Be very alert if you receive this letter from the IRS: turning a blind eye is prohibited.

If you have received a letter from Hacienda, it's normal to feel concerned. These notifications, known as "fear letters," can cause anxiety, but it's essential to understand their purpose and how to act.

"Fear letters" are communications that the Tax Agency sends to taxpayers. They aim to inform them about possible discrepancies in their tax returns.

Hacienda makes thousands of Spaniards tremble with "fear letters"

These letters alert about possible errors or non-compliance with tax obligations. Although they may seem intimidating, their main objective is to inform and correct potential mistakes before they turn into penalties.

The truth is that Hacienda uses different types of letters to communicate with taxpayers. The most common is the informative letter, which provides general information about the taxpayer's fiscal situation.

• Data discrepancy requirement: Notifies differences between the information provided by the taxpayer and that held by Hacienda.
• Settlement proposal: Suggests a modification in the submitted declaration, indicating a possible tax debt.
• Resolution of a process: Informs about the conclusion of an administrative procedure.
• Enforcement order: Demands immediate payment of an outstanding tax debt.
• Seizure order: Informs about the retention of assets or bank accounts to ensure debt collection.
• Start of inspection investigation: Announces the beginning of a tax inspection.
• Sanctioning file: Notifies the opening of a file for a possible tax infraction.

What to do when receiving a "fear letter": take it seriously

It's crucial not to ignore these notifications. Upon receiving a letter from Hacienda, read it carefully, understand the type of notification, and the information requested. Comply with the established deadlines, and if you have a ten-business-day period to respond, failing to meet this deadline can result in additional penalties.

Additionally, respond appropriately through the Electronic Headquarters of the Tax Agency, in person at an office, or by postal mail. Consult with a professional, and if you have doubts about how to proceed, it's advisable to seek tax advice.

Consequences of not attending to a letter from Hacienda

Ignoring a notification from Hacienda can have serious consequences, such as financial penalties. Depending on the severity of the non-compliance, the fines can be significant.

If an amount is owed, interest will be applied for the delay period. Meanwhile, Hacienda can proceed with the seizure of assets or bank accounts to ensure debt collection.

It's vital that taxpayers remain alert to any communication from Hacienda and act diligently to fulfill their tax obligations. Ignoring these letters can result in financial and legal consequences that could have been avoided with a timely reply.