The IRS has an appeals process. Here’s how it works. You can use the appeals process if:
- You received a letter from the IRS explaining your right to appeal the IRS’s decision
- You do not agree with the IRS’s decision
- You are not signing an agreement form sent to you
If those conditions are met then you can ask for the appeal conference or hearing.
In your appeal you must believe and then be able to do the following:
- IRS made an incorrect decision based on a misinterpretation of the law, check the publications discussing your issue(s)
- IRS didn’t properly apply the law due to a misunderstanding of the facts, be prepared to clarify and support your position
- IRS is taking inappropriate collection action against you or your offer in compromise was denied and you disagree with that decision, be prepared to clarify and support your position
- Facts used by the IRS are incorrect, then you should have organized records or other evidence to support your position
In addition to the ordinary appeal process, the IRS offers a mediation process that can resolve disputed issues more quickly.
The appeals process isn’t for you if:
- The correspondence you received from the IRS was a bill and there was no mention of an appeal
- You didn’t provide all information to support your position to the examiner during the audit
- Your only concern is that you can’t afford to pay the amount you owe
If you don’t meet the conditions above for having your case enter the Appeals process, contact the IRS employee you have been working with and see what help you can get.
Sound complicated? It is. Which is why making a phone call to Legal Tax Defense should be your first step when you have a tax problem. Call 800-231-3321 to speak to a tax attorney for free.
Sometimes you can handle your IRS issues on your own and if that’s the case Legal Tax Defense will give you the free information for your need. But if you need more help with your tax issue, Legal Tax Defense has enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys that can help you immediately.
Should you do it on your own? Well, before you answer let me remind you of something my father who was an attorney told me:
A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.
Disclaimer: Alan Mendelson is a well-known TV consumer news reporter who reports on tax issues. You should seek professional advice if you have tax questions or issues.
