May IRS Letters Explained: What to Do When You Get a Notice

📬 May IRS Letters Explained: What to Do When You Get a Notice

May is the month when IRS letters start landing in mailboxes. Even if you filed early and everything seemed correct, it’s completely normal to receive a notice this time of year. Most letters are informational, some require action, and a few need quick attention — but none of them should be ignored. At Keens Tax Service, we help Oklahoma taxpayers understand what their notice means and what to do next.

🧠 Why IRS Notices Arrive in May

After the April deadline, the IRS begins:

  • Matching employer and bank records
  • Reviewing returns with credits
  • Verifying identity for flagged accounts
  • Correcting math or reporting errors
  • Adjusting refunds or balances due

This creates a wave of notices sent between May and July.

📄 Common IRS Notices You Might Receive

CP12 — Math Error Correction

The IRS corrected something on your return. You may see a reduced refund, increased refund, or new balance due.

CP2000 — Income Mismatch

The IRS found income reported by employers or banks that wasn’t on your return. This is one of the most common May notices.

5071C — Identity Verification

The IRS needs to confirm you filed the return. You must verify your identity online or by phone.

LT11 — Final Notice Before Levy

This one is serious. It means the IRS intends to collect unpaid taxes through enforced action.

4883C — Identity Confirmation

Similar to 5071C but handled differently. You must respond within the timeframe listed.

🔍 What To Do When You Receive a Notice

1️⃣ Don’t ignore it

Even informational notices can become problems if left unanswered.

2️⃣ Read the notice carefully

Look for:

  • The notice number
  • The tax year
  • The reason for the letter
  • The response deadline

3️⃣ Don’t pay anything until the notice is reviewed

Many notices are incorrect or incomplete.

4️⃣ Send us a copy

Keens Tax Service can review your notice, explain what it means, and help you respond correctly.

🛑 What NOT to Do

  • Don’t call the IRS before talking to us
  • Don’t assume the notice is correct
  • Don’t ignore deadlines
  • Don’t panic — most issues are fixable

🏛️ Oklahoma-Specific Notes

Oklahoma taxpayers may also receive:

  • State identity verification letters
  • Adjustments to state refunds
  • Notices about missing W‑2s or 1099s

These often mirror federal notices but require separate responses.

🤝 How Keens Tax Service Helps

We offer:

  • 🔍 IRS notice review
  • 🧾 Explanation of what the letter means
  • ✍️ Drafted responses and documentation
  • 💬 Support for identity verification
  • 🏛️ Help with Oklahoma Tax Commission notices

Whether your notice is simple or serious, we’ll help you handle it quickly and confidently.

🔗 Helpful Resources