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When and How To Contact The IRS

When and How To Contact The IRS

In the United States, Internal Service Revenue (IRS) is a government agency under the Department of Treasury which is tasked with collecting revenue and administer the Internal Revenue Code. IRS has to deal with the challenges in the filing season, especially in the changes in the tax laws and the changes of behavior of every taxpayer. The agency opened up communication with its customers to freely get in touch with them through online or phone from your respective homes and offices. There is a variety of reason why taxpayers need to contact the IRS.


To Ask for Tax Refund

The tax refund is the difference when the taxes paid during the year exceeded the actual tax liability, and it must be refunded to the taxpayer. Refunds are issued few weeks after the taxpayer initially filed the annual income tax.
 
A taxpayer can visit the IRS website for some questions of the individual income tax refund. “Where’s My Refund?” is an online tool that tracks your tax refund by providing 3 simple alerts: Tax Return Received, Tax Refund Approved, and Tax Refund Sent. In using this online tool, visit the IRS’s Tax Refund Center. IRS requires you to enter your personal information which includes Social Security Number (SSN), filing status, and the amount of tax refund. You may want to check the status of your Federal tax refund, you can do it online, by telephone (call the IRS Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954), or even with a smartphone application (download the “IRS2GO” application from the app store). This will allow you to communicate with the IRS and request your refund status using your mobile device.


In Settling Tax Debts

Tax debt is associated with the failure to pay taxes to the state government on earned income. In the United States, nonpayment of taxes is subject to penalties and experience being in jail. The government has the power to go after your properties and garnish wages as a levy of the unpaid liabilities. However, they are also lenient to debtors by allowing them to set up a payment plan until the debt is paid in full. A taxpayer may request to set up an “Installment Agreement” which allows that tax debts be paid in monthly installments over a period of time. This payment plan can be applied for online through the official IRS website, or by mailing a completed Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request). For details, see “Information About Online Payment Agreements.”
 
The other way in resolving tax debt is through an Offer in Compromise (OIC). It allows debtors to settle for less than the full amount owed. The tax debtor needs to qualify for the OIC’s strict eligibility requirements and there are specific circumstances which the IRS will consider this type of arrangement. They must submit an application package - including Form 656 (Offer in Compromise), a collection information statement, a $186 application fee, and your initial offer payment. For more information, see Form 656-B (Offer in Compromise Booklet).
It is for the taxpayer’s best interest to contact the IRS to discuss the payment plans, regardless of your situation. When you received an IRS tax bill or notice in the mail, call the phone number listed on your notice. You may also call the tax helpline for individuals (1-800-829-1040) or businesses (1-800-829-4933) and speak with an IRS representative.
 
To Resolve Tax Disputes

The IRS will work with taxpayers in trying to settle tax disputes in order to avoid Tax Court proceedings through an administrative appeal. The Office of Appeals is an independent organization within the IRS, who strives to resolve the dispute in a fair way and remain impartial to both parties.  Appeals conferences are informal meetings. A taxpayer can represent himself or to have an attorney, accountant, or someone enrolled to practice before the IRS to represent you. If the settlement was not reached with the Appeals or Settlement Officer or if don't wish to appeal within the IRS, you may appeal certain actions through the courts.

There are ways to resolve if you are involved in a tax dispute with the IRS. The IRS will send you a report or letter that explain the proposed arrangements or the collection action is taken. It will be better to seek the advice of a reputable tax professional or a tax attorney to help you understand your situation and deal with the IRS. There are 2 organizations associated with the IRS that may be able to assist you:

  • Local Taxpayer Advocate – The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization that operates within the IRS. It helps ensure that all taxpayers are treated fairly. You may contact the TAS to get assistance from a local advocate. There is at least one TAS office in every state. Visit the IRS website or call 1-877-777-4778. Or you can complete Form 911 (Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance) and fax/mail it to your local TAS office.


  • Local Taxpayer Clinic – Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) helps to resolve tax disputes with the IRS, including tax audits, appeals, and collection matters. They receive some funding from the IRS but considered as an independent organization. You must meet certain LITC income requirements and other criteria, then you may qualify for free or low-cost assistance. See IRS Publication 4134 (Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List). You may also contact the LITC Program Office by phone (202-317-4700) or by email (LITCProgramOffice@irs.gov) for some questions.
     

Local IRS Offices

If the taxpayer seeks a face-to-face tax help, the IRS has Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) located across the country. TACs are closed on federal holidays and they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You may find on the IRS website the addresses and phone numbers of TACs in your state.
 

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