What should I do with an IRS notice abroad?
A practical first-response checklist for expats who receive an IRS notice, including deadlines, records, and escalation points.
Read the notice completely, identify the response deadline and tax year, preserve every page and envelope, and compare the issue to the filed return and supporting documents. Do not ignore the notice because you live abroad or immediately send an explanation without checking the underlying account transcript. If the notice concerns foreign accounts, penalties, examination, or possible willfulness, seek qualified representation promptly.