The IRS is Being Unreasonable! What Can I Do?

While the IRS has taken strides to become more taxpayer friendly over the years, sometimes Uncle Sam and the taxpayer still can’t see eye to eye.  If it seems that the IRS is being totally unreasonable in their dealings, you may be wondering what to do about it. Of course you’re not going to sit idly by and watch them take everything you own, so here’s how to take action.

Taxpayer Advocate Service
There are several advocacy services you can enlist to be on your side. The IRS even provides links to these on their website. When you need a voice ‘inside’ the IRS to help you figure out what to do about your situation, these services can be your light in the darkness.

Often, these organizations not only will aid you in your quest for fair representation, they will use the general details of your case in the future when it comes to advocating for fairer tax laws. This means the process of taxation is aided through your struggles. What better reason to call them up is there than that?

Tax Lawyers
Of course, when things get really hairy, then you may need to call up a tax lawyer. If you’re facing huge fines from the IRS or even jail time, you absolutely do not need to do it alone. In fact, some experts say you shouldn’t even go to an audit without a tax lawyer present.

Ideally you want a lawyer that deals with the exact problem you’re going through. If it’s something to do with some obscure tax law, then you may want to seek out a tax lawyer who knows all about that piece of IRS arcana, even if he isn’t located in your immediate area. If your struggle is more about seizure of property, some tax attorneys specialize in that.

IRS Appeals Officers
It’s a little known fact that the appeals officers in the IRS stand the best chance of helping you out. However, you probably won’t get to talk to one until you’re well into the levy process. If you’re received a notice from the IRS called ‘Final Notice of Intent to Levy,’ now is the time to act.

You have 30 days after the letter was sent from the IRS to request a meeting with the appeals officer. When you make the appeal, they then will take four to six months to assign you an officer. Their job is to help find the best solution for both parties – you AND the IRS –  so do your best to work with them!

---