IRS Letter 3573A: What Is It and How Should You Respond?
Summary:
IRS Letter 3573A notifies taxpayers that their tax return has been selected for examination and confirms the details of the audit appointment. This letter outlines the purpose of the examination, the documents required, and the taxpayer’s rights during the process. Prompt and informed action upon receiving this letter can facilitate a smoother audit experience and help resolve any discrepancies efficiently.
Receiving a letter from the IRS can be unsettling, especially when it pertains to an audit. IRS Letter 3573A serves as confirmation that your tax return has been selected for examination. Understanding the implications of this letter and preparing effectively can help you navigate the audit process with confidence. In this article, we’ll break down what this letter means, your rights as a taxpayer, and the steps you should take to handle the situation effectively.
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What is IRS Letter 3573A?
IRS Letter 3573A is an official notification sent by the Internal Revenue Service to inform taxpayers that their tax return has been chosen for examination. The letter provides details about the audit appointment, including the date, time, and location. It also specifies the records and documents you need to provide for the audit.
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Purpose of the letter
The primary objective of Letter 3573A is to ensure taxpayers have complied with federal tax laws. The audit helps the IRS verify that income, deductions, and credits reported on your tax return are accurate. This process can occur randomly or be triggered by discrepancies flagged during initial reviews of your return.
Pro Tip
Always respond to IRS Letter 3573A promptly to avoid penalties and complications. Ignoring the notice can lead to enforcement actions such as wage garnishments or levies.
What triggers an audit?
There are several reasons your return might be selected for an audit:
- Mathematical errors or inconsistencies in reported income and deductions.
- High-risk items, such as unusually large deductions or unreported income.
- Information mismatch with third-party reports, such as 1099s or W-2s.
- Random selection as part of routine IRS compliance measures.
What to do when you receive IRS Letter 3573A
Upon receiving Letter 3573A, it’s essential to act promptly and responsibly. Here’s how to proceed:
Step 1: Carefully review the letter
Read the letter thoroughly to understand the scope of the audit. Pay attention to the following:
- The audit date, time, and location.
- The specific tax year under examination.
- The documents and records the IRS has requested.
Step 2: Gather and organize documents
The IRS will typically request records such as:
- Receipts, invoices, and bank statements to verify deductions and expenses.
- Forms such as 1099s, W-2s, or other income statements.
- Documentation for credits claimed, such as child tax credit or education credits.
Organizing your records will demonstrate your readiness and make the audit process smoother.
Step 3: Consult a tax professional
If the audit involves complex issues or large sums of money, consider hiring a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist or tax attorney. These professionals can:
- Represent you during the audit.
- Help ensure compliance with IRS requests.
- Advocate for your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
Step 4: Communicate with the IRS
Respond to the IRS promptly if you have questions or need clarification. If you cannot attend the scheduled audit, contact the IRS immediately to request a reschedule.
Pro Tip
Consult a certified tax resolution specialist if you’re unsure about handling the audit. Professionals can help you navigate complex tax issues and negotiate on your behalf.
What happens during an audit?
Types of audits
There are three primary types of IRS audits:
- Correspondence audits: Conducted through mail and typically involve simpler issues.
- Office audits: Require you to meet with an IRS representative at their office.
- Field audits: The most comprehensive type, conducted at your home, business, or accountant’s office.
Your rights as a taxpayer
During an audit, you have several rights, including:
- The right to professional and courteous treatment by IRS representatives.
- The right to confidentiality and privacy regarding your tax matters.
- The right to know why the IRS is asking for information and how it will be used.
- The right to appeal disagreements and seek assistance from a taxpayer advocate.
Outcomes of an audit
The audit can result in one of the following outcomes:
- No change: The IRS finds your return accurate, and no adjustments are made.
- Agreement: The IRS proposes changes, and you agree to the adjustments.
- Disagreement: You contest the findings, and the case may proceed to mediation or appeal.
