Can I Appeal a Tax Dispute?
Did you know that many decisions by the IRS can be appealed?
In fact, there is an Office of Appeals at the IRS dedicated to impartially reviewing your tax dispute and resolving appeals.
The Office of Appeals may be able to review your tax situation when you:
- Disagree with the IRS’s decision after an audited tax return.
- Believe the IRS plans to collect taxes you don’t owe.
- Disagree with the filing of a Notice of Federal Tax Lien on your property.
- Want to dispute a levy on your bank account to collect tax.
What IRS Decisions May Be Appealed?
Do these statements describe your current tax issue?
- You received a letter from the IRS explaining your right to appeal a decision.
- You don’t agree with the IRS’s decision.
- You refuse to sign an agreement form sent to you.
If all these statements are true, you could be eligible to request an appeal.
Before Filing An Appeal…
Clearly define what your dispute is. During the appeals process, you will need to clarify and support your position if you believe the:
- IRS didn’t properly apply the law due to a misunderstanding of facts.
- IRS is taking inappropriate collections against you.
- Offer in compromise was unfairly denied.
- Facts used by the IRS are incorrect.
Be sure to have organized records or other evidence to support your appeal.
Also, if you believe the IRS misinterpreted a tax law, check the publications regarding the law and your issue at the Internal Revenue Service website. Doing a quick fact check initially can save time and trouble in the future.
When Can’t I Appeal a Tax Dispute?
There are certain circumstances when you cannot file an appeal. This includes:
- Getting a bill from the IRS with no mention of an appeal.
- Not providing all the information to the examiner during an audit.
- Only wanting to appeal because you can’t afford to pay the amount you owe.
What Happens During A Tax Appeal?
When you disagree with the IRS’s decision, you have a right to request an appeals conference. During this informal meeting, someone from the Office of Appeals reviews all the information the IRS provides and listens to what you have to say about your case. You also have the right to hire an authorized practitioner–such as an attorney or CPA–to represent you.
An individual from the Office of Appeals reviews the information that you and the IRS provide. In many cases, a fair resolution is made without needing to go to court.
If you are unsatisfied with the decision, however, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Ready to Request an Appeal?
You can get more information about requesting an appeal at the IRS’s website.
Not sure about the next steps regarding your tax dispute? It may be time to reach out to someone who better understands the process.
The team at Confidential Tax Relief can help guide you through the appeals process. We will also explain all the options available regarding your tax issue.
If you have questions or want help from a team that deals with the IRS every day, schedule a phone consultation and start enjoying some peace of mind.
