Got an IRS letter, haven't filed in years, or need an ITIN — how to avoid paying more than you should

Every season families bring us a stack of unopened IRS letters — out of fear, or because they couldn't read them. In reality most IRS letters are notices or requests to confirm a number; the danger is in not answering by the deadline, because then the IRS computes the tax in the least favorable way and adds penalties and interest. This applies in Illinois, Missouri and Texas alike (state tax notices work much the same way).

Common letters

• CP2000 — income mismatch: the IRS found a W-2/1099 you didn't report (a forgotten bank account, a short job). The letter proposes additional tax; you have 30 days to agree or explain with documents. The proposed amount is often too high because no expenses were deducted.
• CP14 / CP501 / CP503 — balance due: the amount owed and the due date. If you can't pay in full, set up a payment plan right away instead of letting it escalate to CP504 (threats to seize refunds or levy).
• 5071C / 4883C — identity verification: the IRS suspects someone used your SSN. Verify (online or by phone) before your refund is released.
• EITC / child-related letters: the IRS asks for proof the child lived with you (school, doctor or landlord letters). Full documentation keeps the credit.
• State letters (Illinois IDOR, Missouri DOR): usually a match-up against the federal return or a missing state return.

Haven't filed in years

• You can still file old years. If a year shows a refund, you can only collect it within 3 years of the due date — for example, a tax-year-2023 refund must be claimed by mid-April 2027 or it's gone.
• If a year shows a balance due, the sooner you file the better: the late-filing penalty accrues monthly (up to 25%) plus interest. A first slip may qualify for first-time penalty abatement.
• Missing old W-2s/1099s? We pull your wage and income transcript from the IRS — no need to dig up old paperwork.
• Large balances: an online payment plan (up to 72 months for balances under $50,000) or hardship status.

Made a mistake? Form 1040-X

A forgotten W-2, a missed dependent, the wrong filing status, a skipped deduction — all fixable with 1040-X, which can now be e-filed for recent years. The deadline to claim an additional refund is 3 years. If the correction increases what you owe, amend before the IRS finds it — the penalties are much smaller.

ITIN for people without an SSN

People who can't get an SSN (certain visa holders, spouses or dependents abroad, those waiting on immigration paperwork) still must — and can — file using an ITIN. First-time applications use Form W-7 attached to the return, with a passport or other accepted ID. An ITIN not used for 3 consecutive years expires; filing with an expired ITIN delays the refund and disallows some credits, so renew before the season. ITIN filers cannot claim the EITC but can claim the Child Tax Credit for children with SSNs and other credits.

How we help

• Read and explain the letter in Vietnamese, draft the response on time with supporting documents
• Pull transcripts, file past-year returns, prepare 1040-X amendments
• Apply for or renew ITINs, request payment plans or penalty relief
• Work by phone for clients in Missouri and Texas; in person at the Chicago office when signatures are needed

Fees depend on the case (number of years, type of letter) and are quoted before we start. Don't let a deadline pass — call (636) 552-4229 as soon as a letter arrives and bring every page, envelope included.