Consequences of ignoring IRS Letter 3573A
Ignoring IRS Letter 3573A can lead to serious financial and legal consequences. The IRS views non-response as non-compliance, which can escalate your situation significantly. Here’s what can happen if you fail to act:
Delayed processing of your tax return
Without addressing the issues raised in the letter, your tax return will not be processed. This delay can lead to withheld refunds or postponed resolution of your tax situation.
Accrual of penalties and interest
If the audit reveals discrepancies that result in additional taxes owed, the IRS may impose penalties and interest. These amounts can accumulate over time, increasing your overall tax liability.
Potential enforcement actions
The IRS has broad authority to enforce tax collection. Ignoring the audit process could lead to actions such as wage garnishments, bank levies, or liens on your property. These measures can have a significant impact on your financial health.
Damage to your financial credibility
Unresolved tax issues can negatively affect your credit and financial standing. Additionally, failure to address an audit can signal non-compliance, which may draw further scrutiny from the IRS in subsequent tax years.
Seeking professional help
Facing an IRS audit can be intimidating, especially if your financial situation is complex. Professional assistance can provide clarity and significantly improve your outcomes. Here’s how seeking help can benefit you:
Representation during the audit
A certified tax resolution specialist or tax attorney can represent you during the audit. They are experienced in dealing with the IRS and can communicate on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected.
Guidance on documentation
Tax professionals can help you gather and organize the necessary documents. Their expertise ensures that you present accurate and comprehensive records, reducing the chances of additional questions or penalties.
Strategic planning for negotiations
If the IRS proposes adjustments to your return, a tax professional can negotiate on your behalf. They can advocate for fair resolutions and identify opportunities to minimize additional liabilities.
Pro Tip
Organize your financial records in advance. Proper documentation not only speeds up the audit process but also reduces the likelihood of additional scrutiny.
Appealing audit findings
If you disagree with the results of the audit, a professional can guide you through the appeals process. They can help present your case effectively to the IRS Appeals Office or even the U.S. Tax Court if necessary.
Peace of mind
Navigating an audit can be overwhelming, but professional assistance provides confidence that your case is being handled expertly. This allows you to focus on other priorities while ensuring your tax matters are addressed properly.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I cannot locate all the requested documents?
If you cannot find some of the documents requested by the IRS, inform the auditor as soon as possible. You can request copies from third parties, such as banks or employers, or provide alternative documentation that substantiates your claims. Keeping the IRS informed of your efforts to gather records can demonstrate your cooperation.
Can I request to reschedule the audit appointment?
Yes, if you are unable to attend the scheduled audit, you should contact the IRS immediately using the contact information provided in Letter 3573A. Explain your reasons and request a new date. The IRS typically accommodates reasonable requests, but it is important to act promptly to avoid any complications.
What happens if I disagree with the audit findings?
If you do not agree with the conclusions of the audit, you have the right to contest them. You can request a meeting with the auditor’s supervisor, file an appeal with the IRS Office of Appeals, or take the case to the U.S. Tax Court. Consulting a tax professional during this process can be invaluable.
How long does the audit process usually take?
The length of the audit process can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the type of audit being conducted. Correspondence audits may take a few weeks, while field or office audits involving more intricate issues can take several months to conclude.
Will the IRS audit other tax years after examining this one?
The IRS typically focuses on the specific tax year mentioned in Letter 3573A. However, if the audit uncovers significant errors or discrepancies, the IRS may decide to review additional tax years. Proper preparation and accurate documentation are essential to avoid extending the scope of the audit.
Need help understanding other IRS letters and notices? Visit our comprehensive guide to IRS Letters and Notices or search for the document you received in the table below.
