| Tuesday, March 31, 2009 |
| Dealing with IRS notices |
With the Apr 15th deadline approaching, the article stresses the importance of not sending out a check simply because you have received a notice from the IRS and instead do some checking into the issue. Reason? Because IRS notices are often times incorrect, unresponsive or incomplete.Getting an IRS notice is always a jolt. But whatever you do, don't reach for your checkbook—especially if the bill is for $600 or less.
According to the Government Accounting Office (GAO), 48% of these notices are "incorrect, unresponsive or incomplete—"in other words, many audit notice bills are bogus. So, if many notices are wrong, why does the IRS keep sending them? Because IRS research has shown that, rather than fight the IRS, most taxpayers would rather cough up the money—as long as it's less than $600! If you think the notice was sent in error, the article recommends replying with a certified mail and providing the necessary documentation supporting your case.
...The IRS often incorrectly calculates the interest you owe. If you receive one of these notices and you think the IRS is wrong—fight back! The IRS works on 90% bluff. To call the IRS' bluff, send a letter and copies of your supporting documents (receipts, canceled checks, etc.) via certified mail, return receipt requested to the IRS office which issued the notice. In your letter tell the IRS you don't owe the tax and why. Ask them to quickly clear up this mistake. The problem should be resolved in a matter of a few weeks. If it isn't, call the IRS' Problem Resolution Department (800/829-1040). This department has access to all IRS information and can work with you to get the problem taken care of for good. For complete article, see:
Dolans.com: What to Do if You Get an IRS Notice |
posted by Little Rishi @ Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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