IRS LTR6018-b Notice: What Is It and How Should You Respond?
Summary:
The IRS LTR6018-b Notice is a letter sent by the Internal Revenue Service to verify third-party authorization on tax accounts. It aims to ensure that any authorized access to your tax information is legitimate. If you receive this notice, review it carefully and follow the instructions to confirm, deny, or change third-party access to your account. Timely response is crucial, as it helps protect your tax information from unauthorized access or misuse.
Have you recently received an IRS LTR6018-b Notice regarding third-party access to your tax account? Don’t worry. This letter is part of the IRS’s routine measures to ensure the security of taxpayer information. Knowing what the notice means and understanding the steps you need to take can help you address it quickly and effectively. In this article, we’ll break down the purpose of the LTR6018-b Notice, what it means for you, and how you should respond to protect your tax account.
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What is the IRS LTR6018-b Notice?
The IRS LTR6018-b Notice is a formal communication that alerts you about a review of third-party access to your tax information. The IRS sends this notice to make sure that the authorization to access your tax account is valid. Regular reviews help the IRS safeguard taxpayers’ sensitive data from unauthorized use. The IRS routinely checks if third parties, such as tax professionals or financial representatives, still have valid access to tax accounts.
Receiving this notice does not mean your information has been compromised. It is a precautionary step that helps confirm that only authorized parties have access to your account. It’s important to review the details of the notice carefully and follow the recommended actions.
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Common reasons for receiving an IRS LTR6018-b Notice
You may receive an LTR6018-b Notice for various reasons. Here are some common scenarios:
- You granted a tax professional or another third-party service permission to access your tax information. This authorization may have been for filing your taxes, checking your IRS account, or other tax-related services.
- The IRS is reviewing existing authorizations to confirm their validity. These routine checks help keep your tax records secure.
- Your tax professional might have changed affiliations, such as moving to a different firm, prompting the IRS to verify the third-party access details.
- The IRS could not verify the authorization due to incomplete or outdated information. In such cases, the IRS wants to confirm that you still want the listed third party to have access.
Pro Tip
Set up IRS account alerts online to get real-time notifications on any changes to your tax return or account. This helps you stay updated on adjustments and due dates.
How does the IRS LTR6018-b Notice affect you?
An LTR6018-b Notice serves as a reminder to verify the third-party access to your tax information. While it does not mean that your data has been exposed, it is important to review the notice carefully to ensure the security of your tax account.
Verifying third-party access
The notice allows you to confirm whether a third party, such as a tax professional, should continue to have access to your account. If you recognize the authorized party listed in the letter, no further action may be required. However, if you do not recognize the name or did not authorize access, you will need to notify the IRS to revoke the authorization.
Potential consequences of not responding
Ignoring the LTR6018-b Notice can result in the IRS retaining third-party access to your tax account, even if it is unauthorized. This could pose a risk to your personal information. Additionally, failing to respond may lead to further IRS communications or actions, such as additional reviews or limitations on your account.
Impact on your tax account
Responding promptly ensures that your account is up-to-date and helps prevent any unauthorized parties from accessing your tax records. The IRS will not take any adverse actions based solely on the issuance of this notice, but non-response could lead to future complications.
Pro Tip
Use multi-factor authentication for your IRS online account to add an extra layer of security, ensuring that your tax information remains protected from unauthorized access.
Steps to take when you receive an IRS LTR6018-b Notice
Upon receiving an IRS LTR6018-b Notice, follow these steps to ensure a prompt and accurate response:
- Review the notice thoroughly: Read the letter carefully to understand the reason for the notice and any instructions. The letter will list the name of the third party whose authorization is being reviewed.
- Verify your records: Check your records to confirm whether you have authorized the listed party to access your tax information. If you have a tax professional, consult them to confirm that the authorization is accurate.
- Respond according to your situation: If you recognize the authorization, you can call, write, or fax the IRS to confirm. If you do not recognize the name or did not authorize access, check the “I did not authorize” box on the form and return it to the IRS. Make sure to include a clear explanation if needed.
- Submit your response: Mail or fax your completed response to the IRS within 30 days. If you prefer to fax, use a secure method and understand the privacy policies of any digital fax service you may use. A timely response helps prevent delays and ensures your account stays protected.
- Keep records: Retain a copy of the notice, your response, and any correspondence with the IRS. These documents may be important if you need to refer back to the situation later.
Pro Tip
Keep a copy of all correspondence with the IRS, including notices and your responses. This will help if you need to reference previous communications or dispute any future issues.
Consequences of not responding to the IRS LTR6018-b Notice
Ignoring the LTR6018-b Notice can result in continued third-party access to your tax account, even if the access is no longer authorized. Here’s what could happen if you don’t respond:
- Unauthorized access: If you fail to act, the IRS will assume the listed third party should continue to have access to your tax records, potentially exposing your sensitive information.
- Delayed resolution: Not responding may lead to further IRS notices or require additional documentation to resolve access issues later.
- Potential future issues: Ignoring the notice could lead to unauthorized changes to your tax records or difficulties in resolving future tax matters.
Pro Tip
Consult a certified tax professional if you have questions about the LTR6018-b Notice or other IRS communications. A professional can provide guidance to ensure your response is accurate and timely.
How to protect your tax account from unauthorized access
Ensuring the security of your tax information goes beyond responding to IRS notices. Here are some additional steps you can take:
Monitor your IRS account regularly
Log in to your IRS account to monitor the status of your authorizations and track any changes to your tax information. Regular account checks can help you detect unauthorized access early.
Use multi-factor authentication
When setting up an online IRS account, use multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. This requires a secondary verification method, such as a text message or email, to confirm your identity.
Limit the sharing of your tax information
Only share your tax information with trusted professionals and authorized individuals. Make sure any tax professional you work with is properly certified and affiliated with a reputable organization.
Regularly update your contact information
Keep your contact information up to date with the IRS. If your address, phone number, or email changes, notify the IRS as soon as possible. This ensures you receive important notices and communications promptly.
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Frequently asked questions
Why did the IRS send the LTR6018-b Notice?
The IRS sent the LTR6018-b Notice to verify third-party access to your tax information as part of its routine security checks. This ensures that any authorized access is still valid and protects your tax account from unauthorized use.
What should you do if you don’t recognize the listed third party?
If the third party listed in the notice is unfamiliar, check the “I did not authorize” box on the form and return it to the IRS. It’s also a good idea to reach out to a tax professional to ensure the name isn’t associated with a previous tax service.
Can you fax your response to the IRS?
Yes, the IRS allows you to fax your response using the number provided in the notice. Make sure to use a secure fax method, and understand the privacy policies of any online fax services used.
How long do you have to respond to the LTR6018-b Notice?
You typically have 30 days from the date on the notice to respond. Returning the completed form within this timeframe helps ensure that your account remains secure and up-to-date.
Does receiving the notice mean your tax return is under audit?
No, receiving the LTR6018-b Notice does not indicate an audit. It is simply a measure to verify the legitimacy of third-party access to your tax information.
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
- The IRS LTR6018-b Notice is a routine letter to verify third-party access to your tax information.
- Receiving this notice does not mean your data has been compromised.
- Review the letter carefully and respond within 30 days to confirm or revoke the authorization.
- If you do not recognize the listed third party, contact your tax professional or check the “I did not authorize” box and return the notice to the IRS.
- Failing to respond can lead to unauthorized access or further IRS actions.
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