{"id":353978,"date":"2021-02-08T09:52:50","date_gmt":"2021-02-08T14:52:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/federal-taxes\/what-happens-after-i-file-my-taxes.html"},"modified":"2026-03-06T11:28:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T16:28:44","slug":"what-happens-after-i-file-my-taxes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/what-happens-after-i-file-my-taxes.html","title":{"rendered":"Received an IRS Notice After Filing? Know Your Rights and Legal Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Received an IRS Notice After Filing? Know Your Rights and Legal Options<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Receiving an IRS notice<\/span> after filing your tax return<\/span> requires a response and understanding of your legal rights. An IRS notice<\/span> is an official letter from the Internal Revenue Service indicating issues with your tax return<\/span>, such as missing information, calculation errors, or additional taxes owed. Common notices include the CP 2000 for income discrepancies, math error notices, and deficiency notices. You may need to consult a tax attorney for serious issues.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Most people tend to dread April 15. Even if you have someone else prepare your income <\/span>tax<\/span> return<\/span>, it seems like you hold your breath until you sign your return and submit it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). While it may feel good to finally seal the envelope containing your federal <\/span>tax return<\/span><\/a> (or for most people, submitting it online), filing your taxes is not the end of your tax obligations. If there are issues, it may be just the beginning.<\/p>\n

Once the government receives your return, it will scrutinize it to see if you filed the correct forms, paid the correct amount of tax, and submitted payment of any\u00a0balance due<\/span>\u00a0on\u00a0underpaid taxes<\/a>. If the government believes you underreported your income or failed to pay what you owe, your tax problems are just starting.<\/p>\n

This article explains what to do after receiving an IRS notice<\/span> after filing your taxes. We\u2019ll also discuss why it\u2019s a good idea to retain an experienced tax lawyer<\/a> to help resolve issues with the IRS. If you\u2019re facing a tax audit or have received a letter from the IRS<\/span> stating that you owe considerably more than you thought, contact a tax professional<\/span><\/a> right away.<\/p>\n

Filing Your Taxes Is Just the Beginning<\/h2>\n

Once they file their taxes, most people don\u2019t have to worry about them for another 365 days. This isn\u2019t the case for everybody. For some, filing their taxes<\/a> is just the beginning. For these taxpayers<\/span>, the weeks and months after filing their taxes are the most critical part of the tax process.<\/p>\n

Depending on your situation, a variety of things can happen after you file your taxes, including:<\/p>\n