You received a letter from the IRS. Now what?

Seeing the letters IRS in the return address of a letter is never fun.  It can bring on fear, anxiety and confusion.  The worst thing you can do is to ignore it.  When the IRS does not get a response, you make yourself more of a target and things can go south quickly.  Take the time to closely read the letter and determine what has triggered their inquiry . Find the response deadline date and put it on your calendar.  If you need more time to assemble the items that they are requesting,  make sure that you contact them before the deadline.  The IRS is happy to work with you and extend the response deadline date...but they want to hear from you!