Chapter 18

Dreaded Envelopes: IRS Notices, Assessments, and Audits

IN THIS CHAPTER

Bullet Deciphering assessment and non-assessment notices

Bullet Understanding the different types of audits

Bullet Preparing for an audit

Bullet Querying repetitive audits

Bullet Making the statute of limitations work for you

If you think that you received an IRS notice simply because you’re unlucky, you may be mistaken. Winning the IRS notice lottery is easy, and you’re hardly in exclusive company! Each year, the IRS issues millions of the following:

  • Penalty notices
  • Notices informing taxpayers that they didn’t report all their income
  • Notices to taxpayers stating that they failed to file a tax return
  • Notices citing math or clerical errors
  • Notices to taxpayers that they failed to pay what they owed

And every year, millions of beleaguered taxpayers contact the IRS back saying that the notices they received are either incorrect or unclear.

When you’re dealing with the IRS, remember the three Ps — promptness, persistence, and patience! ...

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