Do Tax Appeals Work?

The IRS does not necessarily have the last word when it comes to your returns or how much money you owe the government. When you go through the appeals process, you have the right and responsibility of presenting evidence and arguing in your own best interests. You can increase the chances of winning your tax appeal by learning how this process works and what is expected of you as a taxpayer.

Reasons to Appeal Your IRS Notice

The IRS permits you to submit an appeal under a number of different circumstances. Some of the most common reasons that people file formal appeals to the IRS include:

• an adjustment to a return like a refusal of a credit or deduction
• dispute of IRS collections like a lien, levy, seizure of assets, installment agreement termination
• challenge a rejection of an Offer in Compromise, or OIC
• dispute of penalties and interest added onto a debt

These are but a few of the reasons that you can appeal your case to the IRS. Before you file an appeal, you should understand how the IRS will expect you to present your argument

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The Appeals Process

The IRS has designed the appeals process to be fast, inexpensive, and convenient. Most cases can be handled entirely by mail. You may not even have to make an appointment or meet with an IRS agent face-to-face.

Nonetheless, you will be expected to make your appeal in writing and demonstrate that you know the facts and laws that pertain to your case. You also must clearly list all of the reasons for why you take issue with your case. Your reasons can include any legitimate argument as long as they are not based on:

• morality
• religion
• politics
• constitutionality
• conscientious objections

Depending on the type of argument you raise, you must provide timely and thorough documentation to back up your claims to the officer overseeing your case.

Along with providing proof of your argument, you also must be willing to satisfy the expectations of you in the appeals process. As a claimant, you must be willing to listen to the IRS explanation of the appeals process and your rights. You must provide all requested information in a timely manner and provide the best means and timeline for which the IRS can get in contact with you.

As a taxpayer appealing your case, you also have rights to which you are entitled. While the IRS reviews your arguments, you have the right to:

• have all of your questions and concerns addressed thoroughly
• be listened to in an empathetic and understanding manner
• be treated with courtesy and professionalism
• fair and impartial judgment of your case

You may find it difficult to determine if you are receiving fair treatment or if your case is taking a wrong turn away from your best interests. When you want the best possible outcome of your appeal, you may consider hiring a tax professional to represent you. A tax pro can take care of all of the documentation and written communications and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.

After you file your tax return, you may still have issues to raise with the IRS. You have the right to be heard and have your case handled fairly. 

You also have important responsibilities that you must meet to ensure the best outcome of your appeal. You can improve your chances of a satisfactory outcome and avoid paying more than your rightful amount of tax debt by learning more about how the actual IRS tax appeals process works.