It starts with one letter. Then another. Eventually, the stack of unopened IRS envelopes becomes something you avoid looking at altogether. You’re not alone — this is one of the most common situations I see as a tax attorney.
But ignoring IRS notices doesn’t make them disappear. It makes them louder.
At Tax Relief Heroes, Larry Kiyohiro, Esq., helps clients across Hawaii and the mainland respond to IRS correspondence before small issues turn into serious enforcement actions. With calm, experienced representation, Larry ensures every letter gets handled strategically — not fearfully.
Why the IRS Sends Notices
The IRS sends out millions of notices each year for a variety of reasons — not all of them negative. Some are simple updates or requests for clarification. Others warn of pending enforcement.
The most common notices include:
- CP14: Balance due — your first official warning.
- CP501 / CP503: Reminder letters that the IRS hasn’t received payment.
- CP504: Final Notice – Intent to Levy.
- LT11 / Letter 1058: Notice of Your Right to a Hearing Before Levy.
Each new letter generally represents an escalation. By the time you receive a Final Notice, the IRS has already moved toward active collection.
What Happens If You Ignore Them
Failing to respond gives the IRS permission to move forward — and their enforcement powers are broad. Here’s what can follow:
1. Penalties and Interest Multiply
Late payment and filing penalties add up fast, often doubling the balance within a year.
2. Wage Garnishment and Bank Levies
The IRS can legally order your employer or bank to send a portion of your income directly to them. No court order is required.
3. Federal Tax Liens
A lien attaches to your property, damaging credit and limiting your ability to refinance or sell.
4. Lost Negotiation Options
The longer you wait, the fewer resolution programs remain available — and the less flexibility the IRS offers.
Ignoring IRS mail doesn’t buy you time. It costs you options.
Why People Avoid IRS Mail (and Why You Shouldn’t)
For most clients, avoidance isn’t negligence — it’s fear. People worry about what the letters might say, or they assume they can’t afford to fix the issue. But in almost every case, the earlier you respond, the easier it is to resolve.
Once the IRS knows you’re taking responsibility — especially through an attorney — they often pause enforcement while a resolution is negotiated. The key is showing good faith and acting quickly.
How a Tax Attorney Protects You
When you receive IRS notices, every word you say and every deadline you meet (or miss) matters. That’s why legal representation makes such a difference.
Larry Kiyohiro, Esq. helps clients:
- Interpret each IRS letter and identify what’s urgent
- Verify whether the balance or claim is accurate
- File appeals or requests for hearings on time
- Negotiate resolutions before enforcement begins
- Stop levies and garnishments once they’re in motion
By speaking directly to the IRS on your behalf, Larry keeps communication professional, accurate, and strategic — so you stay protected and informed.
If You’ve Already Waited Too Long
Even if enforcement has already begun, it’s not too late. Garnishments can often be released, liens can be withdrawn, and penalties can be reduced. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the more leverage you retain.
A Calm Plan Beats Panic Every Time
IRS problems feel overwhelming, but they follow predictable rules — and that’s good news. With the right representation, those rules can work in your favor.
Larry’s approach is calm, methodical, and rooted in experience. He helps clients replace uncertainty with a plan — one that protects income, assets, and peace of mind.
Contact Tax Relief Heroes
Don’t let unopened IRS letters control your future.
📞 Contact Tax Relief Heroes today to speak with Larry Kiyohiro, Esq., a tax attorney helping clients in Hawaii and across the U.S. resolve IRS notices before they escalate.