| CP01 | The IRS verified your claim of identity theft and will monitor your account. |
| CP01H | The IRS received a tax return with a social security number that belongs to a dead person. |
| CP02H | Money is due on an amended return based on a grant received due to Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma. |
| CP03C | You received the First-Time Homebuyer Credit for a house you purchased. |
| CP04 | You may be eligible for tax deferment because either you or a spouse served in a combat zone, a qualified contingency operation, or a hazardous duty station during the tax year specified on your notice. |
| CP08 | You may be entitled to additional money due to the Additional Child Tax Credit. |
| CP10 | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed. |
| CP10A | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed. |
| CP11 | You owe money because the IRS amended your return due to a miscalculation. |
| CP11A | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment also changed. |
| CP11M | Your tax return changed due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credit, and the refund you wanted to apply to an estimated tax payment has changed. |
| CP12 | You are due a bigger refund because the IRS corrected one or more mistakes on your tax return. |
| CP12A | The IRS made changes to correct the Earned Income Credit (EIC) claimed on your tax return. |
| CP12E or CP12F | The IRS corrected a miscalculation on your return. |
| CP12M | The IRS made changes to the computation of the Making Work Pay and/or Government Retiree Credits on your return. |
| CP12R | The IRS made changes to the computation of the Rebate Recovery Credit on your return. |
| CP13 | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP13A | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Earned Income Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP13M | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Making Work Pay credit or the Government Retiree Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP13R | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation of the Recovery Rebate Credit. There is no refund or amount due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP14 | You owe money on unpaid taxes. |
| CP16 | The IRS made changes to your return due to a miscalculation. The refund you were due was applied to other tax debts. |
| CP21A | You owe money due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns. |
| CP21B | You are due a refund due to the changes you requested that the IRS make on your tax returns. The money should arrive within 2 to 3 weeks. |
| CP21C | The IRS made the requested changes to your tax return. You will not receive a refund, and there is no tax due. Your balance is zero. |
| CP21E | As a result of your recent audit, the IRS made changes to your tax return, and you owe money as a result of those changes. |
| CP21I | The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes. |
| CP22A | The IRS made the changes you requested, and you owe money as a result. |
| CP22E | As a result of your recent audit, the IRS changed your tax return, and you now owe money. |
| CP22I | The IRS made changes to your tax return relating to the Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money due to the changes. |
| CP23 | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You owe taxes due to these changes. |
| CP24 | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes. |
| CP24E | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. This resulted in an overpayment of estimated taxes. |
| CP25 | The IRS changed your return because there was a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments listed on your tax return and the amount actually posted to your account. You are not due a refund, nor do you owe any money. Your balance is zero. |
| CP31 | You need to update your address because your refund check was returned to the IRS. |
| CP45 | The IRS was unable to apply your overpayment to your estimated tax as you requested. |
| CP49 | The IRS used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt. |
| CP53 | Your refund check will be sent by mail because the IRS can’t provide your refund through direct deposit. |
| CP57 | The bank declined your payment, so the IRS was unable to draft funds from your bank account. |
| CP71 | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
| CP71A | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
| CP71C | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
| CP71D | A reminder of the amount you owe in tax, penalty, and interest. |
| CP88 | The IRS is holding your refund because you haven't filed one or more tax returns, and it believes you will owe tax. |
| CP90 | The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy in a Collection Due Process hearing. |
| CP91 | The IRS will levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes. |
| CP120 | The IRS needs documentation of your tax-exempt status. |
| CP120A | Your organization’s tax-exempt status has been revoked because it failed to file a Form 990 series return for three consecutive years. |
| CP130 | You may no longer need to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) because your tax return filing requirements changed. |
| CP152 | The IRS received your return. |
| CP153 | The IRS will send your refund by mail because your direct deposit did not go through. |
| CP161 | You have an unpaid balance due to the IRS. |
