What Can I Do if I Disagree with the Outcome of an Audit by the IRS?You have the right to appeal when you feel the outcome of your audit was unfair. After the audit concludes, you have 30 days in which to appeal your case to the IRS. During this time you may want to try to settle your case with the IRS since it could as long as a year before your appeals audit is heard. Who Else Can Appeal to if I Cannot Resolve My Problem through Regular IRS Channels?Yes, you can seek relief through the Taxpayer Advocate Office. The TAO will investigate your claim, report findings, and help to achieve an equitable settlement. Is there Any Further Action I Can Take if I Still Do Not Agree with the IRS Appeals Decision?Yes. After you get the appeals decision, you will receive a letter in the mail from the IRS that will give you 90 days to file a petition with the U.S. Tax Court if you still feel the IRS made an unfair decision regarding your audit. Do I Have a Chance to Appeal My Case Even Further if I Do Not Agree with the Tax Court¿s Decision?The answer depends on how much money you were originally deemed to owe the IRS. If the amount owed was $50,000 or less for any tax period, there is a simplified procedure used in the U.S. Tax Court. When you go through this simplified procedure, the outcome of your case cannot be appealed any further, so the Tax Court is the end of the road. However, if you do not go through this simplified procedure, you may be able to appeal your case to U.S. District Court. Keep in mind, though, that your expenses will go up significantly when you appeal to this level. However, it may be worth it if you are being treated unfairly by the IRS or are refuting a large sum of money owed to the IRS. Will I Need a Tax Attorney when I Go through the Appeals Process?The tax appeals process can be very complex. You may wish to consult a tax attorney to guide you through the appeals process and let you know what your rights and potential defenses are. In the case that your appeal makes it all the way to the U.S. District Court, you will almost certainly want an experienced tax lawyer, as various federal rules of procedure come into play and make the proceedings even more complex. |