IRS Letter 5036 – Notification of Possible Income Underreporting

The IRS needs verification of the income that was reported to the IRS by credit card merchants and/or third-party networks on Forms 1099-K.

View notice image

Type of Notice: Return accuracy

Most common tax problem area: Business audits

Other tax problem areas: Business penalties, Unpaid business taxes

Why you received IRS Letter 5036

1. You received income through a credit card merchant account and/or through other third-party network transactions.
2. You filed a tax return reporting business income.
3. The IRS thinks that your tax return shows an unusually high portion of gross receipts attributable to credit card payments. The IRS would typically expect a higher portion of gross receipts from cash and checks for your type of business.
4. Letter 5036 was sent to inform you that gross receipts may be underreported. The letter requests that you review the Forms 1099-K listed on the letter. You are asked to file an amended return if additional income should be reported. If there is no additional income, then you need to explain why the portion of receipts from credit card sales is higher than expected.

Your options to address IRS Letter 5036

1. Provide the information requested
2. File a return

Notice deadline: 30 days

If you miss the deadline: Failure to respond may result in the IRS auditing the tax return or sending a notice proposing additional tax, penalties and interest.

Want more help?

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