ACPEN: Navigating IRS : Responding to IRS Notices & Letters

Overview

This 2-hour course gives tax professionals the tools to understand, interpret, and respond appropriately to IRS correspondence. Whether the letter involves audits, collection notices, missing information, or discrepancies, participants will walk away with practical tips for communication, compliance, and resolution. Using real-world examples, the session covers common notices like CP2000, CP14, CP75,
CP504, and audit letters, as well as IRS timelines and what they expect in a reply. We’ll also talk about avoiding missed deadlines, maintaining documentation, and using AI tools where appropriate to manage responses efficiently and accurately.

*Please Note:  If you need credit reported to the IRS for this IRS approved program, please download the IRS CE request form on the Course Materials Tab and submit to terri.storer@acpen.com

Highlights

• Types of IRS letters: audits, collection, balance due, unreported income
• How to respond to CP2000, CP14, CP75, CP504, and other notices
• Steps to take upon receiving a letter: deadlines, records, prep
• Penalties and interest associated with non-response
• Sample response structure and real-life examples
• Documentation and tracking practices for correspondence
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• AI-supported correspondence management and ethical considerations

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of federal tax procedures

Designed For

CPAs, EAs, tax professionals

Objectives

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and interpret common IRS letters and notices
• Understand critical deadlines and the impact of non-response
• Prepare accurate and timely written replies to IRS letters
• Advise clients on their rights and responsibilities when receiving notices
• Apply strategies to resolve discrepancies or clarify issues raised by the IRS
• Implement best practices for organizing and documenting IRS responses
• Recognize when professional help is needed in responding to complex letters
• Use AI-supported tools to improve response accuracy and speed

Preparation

None