Can Your Tax Story Win Against the IRS’?
Many taxpayers have experienced their innocent spouse claims, collection appeals and tax returns disappearing. They find out, when they are informed, they were never processed. The only explanation is they were lost. When this happens it is very hard to convince the IRS you really did send it and they have misplaced it. The IRS expects you to show them proof of that filing.
In order to protect yourself against this kind of situation you must know the safest way to file.
Do not mail your tax appeal, return or request. Take it personally to your IRS walk-in meeting point. Make sure you also have a copy in your possession. Request the IRS official to date stamp the copy as proof of receipt when you file the original.
If you have multiple unfiled returns, do not place all in a single envelope. Place each one in its own envelope. By doing this you are raising the chances of each return being processed through the system—4 out of 5 returns being processed is better than none.
It is common for a taxpayer’s filing dates to be disputed by an IRS Appeals or Revenue Officer. When this happens those officers only want to see a copy containing an IRS date stamp as proof. For this reason it is highly advisable for you to hand deliver Collection Due Process applications.
If you must use the post office to mail then request a mailing certificate. Even with a legitimate mailing certificate the IRS is known to query the contents of the envelope in question. The stance of the IRS is a mailing certificate shows you mailed an envelope but does not prove what was in the envelope.
It is sensible to ensure you always have the necessary proof of filing. It takes a little extra time but when it comes down to your story versus the IRS you have no chance of winning.
