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Does The IRS Make Mistakes?

Yes. While not very common, The IRS does make mistakes. The IRS processes nearly 155 million individual tax returns each year. It catches enough errors or supposed errors itself that it sent out 1.6 million notices related to math errors a few years ago. Even though the Service focuses on catching these mistakes, it also can make them. And it isn’t only the IRS that makes them, employers, HR departments and tax preparers make them.

We often encounter tax problems and audit situations that started with a simple mistake. It isn’t initially caught and then the problem grows. It is only identified when it’s become a back tax bill of thousands of dollars. There are options available.

Did The IRS Make a Mistake?

Confused About Your Taxes? Don't Stress, Call a Tax Attorney Today!

Data on IRS Mistakes

IRS mistakes are actually quite rare. In fact, a 2017 study by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found that the IRS makes errors in less than 1% of the returns it processes. That means that for every 10,000 tax returns filed, the IRS makes an error on just 100 of them.

Of course, even a 1% error rate is still too high for some people. After all, we’re talking about billions of dollars in taxes here. So what happens when the IRS does make a mistake? Well, first of all, it’s important to note that taxpayers are not responsible for paying any interest or penalties on erroneous tax bills. And if you believe that you’ve been incorrectly assessed a tax bill, you can file an appeal with the IRS. The appeals process is designed to give taxpayers a fair hearing and ensure that they are only required to pay taxes that they actually owe.

Common mistakes made by the IRS include:

How Do You Prove That The IRS Made A Mistake?

Gather your paperwork together. If you find an IRS mistake, write a letter that clearly explains the error and then attach documentation showing that what you filed was accurate.

If your employer accidentally sent two versions of a W-2, the IRS might double your income and assess a significant tax bill. By writing to explain the error and attaching documentation, you can often resolve the issue. You should receive a response in several weeks. If you do not, it is crucial to follow up or the situation could get worse.

Where Do You File An Appeal?

When a letter and explanation does not solve the issue, the next step is often to file a written protest with the IRS Office of Appeals. This independent organization provides an objective point of view in resolving tax disputes. Programs such as Fast Track Settlement and mediation often can resolve issues at the early stages of an audit or collection efforts.

What Do You Need To Include On A Formal Protest?

Before filing a formal protest, it is often helpful to seek legal advice to ensure you make the strongest possible argument with the first appeal. Some of the things that must be included in a protest are:
With any administrative hearing process, it is important to lead with your strongest arguments. And when you worry that the IRS did not correctly apply the law to your situation, individualized legal counsel may be the difference between winning early or long and drawn out litigation.

Fixing A Mistake

Fixing a mistake with the IRS is not quite as easy as a billing error with a local company. It can be extremely difficult to reach an agent as well. If your initial attempt to resolve a mistake goes nowhere, get a free consultation from a tax attorney.

Send an email to get more personalized legal advice, so you can decide on next steps.

Our Experienced Team of Attorneys

The attorneys of our firm — led by Chad C. Silver — bring more than four decades of federal tax defense experience to the legal matters facing our clients. For a competitive price, they can help you find an efficient resolution to your tax issues and keep the IRS from pushing you around. 

WHEN YOU HIRE US, WE CAN HELP YOU:

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We offer flat fees that fit your needs and your budget.

What Past Clients Say About Us

“Mr. Silver and his elite team of top-notch specialists are the most knowledgeable and experienced in the field nationwide! I was treated right and advised wisely every step along the way through my *very* sticky situation. This team is quick, honest and trustworthy with powerful follow-through. One of the best decisions I've made in my life was going with this firm, and I highly recommend them to anyone who needs help.” - Alan F.
5 Star Rating
A Real History of Success
IRS debt of $682,437, Attorney Silver and his team negotiated the Debt down to zero.

You Can Fight The IRS And Win. We Can Help.

No matter where you are in the process, we can help you make the best of your situation. Call us toll free at 855-900-1040 for a free case evaluation.
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