How the IRS notices relate to the IRS Audits & Examinations?

Understanding the IRS 30-Day and 90-Day Letters

Receiving a letter from the IRS can be intimidating — especially if it involves additional taxes or an audit. Two of the most important notices you may receive during the IRS dispute process are the 30-day letter and the 90-day letter (Notice of Deficiency). These letters represent different stages of your opportunity to dispute IRS audit findings and protect your rights before the IRS formally assesses additional tax.

At Z Tax & Accounting, our IRS Enrolled Agents provide expert representation to help you understand these letters, respond effectively, and appeal IRS decisions before they become final.

What Is an IRS 30-Day Letter? — Pre-Assessment Notice

The IRS 30-day letter is a pre-assessment notice sent after a tax audit. It proposes changes to your tax return and gives you 30 days to respond before the IRS makes a final determination. This is your first opportunity to appeal the audit findings through the IRS Independent Office of Appeals — an internal division designed to resolve disputes without going to court.

What the 30-Day Letter Includes

The letter usually arrives by mail (such as Letter 525) or is delivered in person (Letter 915) after an audit. It includes an Examination Report (Form 4549), which explains:

• The proposed adjustments to your tax return
  
  

• The IRS’s reasoning and calculations behind those changes

Your Options After Receiving a 30-Day Letter

You have three options to respond to the 30-day letter:

1. Agree with the IRS Findings
   
   

   • Sign and return the examination report to accept the changes.
     
     

   • The IRS will then issue a bill for any additional tax, penalties, or interest.
     
     

2. Disagree and File an Appeal
   
   

   • Submit a written protest requesting a conference with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.
     
     

   • This allows you to present your case and potentially resolve the issue without going to court.
     
     

3. Take No Action
   
   

   • If you ignore the letter, the IRS will issue a 90-day letter (Notice of Deficiency), moving your case to the next stage.
     
     

⏰ Deadline: You generally have 30 days from the date of the letter to file a written protest or appeal.

How to Appeal a 30-Day Letter

To appeal, you must send a written protest to the IRS. The process depends on the amount in dispute:

• More than $25,000:
  File a formal written protest, including your contact information, a list of disputed items, and a statement of facts supporting your position.
  
  

• $25,000 or Less:
  You can file a “small case request” — a simplified process using a brief written statement or IRS Form 12203 (Request for Appeals Review).
  
  

Z Tax & Accounting can prepare and file your protest, represent you in your Appeals conference, and help negotiate a fair resolution with the IRS.

What Is an IRS 90-Day Letter? — Notice of Deficiency

If your case is not resolved through the 30-day appeal — or you don’t respond to the initial notice — the IRS will send a 90-day letter, also known as a Statutory Notice of Deficiency (commonly Letter 3219).

This is your final opportunity to dispute the IRS’s determination before the tax is officially assessed.

What the 90-Day Letter Includes

• The IRS’s final determination of your tax liability
  
  

• An explanation of the adjustments made to your return
  
  

• Instructions for your next steps
  
  

Your Options After Receiving a 90-Day Letter

You have two main options within 90 days of the notice date (or 150 days if you live outside the United States):

1. Petition the U.S. Tax Court
   
   

   • File a petition to challenge the IRS’s decision in U.S. Tax Court before paying the tax.
     
     

   • This must be done within the 90-day window — the deadline cannot be extended.
     
     

2. Pay and Pursue a Refund
   
   

   • Pay the tax in full, then file a claim for refund through the IRS or U.S. District Court.
     
     

🚫 If You Do Nothing:
The IRS will assess the tax, issue a bill, and begin collection actions, including liens, levies, and wage garnishments.

Why Professional Representation Matters

The 30-day and 90-day letters are critical turning points in your tax dispute. Responding correctly can prevent unnecessary penalties, interest, and enforced collections.

The IRS Enrolled Agents at Z Tax & Accounting are authorized to represent clients before the IRS in Audits, Appeals, and Collections. We handle all communication with the IRS on your behalf — ensuring your rights are protected and your case is managed strategically.

Get Help with IRS 30-Day or 90-Day Letters

If you’ve received a 30-day letter, 90-day letter, or Notice of Deficiency, time is of the essence. Don’t face the IRS alone — let our professionals help you file appeals, negotiate settlements, or petition Tax Court when needed.

📞 Contact Z Tax & Accounting today to schedule a confidential consultation with an IRS Enrolled Agent.
We proudly assist clients nationwide with IRS audits, appeals, collections, and tax dispute resolution.

Back to IRS Audits & Representations