Confusing IRS ‘Balance Due’ Notices Hit CA Mailboxes: What To Know

CALIFORNIA — If the tax man comes calling this week, it's ok to ignore him, for once. The IRS recently mailed "balance due" notices throughout the state, causing confusion and distress across the Golden State. Millions of Californians received a tax reprieve in March due to disaster declarations following weeks of rain and snow storms.

Despite the notice, which says taxpayers need to pay in 21 days, the IRS acknowledges that the vast majority of Californians continue to have an automatic extension until Oct. 16 to pay their balances. The agency said the notices were sent automatically as a legal requirement.

"The IRS apologizes to taxpayers and tax professionals for any confusion as we continue to review the situation. Taxpayers receiving these letters do not need to call the IRS or their tax professional," the IRS said in a statement.

The letters that went out include a special insert that notes the payment date in the letter does not apply to those who are covered by a disaster declaration and the extension date is still in effect.

Extensions were given to 50 counties throughout the Golden State including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Bernardino, Contra Costa, Alameda, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Sonoma Counties.