Received an IRS Notice in Hawaiʻi? What to Do First

First thing: no panic—but no put the letter in a drawer either. Different IRS notices protect very different rights. A balance reminder is not the same as a proposed assessment, levy warning or audit request, and the deadline on page one may control what options remain.

1. Read the first page and find the response date

Record the notice number, tax period, notice date, proposed amount and exact deadline. Do not assume every letter allows 30 days, and do not use the envelope’s delivery date as the starting point.

2. Verify that the notice belongs to you

Compare the name, taxpayer identification information, tax form and period with your records. If something appears fraudulent, use contact information independently obtained from IRS.gov—not a suspicious email, text or caller.

3. Compare the notice with the return and IRS account

Find the filed return, proof of payment, prior correspondence and relevant income documents. The IRS advises taxpayers to keep copies of all correspondence and never send original supporting documents.

4. Do not agree merely because the notice looks official

If the proposed change is correct, follow the payment or response instructions. If it is wrong or incomplete, respond as directed with a concise explanation and copies of the evidence. An unorganized phone call can create confusion without preserving a clear record.

5. Get help when the deadline or consequences justify it

Professional representation becomes more valuable when the notice proposes a large assessment, threatens collection, involves several years, affects a business or requires an appeal. Kōkua Tax starts by identifying the notice and the next defensible step—not by selling the most expensive service.

Official resources

• IRS Topic 651: Notices—What to Do
• IRS: Understanding Your Notice or Letter