Taxpayers who owe delinquent taxes to the IRS or have tax liens on their property receive many different tax notices from the IRS in an attempt to collect. However, taxpayers may also receive other official looking notices that appear to be tax notices, but that are not from the IRS. A copy of one such notice recently received by a taxpayer is linked to this article.
These “notices” are instead from tax resolution companies hoping to scare taxpayers into calling, whereupon the tax resolution company can pitch its service. While I have no problem with tax resolution companies trying to earn a living, putting additional fear and stress on an already anxious taxpayer is the wrong way to go. The IRS has many programs available to taxpayers to resolve tax liability in an orderly manner without the need to resort to scare tactics.
Taxpayers should carefully review any purported “notices” to determine if the notice truly comes from the IRS, or is instead from a tax settlement company such as “Federal Tax Authorities” linked to this article. I called the 1-800 number listed in the fake tax notice to see what I could learn about company. However, I called after hours and went right to voicemail. The voicemail did not include the name of the company, which seemed suspicious to me.
Practice Point: Taxpayers may call Jared Le Fevre upon receipt of a tax notice and we can discuss whether it is real or fake. If real, we can discuss legitimate options for resolving tax debt with the IRS or state taxing authorities. If it is fake, file the fake notice in the circular file.[1]
About the Author: Jared M. Le Fevre is a Partner in the Tax, Trusts and Estates Practice Group of Crowley Fleck PLLP. Mr. Le Fevre represents taxpayers before the IRS, IRS Independent Office of Appeals, U.S. Tax Court, Federal District Court and state tax agencies throughout Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Idaho, and Utah. Mr. Le Fevre is involved in federal, state and local tax audits, appeals, and tax resolution throughout these western states. Mr. Le Fevre also advises clients on the tax effects of business and real estate transactions.
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[1] “A wastebasket.” https://www.dictionary.com/browse/circular-file (accessed 3.28.21).
Sample notice: https://crowleyfleck.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Sample-Notice.pdf