What Should I Do if the IRS Calls?
There are a number of things you can do to help things go smoothly when dealing with IRS representatives:
Remain friendly
Being confrontational will make the IRS agent less likely to work with you on a tax resolution or be helpful. Remember that the IRS holds all of the power in this situation; you cannot scare or coerce them into taking your side.
Be patient
The IRS can be very repetitive and detail-oriented which can become tiresome and frustrating to many people. But, it is a necessary part of the tax resolution process; complaining will not help your case.
Change of address
If you have moved, notify the IRS by filling out their change-of-address form (IRS Form 8822). This will ensure that you get important notices on time and help keep you from missing deadlines.
Always respond to notices or letters from the IRS
Respond promptly but only after you are certain you understand what the letter means and what is being asked for.
Ask for the name and ID number of any IRS employee who calls you
To be safe it is best to check and make sure that you are actually dealing with a real IRS employee and not give any detailed information until you confirm that the call is legitimate.
Stay calm
It’s natural to feel fearful or nervous when dealing with the IRS, even if you’ve done nothing wrong. However, this nervousness can sometimes give the impression that you have something to hide. Proper guidance through the tax resolution process is crucial. Considering the stakes, handling these situations is challenging. Most taxpayers have little experience with tax issues, tax resolution, or the IRS collection process. On the other hand, IRS agents are experts in dealing with taxpayers; it’s their job and they do it daily. While many people are unfamiliar with the complexities of the tax code, the IRS agents are well-versed in every rule and tool at their disposal. They know the system inside and out because they are the ones who created it. When facing tax problems and seeking a resolution, your chances of success depend heavily on how effectively you communicate with the IRS and its representatives.