If a letter from the IRS, CRA or ATO reaches you late or the response date has already passed, respond right away anyway. Note the date you actually received it, keep the envelope, follow the instructions on the notice, and use the response channel it lists. If it lists a fax number, fax your reply and keep the delivery report. If you need more time, call the number on the letter. SendFaxFast sends from $2.89 with no account. This is general information, not tax advice.
At a glance
| Who | Taxpayers in the US, Canada and Australia who received a notice late |
| First step | Write down the date you received it; keep the envelope |
| Where to send | Only the channel and number printed on your notice |
| Proof | Fax delivery report plus a copy of every page you sent |
| Cost with SendFaxFast | $2.89 (1–5 pages), $3.99 (6–20), $5.69 (21–40) |
Step 1: Don't wait because the date has passed
A late response is almost always better than no response. The IRS says to review a notice carefully and, if it asks you to respond, act by the due date. If you disagree, reply by the due date to protect your appeal rights (IRS: Understanding your notice or letter). If that date is already gone, reply as soon as you can and say why it is late.
Step 2: Document when it actually arrived
The date printed on the letter is when it was created, not when it reached you. Write down the day it arrived, keep the envelope, and note any reason for the delay (forwarded mail, travel, a wrong address on file). Mention this in one sentence of your reply.
Step 3: Read what the notice asks for
- Notice or letter number – on IRS letters, the CP or LTR number is in the corner. Search it on irs.gov to see what it means.
- What they want – payment, a missing return, documents, or your agreement or disagreement with a proposed change.
- How to respond – mail, fax, online upload, or phone. Use only the method and number printed on your notice.
Step 4: Write a short, clear reply
- Your name, taxpayer ID as the notice asks (often last four digits are enough on a cover page), address and phone.
- Reference: notice number, tax year or period, and the date on the letter.
- Your position in two or three sentences, e.g. why the request doesn't apply to you or what you're sending.
- One sentence on the late arrival: "Your letter dated [date] reached me on [date]."
- A list of what's attached, and a request to confirm receipt.
Put the notice's response page first if it has one, then your letter and supporting documents. A cover sheet helps the right unit match the pages.
Step 5: Send it so you can prove it
If the notice gives a fax number, fax is fast and leaves a record: the delivery report shows the date, time, receiving number and page count. Keep it with a copy of every page you sent. More in How do I know my fax went through?
- Scan or photograph the pages into one PDF.
- Upload it at sendfaxfast.com, enter the number from the notice.
- Pay once, no account. If the line is busy, SendFaxFast retries automatically; if delivery fails, you're refunded in full.
Country notes
United States (IRS)
Follow the instructions on the notice. Fax numbers differ by form and processing location; see IRS fax numbers by form. Even if you can't pay in full, the IRS says to pay what you can by the due date to reduce interest and penalties.
Canada (CRA)
The CRA says to respond by the deadline in the letter, and if you need more time, to call the number on the letter. Many review letters can also be answered with "Submit documents" in CRA My Account using the reference number from the letter. Fax details: How to fax the CRA.
Australia (ATO)
Use the contact details and lodgment method stated in the ATO letter; most correspondence runs through online services. If the letter names a fax number for your matter, you can use it. Background: What still goes by fax to the ATO.
Pricing
| Pages | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1–5 pages | $2.89 |
| 6–20 pages | $3.99 |
| 21–40 pages | $5.69 |
| 41–100 pages | from $7.18 |
Prices in USD. One-time payment. No subscription required.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if a tax notice arrived after the response date?
Respond as soon as possible anyway. Note the date you received it, keep the envelope, follow the notice's instructions and mention the late arrival in your reply. If you need more time, call the number on the notice.
Can I fax my response to the IRS?
Only if your notice or the form instructions give a fax number for it. Fax numbers differ by form and processing location.
How do I prove I responded?
Keep the fax delivery report together with a copy of every page you sent. For CRA online submissions, keep the confirmation number.
Should I send my reply twice, by fax and by mail?
Usually use one channel, as the notice instructs. Duplicates can slow processing.
Is this tax advice?
No. It's general information. For your specific case, contact the agency or a tax professional.