Tax Relief: IRS Revenue Officer - Friend or Foe
Posted by LWM Team on Thu, Jul 01, 2010
IRS Front Line Collectors - Revenue Officers
If you asked for your case to be sent to your local tax office, your bill is higher than $25,000, or the ACS and IRS campus is unable to collect payment from you, a revenue officer takes over. They can do the following:
• A possible surprise call or visit at your residence or work
• On-the-spot questions or stipulate a review date at the tax office
• If you owe under $25,000 and can afford a payment plan with interest and fines within sixty months, you may qualify to get a payment plan
• If more than $25,000 is owed, your signature must confirm comprehensive financial information recorded on IRS forms
Collection by revenue officers takes place as follows:
• Demand immediate settlement
• Request you get bank loan
• Request you sell assets
• Suggest installment payment agreement
• Suggest Offer in Compromise
• Impose collection i.e. seize accounts, wages and other assets
Visit from a Revenue Officer
Revenue officers catch negligent tax payers off guard by making visits or calls to your work or residence between 8am and 6pm. If you are out, a note is left asking you to call back. Once the officer meets or speaks with you, he will question you on-the-spot rather than set-up an interview in the IRS office. Avoid providing financial information until you are fully prepared. If you haven't filed tax returns he won't comply with your request(s).
Remember, do not lie. Acknowledge you owe money and be cooperative. Don't complain about the IRS or your financial problems. Even when an appointment is organized he may call or see you beforehand. Ask for the IRS forms prior to the interview; complete them before your interview. Last but not least, be fully prepared.