Did You Receive a CP3219A Notice? Here is What You Need to Know

No one likes receiving an unexpected letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). One of the more common and potentially frustrating letters that taxpayers can get is a CP3219A Statutory Notice of Deficiency. 

Typically, this type of notice will state that the IRS believes you owe more money, and it will explain how you can challenge the agency’s assessments. Here, our Sarasota, FL tax attorney provides an overview of CP3219A deficiency notices and highlights the steps that you can take to protect your rights and interests if you received one.

CP3219A Notice: Understanding the Basics

A CP3219A is a statutory notice of deficiency. If you received one, it means that the IRS has made changes to your return and those changes have altered the amount that you owe. In most cases, taxpayers receive deficiency notices because the IRS received information from a third party—perhaps an employer, a business, or a financial institution—that indicates that additional payment is owed. 

Often, CP3219A notices are generated by a computer-based system, meaning errors can and do happen. In other words, just because the IRS says you or more money does not mean that they are correct. 

It should be emphasized that a statutory notice of deficiency is not a bill. The agency itself refers to it as a “proposal.” That being said, if you do not take action, a deficiency notice will turn into a bill. If you agree with the IRS’s CP3219A proposal, you can send in a payment. If you do not agree, you should file a petition with the United States Tax Court. 

Four Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights

Going up against the IRS can be stressful and overwhelming. Still, it is important to remember that you have legal rights and legal options. If you received an CP3219A deficiency notice, it is imperative that you take immediate action. Among other things, you should: 

• Take a minute to read and understand the notice; 
• Request your tax transcripts and other relevant records from the IRS;
• Gather and organize all of your financial documents; and
• Consult with an experienced Florida tax controversy attorney. 

You have the right to file a petition challenging a deficiency. If you fail to take action, the IRS will assume that its calculations are correct and it will, eventually, come after you for the money. As noted by the United States Tax Court, taxpayers have 90 days to file a petition in a deficiency case. If you fail to take action by the deadline, you will likely miss out on your right to take the IRS to tax court. 

Call Our Florida Tax Controversy Lawyer for Immediate Assistance

AnnaMarie Mitchell is an experienced tax attorney. To date, she has successfully reduced taxpayer liability by more than $71 million. If you received a CP3219A and you have questions about your rights or your options, we can help. For a free 20-minute phone consultation, please contact our law firm today. With an office in Sarasota, we represent individuals and businesses throughout the region.