| CP166 | Your monthly payment to the IRS did not go through due to insufficient funds in your bank account. |
| CP178 | You may no longer owe excise tax because your tax return filing requirements changed. |
| CP231 | You need to update your address because your refund was returned to the IRS. |
| CP259 | You did not file the business tax return identified in the notice. |
| CP259A | You should have filed these forms but did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, or Form 990-N (e-Postcard). |
| CP259B | The IRS requires you to file these forms but did not – Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation. |
| CP259C | The IRS believes that you are a private foundation, but did not file the required Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation. |
| CP259D | You must file this form, but you did not – Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return. |
| CP259E | You should have filed this form, but you did not – Form 990-N (e-Postcard) or Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. |
| CP259F | The IRS requires you to file this form but did not – Form 5227, Split-Interest Trust Information Return. |
| CP259G | The IRS requires you to file this form, but you didn’t – Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations. |
| CP259H | As a tax-exempt political organization, you must file this form, but you did not – Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. |
| CP276A | You submitted your tax liability schedule incorrectly. The IRS typically charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty for this but did not this time. |
| CP276B | The IRS did not receive the correct amount of tax deposits. It normally charges a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty but did not this time. |
| CP297 | The IRS is notifying you of its intent to levy certain assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing. |
| CP297A | The IRS has levied your assets for unpaid taxes. You have the right to dispute the levy at a Collection Due Process hearing. |
| CP298 | The IRS notifying you of its intent to levy up to 15% of your social security benefits for unpaid taxes. |
| CP501 | You have a balance due on one of your tax accounts. |
| CP503 | You have an unpaid balance on one of your accounts, and the IRS has not heard from you. |
| CP504 | You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy your state income tax refund to apply it to the amount you owe. |
| CP504B | You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay immediately, the IRS will levy certain property or rights to property to apply it to the amount you owe. |
| CP521 | A reminder that you have an installment agreement payment due. |
| CP523 | You have defaulted on your payment agreement. Therefore the IRS is terminating the agreement and will levy your assets. |
| CP601 | Usted tiene un saldo pendiente de pago (dinero que le debe al IRS) en una de sus cuentas contributivas. |
| CP603 | No hemos recibido respuesta de parte de usted y todavía tiene un saldo sin pagar en una de sus cuentas contributivas. |
| CP604 | Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará cualquier reembolso de impuestos estatales al que tenga derecho y aplicarlo al pago de su deuda. |
| CP604B | Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará ciertas propiedades o derechos de propiedad y lo aplicará al pago de su deuda. |
| CP621 | Este aviso es para notificarle que usted tiene un plan de pagos a plazos vencido. Por favor, envíe el pago inmediatamente. |
| CP623 | Este aviso es para informarle nuestra intención de cancelar su plan de pagos a plazos y confiscar (embargar) sus bienes. Usted incumplió en su acuerdo. |
| CP711 | Nosotros realizamos cambios a su planilla debido a que entendemos que hubo un cálculo erróneo. Como resultado de estos cambios, usted adeuda dinero por sus contribuciones. |
| CP721 | Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos. |
| CP722 | Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos. |
| CP771 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
| CP772 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
| CP773 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
| CP774 | Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses. |
| CP959 | Usted no radicó su planilla de contribución de negocios identificada en este aviso. |
| CP2000 | The income or payment information on file doesn’t match your tax return. The discrepancy may result in an increase or decrease in your tax due. |
| CP3219A | The IRS has received information that is different from what you reported on your tax return. This may result in an increase or decrease in your tax. |
| CP3219N | The IRS didn’t receive your tax return, so it calculated your return based on the information received from employers, financial institutions, and others. If you want to challenge the proposed tax, you have 90 days from the date of this notice. If you are outside the country, you have 150 days. |
| Letter 0012C | The IRS needs additional information to process your tax return. |
| Letter 0484C | The IRS wants a completed |
| Letter 0525 | Updates you on proposed changes after an IRS examination. Any changes are explained and details the refund due or taxes owed. |
| Letter 531 | IRS Notice of Deficiency. The information the IRS received about you was different from what you reported on your return. |
| Letter 0668D(LP 68) | The IRS released their levy. |
| Letter 0549C | Your tax bill was paid. |
