30-Day Letter

IRS Definition

When an examination results in a proposed tax deficiency, the taxpayer will be issued a 30-day letter including a report of the examination that indicates the proposed deficiency and the reasons for it. The letter will also advise the taxpayer of the right to appeal the proposed action if the taxpayer does not agree with it.

More from H&R Block

A 30-Day letter is sent to a business when the IRS has audited a business tax return or prepared a return for the business. It is known as a 30-day letter because they give the taxpayer 30 days to respond before the IRS processes the changes made to the return and sends a bill for the balance due. If you disagree with the changes proposed by the IRS, you can still file an appeal, but you must do so within 30 days.

Learn more about how to handle a return the IRS filed for your business or an IRS audit.