Most taxpayers with outstanding tax debts view the IRS as an intimidating authority. While it is true that the IRS can take strict action against delinquent taxpayers, such as levy a property, they must treat all taxpayers fairly. The IRS Restructuring and Reform Bill of 1998 requires the IRS to communicate all tax related issues to taxpayers with outstanding tax debts. The IRS must also give you ample time to pay your taxes.
In this blog post, we discuss five important things you must remember if you owe the IRS. If you need help resolving IRS problems, call the Law Offices of Nick Nemeth today and schedule your free no-obligation consultation now.
1. The IRS must explain your rights
Just because you owe taxes to the IRS doesn’t mean they have the right to treat you the way they want. The IRS Collection Process (Publication 594) requires the IRS to treat taxpayers in a courteous and professional manner. The IRS must explain all your rights as a taxpayer and inform you about available tax relief options such as offer in compromise.
2. Never Ignore IRS Notices
Taxpayers who owe back taxes must remember that ignoring IRS’ warnings never helps. In fact, doing so can be detrimental for you. Whether the IRS sends you the Notice of Intent to Levy or a collection letter, make sure you pay heed to the warnings. If you need help with IRS problems, contact a local tax law attorney to learn about your options before it is too late.
3. The IRS can make mistakes
The IRS handles thousands of tax cases everyday. Just like any other organization, humans do most of the work at IRS government office and it is possible for them to make mistakes. According to a recent audit conducted by the General Accounting Office, the IRS also needs to fix some in-house issues. That said, it is important that you do not take everything that the IRS says for granted. Keep a track of how much tax you have paid and still owe. Speak to a tax law attorney for the best help with IRS tax problems.
4. The IRS won’t imprison you for tax debts
The IRS may send you to jail if you pursue fraudulent activities to evade your taxes or try to trick a tax collector. The department, however, cannot imprison you if you simply owe taxes. It may charge interest & penalties, garnish wages, or levy your property, but it has no right to send you to jail.
5. The IRS must provide due time
Regardless the amount of tax you owe, the IRS must send you a number of written notices before they garnish your wages, seize your bank account, income tax refund, car, or business. Even when they send you the “Final Notice of Intent to Levy”, they need to wait 30 days from the notice’s date before they can pursue collection activities.
Let a Lawyer Represent You
Although the IRS, as per law, must treat you fairly and explain you your rights, the body can take strict action against you if you owe outstanding tax debts. If you are facing IRS problems, it is important to have a tax law attorney by your side. Legal representation helps you get better results when solving IRS tax problems. Take the first step to getting the best IRS problem help by contacting The Law Offices of Nick Nemeth. To schedule an appointment, call (972) 426-2553. You can also fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you shortly.
