Why would the IRS send a letter to my employer?
Mia Ramsey
Published Mar 28, 2026
Employees who continue to file their returns and pay due taxes for three consecutive years may request to be released from the lock-in. The IRS will issue a 2813C letter to the employer notifying you that the employee is released from the lock-in. After this, the employee can submit a new Form W-4.
What is IRS Withholding Compliance?
The Withholding Compliance Program analyzes wages and tax information on past W-2s to determine if individual taxpayers have had their taxes correctly withheld. When it is suspected an employee’s wages are being under withheld, the IRS will issue ‘lock-in’ letters in accordance with the Withholding Compliance Program.
Does the IRS contact employers?
In general, the IRS can’t contact third parties such as your employer, neighbors or bank, to get information to adjust or collect the tax you owe unless it gives you reasonable notice in advance.
When do you get a notice from the IRS?
“These notices impose unnecessary stress on taxpayers who, upon receipt, must contact the IRS for assistance,” Neal said. The IRS is aware of the backlog and will process mailed payments as of the day they were received, rather than the date they were processed, according to an Aug. 13 notice from the agency.
How to know if you need to contact the IRS?
Search for your notice or letter to learn what it means and what you should do Your notice or letter will explain the reason for the contact and give you instructions on how to handle the issue. If you agree with the information, there is no need to contact us. Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter | Internal Revenue Service
Is the IRS stopping sending notices to filers?
Lawmakers have called on the IRS to temporarily halt sending notices to filers who may be caught up in the backlog.
When to report a suspicious IRS letter or notice?
When the notice or letter looks suspicious. Please visit our Report Phishing page if you receive a notice or letter that looks suspicious and was designed to appear as though it came from the IRS. You can also call 800-829-1040.
