IRS MISTAKES
THE IRS MAKES MISTAKES TOO! WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM.

We live in an electronic society where everything revolves around computers. This is also true for your relationship with the IRS.

The IRS computer is programmed to automatically make changes to your taxes when it receives information that varies from your tax return. It will automatically increase your taxes and assess penalties and interest against you.

It does this without feeling. It does this without remorse. And it will do this without looking for facts and circumstances that may actually prevent it from increasing your tax or assessing penalties against you. It’s programmed that way.

And nobody at the IRS will take a second look at the demand letter the computer creates before it is sent to you.

So, after you get the letter, its up to YOU to correct the IRS. BUT WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

OBJECT!

A taxpayer must object to incorrect changes. Otherwise they will stand and the IRS will take action to collect them. Reasons must be given to show why the additional taxes, penalties and interest should not be assessed. If an excuse exists, it must be substantiated. Excuses are referred to as “reasonable cause.” And since the question of whether “reasonable cause” exists is always one of fact, we have ample opportunity to advocate on behalf of our clients.

Every time you communicate with the IRS you must do the following:

Take notes that reflect your conversation with the agent.
Get the agents name, telephone number, address & any other identification information you can.
Send a written confirmation to that agent. Summarize your conversation and any advice or directions given to you.

Request a return receipt on every piece of mail you send the IRS. Keep copies of all your letters.
As soon as you get information from the IRS that contradicts what you were told earlier, take steps to correct it.

And above all, don’t give up and be sure to call us if you encounter a problem the IRS does not correct for you through your own efforts.