IRS Letter 2202: What It Is and What You Should Do

08.20.2025

Receiving a notice from the IRS can be stressful, especially when it involves proposed changes to your tax return. IRS Letter 2202 is one such notice, issued when the IRS intends to adjust items on your return based on a compliance review or examination. Understanding the implications of this letter and responding appropriately is critical to protecting your financial interests and avoiding further complications.

What Is IRS Letter 2202?

Letter 2202 is a formal IRS communication that outlines proposed changes to your federal tax return. It typically follows an earlier notice—such as a CP2000 (under-reporter inquiry) or Letter 566 (audit notice)—and is issued when the IRS has completed its initial review or audit and is ready to finalize adjustments unless you respond.

The letter includes:

    • A summary of the proposed adjustments
    • The reasoning behind the IRS’s findings
    • A deadline (typically 30 days) to agree or dispute the proposed changes
    • Instructions for submitting documentation or filing an appeal

Why Was I Selected?

You may have received Letter 2202 for one or more of the following reasons:

    • Discrepancies in reported income: Your return may not match third-party information (e.g., W-2s, 1099s).
    • Unsupported deductions or credits: The IRS may be disallowing items that lack sufficient substantiation.
    • Audit results: You were previously notified of an audit, and this letter reflects the examiner’s conclusions.
    • Risk-based selection: Your return may have triggered a review based on IRS algorithms or red flags.

Selection for review or adjustment does not imply intentional wrongdoing, but it does require a prompt and thorough response.

What Should You Do?

If you receive Letter 2202, the following steps are essential:

    1. Review the notice carefully: Understand what changes are being proposed and why.
    2. Compare with your records: Identify the items in question and gather documentation to support your position.
    3. Respond within the deadline: You must reply—whether to agree, dispute, or request additional time.
    4. Submit a formal protest, if needed: If you disagree with the findings, you may submit a written protest and request an appeal.
    5. Consult a tax professional or attorney: Professional representation can significantly improve the outcome, especially in complex or high-stakes matters.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

Failure to respond to Letter 2202 within the specified timeframe may result in:

    • Automatic assessment of the proposed tax, penalties, and interest
    • Loss of appeal rights, limiting your ability to dispute the adjustments
    • Enforcement actions, such as liens, levies, or wage garnishment
    • Accrual of additional interest on any resulting balance due

Ignoring the letter will not make the issue go away—it will escalate the consequences.

We Can Help!

Letter 2202 is increasingly common as the IRS expands its use of data analytics and enforcement tools. Whether you are an individual taxpayer, self-employed, or a small business owner, a timely and informed response can prevent unnecessary liability and stress.

At Juárez Hernández Tax Law, we assist individuals and businesses facing IRS letters, proposed adjustments, and audits. If you’ve received IRS Letter 2202, don’t navigate it alone. Contact our office for a confidential consultation today.