You Have a Chance with Collection Appeals

From an IRS notice, to an audit, to a collection appeals hearing – your IRS problems have definitely accelerated. You have every right to request for an appeal if you disagree with an IRS decision. By filing an appeal, you're making it known that you don't agree with their ruling and are willing to discuss a resolution in an appeals hearing.

IRS actions that you may file appeals against include:

• Installment agreement terminations and rejected offers-in-compromise
• IRS seizures, levies, and liens
• Penalties and interest
• Employment tax adjustments and the trust fund recovery penalty

The guidelines and timeframes for what you're appealing should be followed. Through this, your appeal is filed correctly in a timely manner.

Most of collection appeals are filed in response to an IRS audit. If you have just been audited and the IRS increases your tax bill and adds both penalties and interest, you'll want to ask for an appeal if you disagree with the increase. It is imperative that you figure out the guidelines and timeframe as soon as possible. You might lose the chance for an appeal if you don't file your collection appeal right away.

A tax debt collection appeal can be filed even before the IRS enforces the seizure or levy. As soon as you receive notice of the levy or seizure, regardless if it's verbal or written, file the appeal right away.

File a Collection Appeal Correctly

To file a collection appeal, you'll need to fill out a collection appeal form. You'll be able to present your case in this form, including why you are disputing the IRS decision and suggesting a resolution. An appeals officer will be assigned to the case and he must make a decision regarding the appeal in five days.

What to Expect

The appeals office might attempt to resolve your appeal by phone or even through correspondence. You may choose to represent yourself or bring representation in the event that a hearing is set. Collection appeal hearings are often done in an informal way.

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