| Letter 0681C | The IRS accepted your payment proposal. However, this is not a formal Installment Agreement. |
| Letter 0757C | You did not adhere to the terms of your Installment Agreement. |
| Letter LT 11 | The IRS plans to seize your property or rights to property. |
| Letter 1058 | The IRS has not received your payment. It plans to seize your property or rights to property. |
| Letter 1615 (LT 18) | You must respond to the IRS within 10 days of this notice regarding past due tax returns. |
| Letter 1737 (LT 27) | Complete and sign Form 433F, Collection Information Statement. |
| Letter 1961C | Your application for a Direct Debit Installment Agreement was declined. It explains why and what you need to do to qualify. |
| Letter 1962C | Your application for a |
| Letter 2050 (LT 16) | The IRS is trying to collect unpaid taxes from you from returns that have been filed or from returns that have not been filed. |
| Letter 2257C | The IRS is providing the payoff amount that you requested. |
| Letter 226-J | An IRS letter to large employers notifying them that they may be liable for an Employer Shared Responsibility Payment (ESRP). |
| Letter 2271C | A request for an Installment Agreement has been approved. It explains the fees and how to qualify for a Low Income Fee Reduction. The letter may also request missing information. |
| Letter 2272C | An IRS letter explaining why your request to pay the balance due in installments was declined. |
| Letter 2273C | A confirmation letter of your request to pay the balance due in installments. It contained the amount to pay, fees charged, and where to send payment. Instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction included. |
| Letter 2318C | A response to a request to pay taxes due to payroll deductions. It also explains the fees that are charged. |
| Letter 2357C | The IRS is admitting that it did not send you the balance due notices that it should have. |
| Letter 2603C | The IRS accepted your installment agreement. The IRS will file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien on your personal property. |
| Letter 2604C | The IRS has accepted your request for installment payments. This IRS letter provides the monthly payment, the address where to send it, and the fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction. |
| Letter 2761C | The IRS is requesting your combat zone service dates to ensure that it provides you with the special provisions and protection of the combat zone deferment. Copies of military orders or other documentation to support your time served may be requested. Civilians working in support of the Armed Forces may be required to provide a Letter of Authorization or a letter from their employer. |
| Letter 2789C | An annual reminder notice, as required by law, of the balance due to the IRS. It explains that penalties and interest continue to accrue until the balance is fully paid. |
| Letter 2840C | Confirms your Installment Agreement request and includes the payment amount and due date. This IRS letter explains the fees charged for paying monthly and explains how to apply for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify). |
| Letter 3030C | Provides an explanation of the tax, penalty, and interest still due on your account. |
| Letter 3127C | A confirmation of your request to make a change to your Installment Agreement. This IRS letter explains the fees for the change. Changes can be to the payment amount or due date, or it can include additional liabilities. |
| Letter 3174 | A reminder of taxes due after the IRS has sent a Notice of Intent to Levy. |
| Letter 3217C | The IRS has accepted your request to pay the balance in installments. This IRS letter provides your payment amount, the due date, and fees charged. The letter also provides instructions on applying for the Low Income Fee Reduction (if you qualify). |
| Letter 3228 (LT 39) | A request to pay the balance due within 10 days using the envelope provided. |
| Letter 3500 | The IRS has received your documents, and it needs additional time to review them. |
| Letter 3572 | Your Federal Income Tax Return has been selected for examination. The IRS auditor requests that you call to schedule an audit appointment. |
| Letter 4883C | The IRS received your federal income tax return but needs more information to verify your identity in order to process your tax return accurately. |
| Letter 4903 (LT 26) | You must file your tax returns immediately. The IRS has previously contacted you, but it did not receive a response. |
| Letter LP 47 | The IRS is trying to locate the person identified in the letter and is requesting that you provide their new address. |
| Letter LP 59 | The IRS has not received a response to the notice of levy it previously sent. |
| Audit Letter 2205 | The IRS manages audits either by mail or through an in-person interview to review your records. The interview may be at an IRS office (office audit) or the taxpayer’s home, place of business, or accountant’s office (field audit). |
| Letter 915 | You recently underwent an audit, and the IRS informs you that you now owe taxes. |
Key takeaways
- IRS Letter 3573A confirms your tax return has been selected for audit and provides appointment details.
- Carefully review the letter and gather all required documents for the audit.
- Consider seeking professional representation if the audit involves complex issues.
- Respond promptly to avoid penalties or additional enforcement actions.
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