Identify the sender and the issue.
Who sent it?
Is it the IRS, Texas Comptroller or another authority? Use that agency’s official website.
Which account?
Find the tax type, tax year or reporting period and the account referenced.
What is requested?
Record the response deadline and the specific payment, document or action requested.
For an IRS letter, look for the CP or LTR number and search it using the official notice tool. Keep the original letter and a copy of anything you send.
Official source: IRS notice and letter lookup ↗
Check the notice against your records.
Gather the return, filing confirmation, payment records and other documents for the period in question. Compare the details line by line. A notice may concern a balance, missing filing, correction, identity check or processing delay.
Write a brief summary of what the agency says and what your records show. Avoid sending unrelated documents or a duplicate return unless instructed.
- Notice number, issue date and response deadline.
- Relevant tax year and account details.
- Copy of the return or report in question.
- Submission acceptance and payment confirmations.
- Documents supporting any point you dispute.
- A dated record of calls, messages and responses.
Follow the route for your situation.
I agree with what the IRS says.
Take the action requested. The IRS says you do not need to reply unless the notice asks you to do so. Keep the notice with the return.
I disagree with the change.
Use the dispute instructions in the notice and send the requested explanation and document copies by the stated deadline. Deadlines can affect appeal rights.
I cannot pay the full amount.
Check the IRS payment options through its official website. Keep the response and payment requirements separate; inability to pay does not remove a response deadline.
I am unsure whether the letter is genuine.
Search the notice on IRS.gov and use the official contact guidance there to verify it before sharing information or paying.
Official source: IRS next steps and help options ↗
A missing report can matter even with no tax due.
For a Texas franchise-tax notice, use the Comptroller’s problem-resolution page to match the issue to the remedy. It covers missing reports, information reports, balances and forfeiture notices.
Check the information report.
An entity below the no-tax-due threshold may still have a Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report requirement. Confirm the report year and entity rules before deciding that no action is needed.
If the notice mentions forfeiture, follow the specific account-resolution instructions promptly. Do not assume a payment alone restores every aspect of the entity’s status.
Official source: Texas franchise-tax notices and resolution ↗
Keep proof and check the outcome.
Submit through the method the agency specifies. Retain the response, supporting copies, delivery or upload confirmation and payment evidence. Note any follow-up date given by the agency.
If a proposed action could affect appeal rights, collection or the business’s legal status, use the agency’s official assistance routes and consider advice specific to the notice. This guide explains first steps rather than deciding the merits of an individual dispute.