Official letters are written for lawyers, not for people. These guides explain the ones that arrive most often, in plain words. If yours is not here, take a photo and text it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093. He reads it and tells you what it says and what it wants from you. How to take a clear photo.
Medicare and health
Medicare Summary Notice
It looks like a bill, but it is not one. It is Medicare's record of what was billed in your name and what Medicare paid.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
Your health or drug plan sends this to show what was billed, what the plan paid, and what you may owe. It is not a bill.
Medicare Annual Notice of Change
Each fall your Medicare plan must tell you what will change on January 1. This is the letter that does it.
Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN)
A provider thinks Medicare may not pay for something and is asking you to decide, in writing, before you get it.
Medicaid renewal letter
Your state checks regularly that you still qualify for Medicaid. This letter is how it asks, or tells you the answer.
Itemized hospital bill
The summary bill shows a total. The itemized bill shows every charge, which is where mistakes are easiest to find.
Social Security
Social Security COLA notice
This letter shows your benefit for the new year, after the yearly cost-of-living raise and any Medicare premium.
SSA-1099 benefit statement
Each January, Social Security mails this form so you can report your benefits on your tax return.
IRMAA notice
Social Security says your income is high enough that you will pay more for Medicare Part B and Part D. Here is how to check it.
Taxes and retirement
IRS CP2000 notice
The IRS got income information that does not match your tax return. It is proposing a change and asking you to agree or explain.
IRS CP14 notice
This is the IRS's first bill for unpaid tax. Act on it soon, because interest and penalties keep adding up.
IRS Letter 5071C
The IRS got a tax return with your name and Social Security number, and it wants to be sure you are the one who filed it.
Form 1099-R
If you got money from a pension, annuity, IRA or retirement plan last year, this form tells you and the IRS how much.
Required minimum distribution letter
After a certain age, the law says you must take some money out of most retirement accounts each year. This letter is your reminder.
Home, court and bills
Jury summons
A court has picked your name to possibly serve on a jury. Here is what to fill out, how to ask for a delay, and how to spot a fake.
Property tax assessment notice
Your local assessor has set a value for your home. That value helps decide your property tax bill, so it is worth a careful look.
Utility disconnection notice
Your utility says service may be cut off for an unpaid bill. You usually have time and choices. Here is how to use them.
Debt validation notice
A debt collector says you owe money. This notice must tell you what for, how much, and how to dispute it.
Credit card change in terms notice
Your card company is changing your account terms. For big changes you get 45 days' notice, and often the right to say no.
Your data and money owed to you
Data breach notice letter
A company or agency that held your information says it was exposed. What to do next depends on what was taken.
Class action settlement notice
A lawsuit against a company has settled, and you may be in the group owed money. Here is how to check it and what your choices are.
Unclaimed property letter
A letter says money is waiting for you. It might be real, and you can almost always claim it yourself, for free.
These guides explain what a letter usually means. For a decision about your taxes, health coverage or a legal matter, call the office that sent the letter, using the number on its official website, or ask a professional you trust.
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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