Do not ignore the letter
IRS letters have deadlines. Many offer appeal or response rights that expire if you wait. The failure-to-file penalty is usually much larger than the failure-to-pay penalty, so filing missing returns, even if you cannot pay yet, stops that penalty from growing.
Your options if you owe
Most people who owe set up a payment plan. The IRS offers short-term plans of up to 180 days and longer installment agreements. Depending on your situation there may also be penalty relief, a temporary hold on collections for financial hardship, or an offer in compromise. We look at your numbers and explain which options you actually qualify for.
If your case needs someone to speak to the IRS for you under a power of attorney (an enrolled agent, CPA or attorney), we tell you up front.