{"id":354018,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:06","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/receiving-a-tax-bill-from-the-irs.html"},"modified":"2026-03-23T11:52:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T16:52:12","slug":"receiving-a-tax-bill-from-the-irs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/tax-problems-audits\/receiving-a-tax-bill-from-the-irs.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do if You Get a Tax Bill From the IRS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What To Do if You Get a Tax Bill From the IRS<\/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
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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

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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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If you receive a tax bill<\/span> from the IRS<\/span>, first verify the amount is correct, then respond promptly to avoid penalties and collection actions. You have payment options<\/span> that include paying in full, setting up an installment agreement<\/span>, or applying for an offer in compromise<\/span> to settle for less than owed. Never ignore an IRS<\/span> tax<\/span> bill<\/span>, as this can lead to liens, levies, wage garnishment, and additional penalties.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s normal to feel stressed if you receive a tax bill<\/span> from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS<\/span>), especially if you cannot pay the full amount<\/span>. The most important thing is not to ignore the notice. You have several options for managing your tax liability and preventing severe consequences, but pretending it doesn\u2019t exist is a bad idea. The sooner you deal with the issue, the better.<\/p>\n

This guide will walk you through the steps involved in responding to an IRS<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>tax<\/span> bill<\/span>. This includes verifying its accuracy and exploring payment options<\/span> such as installment agreements<\/span><\/a> and offers in compromise<\/span>. If the IRS<\/span> is pursuing collection action against you, it\u2019s a good idea to reach out to an experienced local tax attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

First Thing To Check: Is the Tax Bill<\/span> Correct?<\/h2>\n

Before you do anything else, confirm that the tax amount the IRS<\/span> claims you owe is accurate. The IRS<\/span> is not infallible. Mistakes can occur due to processing errors or incorrect information received from third parties, such as an employer misrepresenting your income.<\/p>\n

If you believe the balance due<\/span> is incorrect, contact the IRS<\/span> immediately using the phone number<\/span> on your bill. You should also prepare a written explanation of the discrepancy.<\/p>\n

When communicating with the IRS<\/span>, be sure to:<\/p>\n