One thing I've learned after getting several IRS letters over the years - ALWAYS respond by the deadline even if it's just to say you're working on it or need more time! That's been my #1 rule and it's kept me from having small issues turn into bigger ones.

Now that you've mentioned it's a CP75 notice, I can definitely understand why your tax preparer wasn't overly concerned - these are routine audits for the Earned Income Tax Credit that happen quite frequently. The IRS randomly selects returns that claimed EITC for verification, and it's not necessarily because they think you did anything wrong. However, I do think your tax preparer should be more proactive in helping you respond properly. For a CP75, you'll typically need to provide documentation like birth certificates for any children you claimed, school records showing where your kids lived during the tax year, medical records, and proof of your income. The specific requirements should be listed in the letter. Since you used a professional tax service, they should have copies of all the documents you provided when filing and should be able to help you gather what's needed for your response. I'd recommend scheduling a proper meeting with them rather than just texting - this type of notice requires a documented response, and they should be walking you through exactly what needs to be submitted. Don't stress too much about it, but definitely don't ignore it either. Most people who respond properly to CP75 notices with the right documentation get through the process without any issues.

Don't forget about state filing requirements too. Depending on where your LLC is registered, you might need to file state partnership returns as well. In California for example, an LLC with multiple members has to file Form 565 plus pay an $800 annual tax. This caught me by surprise when I tried to DIY my partnership return last year.

One thing I'd add to the conversation is that you should also consider the time value of money when deciding whether to DIY vs. hire a CPA. Even if you can save $1,500-2,000 by doing it yourself, you need to factor in the 10-15 hours it might take you to learn the process, prepare the forms, and handle any corrections. That said, if you're planning to keep this LLC for several years, the initial learning investment could pay off long-term. I'd suggest maybe trying a hybrid approach for your first DIY year - prepare the return yourself but have a CPA review it before filing. Some CPAs offer review services for $300-500, which could give you peace of mind while still saving money. Also, make sure you're comfortable with the potential liability. When a CPA signs your return, they're taking on professional responsibility. When you sign it yourself, any errors or omissions are on you. For a simple investment LLC like yours, the risk is probably manageable, but it's worth considering.

Be advised that correspondence audits typically have a response deadline of 30 calendar days from the date printed on the notice, not from when you receive it. In a situation I encountered last tax season, the CP75 notice arrived 18 days after the issue date due to USPS routing delays, leaving only 12 days to compile documentation. The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service has acknowledged these timing issues but has not implemented procedural changes to address them. Consider requesting an extension immediately upon receipt of the notice if you require additional time.

As someone who's dealt with IRS correspondence delays before, I'd recommend calling the IRS practitioner priority line if you have representation, or the general taxpayer line at (800) 829-1040 to confirm they have your correct mailing address on file. Sometimes audit notices get delayed or lost due to address discrepancies in their system. Also, since you mentioned not being a US citizen by birth, make sure you have documentation ready for any foreign accounts, income, or tax treaty benefits you may have claimed - these are common audit triggers. The 30-day response window starts from the notice date, not when you receive it, so time could be ticking even if the letter hasn't arrived yet.

I was wondering what kinda tax law lets Illinois hold onto your money for 3 months without paying interest. That's literally money you overpaid them that they're using interest-free. But whatever, glad you got it!

Same thing happened to me! Filed my IL return in February and the status page said "processing" for months. Then boom - refund showed up in my account last week with zero warning. The status STILL says processing even now. It's like their left hand doesn't know what their right hand is doing. At least we got our money but man, their system is completely broken. Would be nice to get some kind of notification when they actually send the refund instead of having to randomly discover it in your bank account!

The whole "donation" thing is actually a pretty common misunderstanding. I've been making and selling jellies at farmers markets for years. Here's my practical advice: 1) Track EVERYTHING. Every egg, cup of flour, jar, label, even a portion of your electricity bill for running the oven. 2) Take lots of photos of your workspace and ingredients for documentation. 3) Open a separate bank account for your business income/expenses to make tracking easier. 4) Set aside 25-30% of what you make for taxes from day one. The good news is once you're properly set up, you'll likely owe less in taxes than you think because of all the legitimate deductions available to small food businesses.

Adding to what everyone's said about the "donation" approach - I learned this lesson with my homemade pasta business last year. The IRS specifically looks at whether there's a "quid pro quo" relationship (you give bread, they give money), regardless of what you call it. Even if you put up a sign saying "free bread, donations appreciated," if people consistently pay you for specific loaves, that's income. One thing that helped me was starting small and keeping meticulous records from day one. I use a simple app to photograph every receipt and track mileage to farmers markets. Also, don't forget you can deduct things like recipe testing ingredients and even a portion of your phone bill if you're using it for business communications. The cottage food laws vary wildly by state too - some allow online sales, others don't. Some have income caps (like $50K/year max), others don't. Definitely worth checking your state's agriculture department website before you scale up. Good luck with the sourdough venture!