IRS Letter 2205-A is a critical communication from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during a tax audit. It requests that you, the taxpayer, voluntarily agree to extend the statute of limitations—the legal time limit—for the IRS to assess additional tax on one or more of your federal tax returns. This period generally lasts three years from the date you filed your return, but complex audits often require more time.
Why Does the IRS Send Letter 2205-A?
The IRS typically has three years from the later of your tax return filing date or the due date to audit your tax return and propose changes (Section 6501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code). However, audits can involve detailed examinations requiring more time to analyze documents, verify income and deductions, or coordinate with third parties. Letter 2205-A signals the IRS’s need for more time to complete this process thoroughly and accurately.
How Letter 2205-A Works
When you receive Letter 2205-A, attached is usually Form 872, “Consent to Extend the Time to Assess Tax.” Signing Form 872 agrees to extend the period during which the IRS can assess additional tax, commonly by 6 to 12 months, though the exact extension varies. You can also refuse to sign, but the IRS may then issue a Notice of Deficiency (a “90-day letter”), starting a formal tax dispute process in Tax Court, or ultimately close the audit with no changes if they lack evidence.
Situations Leading to Letter 2205-A
Letter 2205-A is most common when audits are complex, such as:
- Business audits involving multiple years or complicated financial activities
- International income or assets requiring coordination with foreign tax authorities
- Pass-through entity audits like partnerships and S corporations affecting multiple taxpayers
- Claims of large or unusual deductions needing extensive verification
- Waiting on third-party information prolonging the audit
Who Receives This Letter?
Any taxpayer under IRS examination whose audit deadline is close to expiring might receive Letter 2205-A. This includes individuals, small business owners, high-net-worth taxpayers, and those with complex tax situations.
How to Respond to Letter 2205-A
- Do not ignore the letter. Ignoring it is effectively a refusal to extend, which triggers potential immediate tax assessments.
- Read carefully and identify which tax year(s) the extension covers.
- Consult a tax professional such as a CPA, Enrolled Agent, or tax attorney before responding.
- Evaluate your options: Signing the consent form is generally advisable if you cooperate or have confidence in your tax position. Refusal could escalate to Tax Court.
- Consider restricted consent: Through professional advice, you might limit the extension to certain tax issues only.
- Keep thorough records on hand to assist with audit questions.
Common Misconceptions
- Letter 2205-A does not imply wrongdoing; it is a routine procedural step.
- You are not obligated to sign the extension but refusal has consequences.
- The extension may cover all issues or just specific ones, depending on the form signed.
- Refusing to sign doesn’t make the audit disappear; it often leads to formal tax court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the extension?
A: Usually 6 to 12 months, specified in Form 872.
Q: Can the extension terms be negotiated?
A: Sometimes, including limited issue extensions.
Q: What if I don’t respond?
A: IRS typically issues a Notice of Deficiency.
Q: Does signing make the audit longer?
A: It extends the assessment period but may allow a more thorough and timely completion.
Q: Should I always sign?
A: Often yes but consult a tax professional for your situation.
Understanding Letter 2205-A helps you manage your tax audit proactively and avoid unexpected assessments. For more detailed information on tax audits in general, see What is a Tax Audit?.
References
- Internal Revenue Service, “The Examination Process,” IRS.gov
- Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(a), IRS Manual
- Investopedia, “Statute of Limitations,” Investopedia.com