If you’ve ever received a B Notice from the IRS, you may be wondering what it means. Simply put, a B Notice is a warning from the IRS that your name and taxpayer identification number (TIN) don’t match up with their records. This can happen for a number of reasons, including typos, name changes, and even identity theft.
One consequence of receiving a B Notice is that the IRS may require your payer to withhold taxes from your payments using Form W-9. This is known as backup withholding, and it’s typically set at a rate of 24%.
To avoid backup withholding, it’s important to ensure that your TIN matches the name you use on your tax return. If you receive a B Notice, take action immediately to correct the discrepancy, whether it’s by contacting your payer or updating your information with the IRS.
In summary, a B Notice is a warning from the IRS regarding a mismatch between your name and TIN. To avoid backup withholding, make sure your information is up to date and accurate.