Can the IRS conduct a collection interview at your house or business?

IRS Revenue Officers continue to become more aggressive in the field. Here is a new approach to look for:
I had a recent case in which a Revenue Officer sent my client a notice stating that that there would be an interview at my client’s house.  These meetings usually take place at an IRS office.  It [...]

Can the IRS take my stuff?

In the vast majority of cases, you will not lose any of your stuff to the IRS.  Most clothing and personal household belongings are beyond the scope of the IRS collection power.  Here’s why:
Section 6334(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code allows you to keep all of your clothing.  Bear in mind that the tax code [...]

Agreements to repay IRS debts under $25,000 can be simple and straightforward.

I often have new clients come in who owe the IRS under $25,000 and have the ability to repay the debt with monthly installment agreements.  If we determine they can repay the debt within 60 months, we secure from the IRS a repayment that is called a “streamlined installment agreement.”  The Internal Revenue Manual makes these [...]

Gas at $4.00 gallon; IRS National Standards lag behind

The Speedway gas station I can see from my suburban office window lists gas at $4.00 gallon. It now costs about $75 to fill-up a F-150 truck these days. At one fill-up per week, that is $325 per month for gas for one family car.
The IRS, in reviewing an ability to repay a [...]

IRS Financial Statements Revised - Traps Included!

For the first time in 4 years, the IRS revised the financial statements that are required to be used in collection cases.   There are several changes that are noteworthy, and to be careful with when answering.  On Form 433B, used to investigate businesses with IRS problems, the IRS asks who is responsible for depositing payroll taxes.  
The [...]