Appealing to the IRS

Many people think that the IRS is infallible and that they don’t have a say in anything the IRS does. However, that’s not entirely true. Sometimes, this organization, as giant as it may be, makes mistakes. When that happens, there is an IRS appeals process you can go through to hopefully make things right.  

What Can Be Appealed?

Many decisions and findings of the IRS can be appealed. For example, you can appeal the results of an examination or an adjustment. You may also be appeal to appeal any of the following:

·        Some penalties

·        Offers in compromise

·        Employment tax adjustments

·        Denials of abatement of interest

·        Liens

·        Terminations of/denials of installment agreements

·        Seizures

·        Collections due process notices

In cases where your decision was made via a direct meeting with an IRS employee, you can request a meeting with the employee’s supervisor. If you cannot reach an agreement with the supervisor, then you can go through an Appeals officer to request an Appeals conference, in which you’ll be able to support your position.

Going Through the Appeals Process

An Appeals conference can seem intimidating, but it’s actually fairly informal. It might be conducted in person, or sometimes it happens over the telephone or even through correspondence.

At this meeting, you can choose to go alone. Or, you can be represented by an attorney or an accountant.  

While you don’t have to have representation, it will definitely help you to feel more confident and in control, which is why it’s often a good idea to enlist qualified help.

If all goes well, the appeal will be decided in your favor. If that doesn’t happen, however, you may be able to file further appeals with the courts. How far you wish to take your appeal is up to you, though it’s always best to make your decisions about how to proceed with professional help and guidance.