How Can You Appeal IRS Decisions?

Today we’re talking about the IRS Office of Appeals.
We’ve got some information you need to know.

Many tax disputes are not resolved in favor of the taxpayer. Many times, the IRS is wrong in their conclusions. There are remedies if you feel you have a strong case and can support that case with the IRS.

The IRS Office of Appeals was formed in 1927. Their mission is, “To resolve tax controversies, without litigation, on a basis which is fair and impartial to both the government and the taxpayer in a manner that will enhance voluntary compliance and public confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the service.”

Tax controversies can involve proposed tax assessments, tax collection, or other IRS actions. Once the IRS issues a final notice, taxpayers can generally seek a remedy from the courts. However, the appeals process is less formal and less costly than court proceedings and is not subject to judicial rules of evidence or procedure. Historically, it has been able to settle the majority of the cases that have come before it. In addition, taxpayers do not give up judicial review by coming to the IRS Office of Appeals and can still go to court.

One very important aspect of the Office of Appeals is that the office is independent from IRS compliance functions and this is critical for it to accomplish its mission: to resolve disputes effectively.

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The office is independent from
IRS compliance functions.

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How do you know if the IRS Office of Appeals is the right place for you? To qualify for appeals, ALL of the following items must apply:

• 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 all of the above are true, then you may be ready to request a conference or hearing.
This course of action is not for you if ANY of the following apply:

• The correspondence you received from the IRS was a bill and there was no mention of appeals.
• You did not provide all information to support your position to the examiner during the audit.
• Your only concern is that you cannot afford to pay the amount you owe.

If you cannot qualify for the IRS Office of Appeals, you should talk again with the person at the IRS you have been dealing with or contact taxpayer services for assistance. You can also contact the taxpayer advocate service if you feel your taxpayer rights have been violated.

If you have tax problems, you should protect yourself by hiring a qualified tax problem specialist. We have experience in strategies in negotiating with the IRS to get you the lowest amount that you have to pay.

If you have a tax problem or know someone with a tax problem, please share this video or contact me by giving me a call or sending me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.