Going to the mailbox and seeing that letter from the Internal Revenue Service can lead to a moment of happiness if it’s a refund check or a moment of dread if it’s not a check.

Michael Devine, IRS Media Relations Specialist for Kansas and Missouri, wants to be sure any Missourian who receives the latter letter doesn’t panic and go into a cold sweat. He says these letters are usually sent because of honest omissions on the part of people who are simply being asked to provide the IRS with some needed information.

Devine says in many cases the taxpayer does not even need to reply to the letter, unless there is a payment due. He adds most of the notices dealing with errors are from taxpayers who completed their tax forms the old fashioned way – with pencil and paper. He says computer-based programs walk people easily through the steps.

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