's promises to you
Inviting someone into your home or business takes trust. Here is what Iris promises every client:
- You know the price before she starts. No surprise fees at the end.
- Your documents never leave your sight. She scans what she needs at your table, works on an encrypted laptop and hands your originals back before she leaves.
- Every line is explained in your language. Plain English or Spanish, so you know exactly what you signed.
- No waiting room, ever. She comes to your home or business at the time you choose, Monday to Saturday from 8 to 6.
- If the IRS writes later, she reads it with you. The same woman-owned business that did the work answers the follow-up.
Mobile service across Pinellas County
Iris is based in Clearwater, from Countryside and Island Estates to downtown and Clearwater Beach, and drives to clients across Pinellas County:
- Clearwater
- Largo
- St. Petersburg
- Pinellas Park
- Seminole
- Dunedin
- Palm Harbor
- Tarpon Springs
- Safety Harbor
- Oldsmar
- Gulfport
- Belleair
- Indian Rocks Beach
- Madeira Beach
- Treasure Island
- St. Pete Beach
She also serves nearby parts of Pasco and Hillsborough counties when her schedule allows. Appointments can be at your home, your business, or a hospital or care community. Family out of state can book a visit for a parent and join by phone.
Questions people ask before they call
Is the letter a scam?
The IRS starts contact by mail. It does not demand payment by gift card, wire or cryptocurrency, or threaten arrest by phone. Check your IRS online account to confirm any balance.
How long do I have to respond?
The response date is printed on the letter, often 30 days for a CP2000. Call Iris right away if it's close.
What if the IRS is right?
Then the response agrees and you pay or request a payment plan. Iris also checks whether penalties can be reduced.
Will I need to talk to the IRS?
Most notices are answered in writing. Iris helps prepare it; you sign and send it.
Can you help with a state tax letter?
Florida has no personal income tax, but Iris can help read letters from another state or from the Florida Department of Revenue about business taxes.