One calculator and a readiness check
Two quick, client-side tools — nothing you enter here is sent anywhere.
Ready to talk to a tax professional?
Check whether you have what you need for a productive first conversation about your IRS notice or tax situation.
Assumptions this uses
- Assumes a standard US individual or small-business federal tax notice, not a state-level or multi-jurisdiction issue
- Documents referenced are the notice itself, the relevant tax return, and any prior IRS correspondence
- Does not evaluate your actual tax liability, eligibility for any program, or the merits of your specific case
Limitations: This checklist confirms you're prepared for a useful first conversation — it does not tell you whether you owe the amount stated, whether you qualify for any program, or what a professional will ultimately recommend.
Runs entirely in your browser.
Have these three things ready
The notice itself with its notice number, the tax year it references, and your most recent filed return for that year. Whoever you talk to — a professional or the IRS itself — will ask for these first, and having them ready turns a confusing call into a short one.
Compare two fee structures
Compare a flat-fee quote against an hourly or retainer quote to see which actually costs less for your situation.
Assumptions this uses
- Figures are whatever you enter based on quotes you've actually received — this tool does no independent research
- Does not account for scope creep if a case turns out more complex than initially quoted
- Assumes both options cover comparable services — confirm that before comparing the totals
Limitations: This estimate does not predict your actual case outcome, does not verify either professional's credentials, and does not account for fees that change once more facts about your case are known.
Runs entirely in your browser.
The IRS Notice Response Workbook
A step-by-step worksheet for reading your notice, choosing your response, and knowing who to call.
Get the free guide →