One of the things that most taxpayers are terrified of is to get into a tax dispute with the IRS. Anyone who has ever been in this position understands why the IRS is the most dreaded of the government agencies, and anyone who has never tangled with the IRS is extremely lucky. You do not want to catch the notice of the IRS if you can help it!
The new year is right around the corner, and our law offices wish that no Texas taxpayer would have their lives made miserable by the IRS in the coming year but that is not going to happen. Unfortunately the IRS will target many taxpayers in this state and start a tax dispute with thousands of Texas residents. This can be very traumatic, and if you are involved in an IRS tax dispute or controversy there are 5 top things that you need to remember:
1) Keep panic out of the equation. When you receive a communication from the IRS the first thing that many people do is start to panic, and you need to avoid panic and keep your wits about you. The IRS is a very intimidating agency that no one wants to deal with, whether you are being contacted by mail, by phone, or in person. The IRS relies on fear and intimidation tactics in order to get taxpayers to comply immediately. Remember that there are laws that the IRS MUST follow, and the IRS will not advertise this fact but you do have rights as a taxpayer in the USA.
2) Get all of your records and documentation in order. The IRS insists on documentation if they question any aspect of your tax returns, and you need to have your records in order so that you can document your case to the agency. You should have an experienced tax attorney work with you so that you avoid the most common mistakes and resolve your case in the best possible way.
3) Look at the communication from the IRS closely. After you have successfully pushed the initial panic away look at the letter or notice that you have received from the IRS, and read the entire correspondence carefully. What is the agency asking you to do or what do they want you to provide to them? Make sure you understand what is needed and when you are expected to return it by. Pay close attention to the deadline given by the IRS, if you do not provide the information or documentation required by the deadline this will only make things worse. Before you do anything it is essential that you know what you are supposed to do and when.
4) Never send the IRS anything except for the specific information and documentation that they have requested from you. When you volunteer extra information you may think that you are being honest but you are actually complicating matters. Giving the IRS more than they want will only open up other possible areas of scrutiny for the agency. The qualified tax attorney that you have chosen will explain this further.
5) Always get a qualified and experienced tax lawyer, never try to negotiate or deal with the IRS on your own. Many people feel that they did nothing wrong so there is no reason to involve a legal professional, but this is a huge mistake. The IRS does not always play fair and will not defend your rights as a taxpayer, only a tax attorney will.