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Standing Up
to the IRS... Page 2
continued
Almost half the notices sent by the IRS
are in error, at least in part. So don’t panic when the IRS writes to you. Read the
notice carefully, then follow these five simple rules.
Rule 1: Don’t hide your head in the sand
Do not ignore the IRS – they won’t go away. The IRS computer is programmed to
send you a notice every few weeks. Those notices will escalate, each one more threatening,
until finally they put a lien on your bank accounts.
Rule 2: Sooner is better
The only way to stop the IRS notices is to respond, and the sooner the better. If you
don’t respond within ten days, you’ll get another notice. If you telephone, be
prepared for busy signals or a long wait on hold. And to be sure you have a record of your
response, follow that phone call up with a letter.
Rule 3: Keep it simple, stupid
The IRS employees are overworked and not interested in reading a long, verbose explanation
of your situation. Write your letter simple, grade-school terms, sticking to the facts and
providing all the documentation needed.
Rule 4: Stay the course.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That applies in spades to dealing with
the IRS. Your initial response may cross in the mail with the second IRS notice, so send
them another letter with another copy of all necessary documentation. If you receive a
third notice, it’s time to telephone the Problem Resolutions Office. Get the name of
the person you talk to, and send them a copy of your correspondence and documentation.
Rule 5: Call out the big guns if necessary
If you follow these rules, but the dispute still escalates, it’s time to pay for some
professional help. A tax adviser who works with the IRS on a regular basis can help you
resolve your problems if you can’t get the IRS to understand and respond favorably to
your communications.
The Women's Institute for Financial
Education (WIFE) is a non-profit organization which provides financial education,
networking opportunities, seminars, and workshops for women of all ages. |
