What Should I Do if I Am Contacted By the IRS About Tax Compliance Issues?

 Posted on January 16, 2020 in Tax Audits

Most people know that paying taxes is not optional. However, sometimes something as simple as a mistake or miscalculation on a tax return can result in a tax compliance issue. When the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) discovers a problem with an individual’s tax return, the first method for contacting the taxpayer is typically a letter through the mail. If the issue is not resolved through the mail, an IRS officer may sit down with the taxpayer in a face-to-face meeting to discuss the compliance concerns. If you have been contacted by the IRS because you have not adequately met your tax obligations, an experienced tax lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

Make Sure That it Is Actually the IRS Who Is Contacting You

In recent years, there has been an uptick in the number of scammers pretending to be IRS agents. A scammer will typically make a phone call to an unsuspecting taxpayer and impersonate an IRS agent for the purposes of gaining access to personal identifying information or stealing the individual’s money. The IRS very rarely makes phone calls regarding tax issues. If an IRS worker does call you, he or she will not demand immediate payment or ask for credit card details over the phone. According to the IRS’s official website, anyone who receives a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS should hang up and call the IRS directly to discuss any potential compliance issues.

Know What to Expect During an IRS Meeting

The IRS recently announced that it will be increasing the number of revenue officers who make in-person visits to taxpayers. These face-to-face meetings will be focused in communities that have been especially affected by reduced IRS resources. In-person meetings only occur after the IRS makes several attempts to contact the taxpayer via mail. These meetings are typically unannounced. The IRS officer should provide two forms of credentials in order to verify that he or she is indeed an IRS worker. If he or she does not offer identification, you have the right to ask to see these credentials. The officer will then discuss your tax concerns and help you understand your options for resolving the issues.

Contact a San Jose Tax Attorney

If you have been contacted by the IRS regarding a tax compliance issue, a tax attorney can help in a variety of ways. The skilled San Jose, CA tax lawyer from John D. Teter Law Offices will ensure that your rights are not violated and your interests are protected during any communication with the IRS. To discuss your concerns, call our office at 408-866-1810 today and schedule a confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-urges-public-to-stay-alert-for-scam-phone-calls

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/special-irs-efforts-to-focus-on-tax-compliance-education-begin