The quantity of correspondence that is generated by the IRS can be mind boggling.

It is vital to understand each of these notices and act appropriately.  The IRS website is a good place to start.  There is actually a IRS webpage called Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter.  This page has a list of many of the IRS collection notices. 

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The IRS notice or letter is more likely than not something that requires immediate attention.  There are rights that arise when certain notices/letters come out.  For instance  when the IRS issues a “Notice of Deficiency” (one type is IRS Letter 3219(SC/CG)) you have 90 days to file a petition in tax court. 

If you fail to respond timely you lose rights!  Additionally, not attacking the problem at the earliest time period limits possibilities.