Have You Received a Deficiency Notice or Another Letter Regarding Tax Problems From the IRS?

You filed your taxes like you were supposed to and you should be able to spend the rest of the year free from worries about taxes. But, then one day it appears. The envelope is fairly nondescript except for the name and address of the Internal Revenue Service emblazoned upon it. Maybe you tear it open immediately or maybe you wait until you are feeling a little braver, but in either case your mind starts racing and you can’t quite shake the feeling that you’ll soon be facing major tax problems.

However, not every notice from the IRS represents a major issue or concern. But, if you do receive a notice that alleges that serious tax mistakes or tax crimes have occurred, the Brager Tax Law Group may be able to help you resolve your issues with the IRS.

Above all else, do not panic if your see a notice from the Internal Revenue Service
When one sees a letter from the IRS it can be difficult to keep one’s mind from wandering to the parade of potential horribles that could be lurking inside the envelope. While many may fear the dreaded IRS audit, an audit only represents one potential possibility – good, bad or neutral – that can come out of a letter sent by the IRS. Now, despite out first assumption usually being the worst, take account of the fact that there are, at least, three potential classes of outcomes here. A positive outcome is possible if the notice had been sent to advise you of an error in your favor or a larger than expected return. The notice can also be neutral in that it may simply state that the IRS has received and has processed or is processing your documents. However, there is the chance that the letter will not bring good news. It may notify the taxpayer of an underpayment of tax, offshore account issues, or that the IRS has identified other problems with the return. If you are unsure or confused by the notice you receive, it is always prudent to bring it to a tax professional so that it can be reviewed and your mind can be put at ease.

If you need more time, simply ask the IRS
Recommending that taxpayer seek professional tax help often elicits the response of, “But what if I don’t have time to see a tax lawyer –or accountant?” This is an understandable objection because people live extremely busy lives. There are, no doubt, a multitude of interests and obligations that compete for our time and attention. But, “I didn’t have enough time,” is almost never an acceptable excuse for failing to consult with a tax professional when criminal or civil tax consequences are possible.

This is because, if they are legally able to do so, the IRS is typically willing to grant a brief when the taxpayer asks for it. Therefore, if the agent asks you a question that you do not think you can answer honestly or without admitting to a tax violation or tax crime, you can often request additional time. The IRS agent is aware of the seriousness of the situation and the fact that you need to ensure that any statements you make to the IRS are accurate. Therefore, if the taxpayer asks for more time to review and prepare their records, the IRS is typically willing to grant it. You can use this time to gather evidence that supports your claims and to contact a tax attorney.

However, you must be sure that you request an extension within any applicable time limits or statutes of limitations. For instance, if you receive a deficiency notice you only have 90 days to respond in writing to dispute the allegations by filing a Petition with the United States Tax Court. This particular date cannot be extended. However, most other IRS notices are less strict in their timing. A tax lawyer can explain the amount of time you have to respond to the particular notice you have received.

Review your records ensuring that they are accurate and complete
If the notice you received states that you made a mistake in your arithmetic or inputting data from the W-2, 1099 or other tax form be sure that the mistake is yours and not the IRS’. While it is rare, there have been instances of a form mismatch involving 1099s. Therefore, it is essential that you review not only the name and address that appears on the 1099 or other tax form, but also the employer and employee identification numbers, the amount of income reported on the form, and any other information that has been reported in your tax filing.

If you have verified this information, the mistake appears to be on your end, and the amount in controversy is large, it is often prudent to seek the advice and guidance of an experienced tax professional. The Brager Tax Law Group can help you arrange an offer-in-compromise or, depending on the situation, apply for other forms of tax relief. To schedule a confidential consultation, call 800-380-TAX-LITIGATOR today or contact us online.