One of the most feared government agencies is the IRS.You don't have to worry about writing a letter.Don't forget to get to the point in a business letter.People usually write the IRS, ask for an exemption, or appeal an IRS decision.Remember to keep a copy of the letter for your records.
Step 1: A business letter needs to be formatted.
The Times New Roman 12 point is a good example of what you can do with a blank word processing document.Business letters are single spacing and use block paragraphing, which means you don't indent with each new paragraph.You leave a blank line between paragraphs.If you have it, you can use it.There should be enough space at the top of the letter.
Step 2: You can add the IRS address.
The information should be at the top of the page.Please include the street address, city, state, and zip code.You can find the address by looking at the letter from the IRS.
Step 3: You should include your personal information.
The personal information should be in the block beneath the IRS address.
Step 4: It's time to insert your salutation.
If you have been given the name of an IRS employee, you can use it.To Whom it may concern, insert a colon.
Step 5: Send a copy of the notice to the IRS.
You should include the notice with your reply if you are responding to it.Let them know when you received the letter and what it was about.A single sentence is what this paragraph can be.You can write, "I am responding to your letter dated 7/3/2017 concerning my 2016 filing."
Step 6: Pick out the information you are giving.
The IRS might be requesting more documentation.Tell them what you're giving them.You can write, "I have reviewed your letter carefully, which asks that I provide proof of my self-employment income."I have printed off my income for the year.I am sending you a copy of the records.Your records should reflect this fact.
Step 7: The letter should be closed on a friendly note.
You can answer any questions the IRS has.Thank them for their attention to this issue by giving them your phone number.If you have a question, you can email me at the above address.The easiest way to reach me is by phone.To thank you for your attention, sign your letter.Put the word "sincerely" and then a few blank lines for your signature.You can type your name under your signature.
Step 8: Do you know any enclosures?
You may want to send the documents to the IRS.They are at the bottom of the page.If you want to state what they are, insert the word "enclosures".It might say, "Enclosures: copy of W-2 and 1099-MISC."
Step 9: The letter needs to be submitted by the request date.
Look over the notice you received from the IRS and make sure you reply before the deadline.You should make copies of any supporting documents you give the IRS.The IRS frequently misplaces originals.You should keep the originals at home.Hold onto your receipt if you mail the complete packet certified mail.
Step 10: Is there a reason why you qualify for an abatement?
Penalties might be assessed if you don't file or pay on time.If you have reasonable cause for being late, the IRS will remove the penalties.The IRS determines reasonable cause on a case by case basis, but common reasons include the following: Someone close to you died.It was an unavoidable absence when you were in prison or in rehab.Your records were destroyed in a disaster.You couldn't afford to pay taxes when you were getting divorced.For some reason, you couldn't get your tax records.A tax professional gave you incorrect information.The IRS gave you bad advice.You made a mistake, but you were careful.If you had no penalties for the 3 tax years prior to the tax year you received the penalty, the IRS will give you a first-time penalty abatement.
Step 11: You should format your letter.
Use 12 point Times New Roman and block paragraphing to make it a standard business letter.The IRS address, your name, and the date are included at the top.
Step 12: Send a copy of the notice to us.
Attach the notice you received from the IRS to your letter.Explain why you are writing to the IRS in the first paragraph of your letter.The date of their notice should be mentioned.You can write, "I am writing to request an abatement of $4,512.33 as assessed in the notice sent 7/3/2017."
Step 13: Why should you get an exemption?
Mention the legitimate reasons that apply to you.Don't stretch the truth because you will need documentary proof.You can write, "The reason why I filed late was because my husband died in early April, right around the time I usually do my taxes."There is a copy of his death certificate in my possession.There is a petition for the reduction of penalties owed for reasonable cause.
Step 14: Don't reply your letter.
Tell the IRS where they can reach you after they consider your request.If you include taxes that are not paid, state them as well.You could write, "please consider my request for an abatement for reasonable cause."If you have a question, I can be reached during normal business hours.Remember to sign the enclosed payment covering my taxes, except for the penalty amount.You should include "sincerely" and three or four blank lines.Write your name after the blank lines.Black or blue ink is used to sign.
Step 15: You should consult with a tax attorney.
It's in your best interests to get advice and guidance from a qualified tax attorney if you are dealing with an appeal.They can help you draft the appeal letter.
Step 16: Write this letter when you know when.
When the IRS is still gathering information, you don't draft an appeal letter.After the IRS proposes certain actions, you write an appeal letter.
Step 17: A business letter needs to be formatted.
You can include your name, address, and daytime phone number in the block paragraph style.The Times New Roman 12 point is a good example.
Step 18: You are appealing.
You want to appeal the IRS findings to the Office of Appeals in the first paragraph.The IRS knows what you're referring to if you identify the decision letter by date.
Step 19: You should organize your letter.
Pick out all of the items that you don't agree with.You will need to identify the item and give the facts.If you disagree with two items, your letter will be organized as follows: facts, discussion of law, application of facts to the law.The second item is facts, discussion of law and application of facts to the law.
Step 20: Pick out the item you don't agree with.
This should be a section heading.The Taxpayer disagrees with the IRS proposal to prevent the deductions on their tax return.
Step 21: Explain the facts well.
Facts that are favorable should be underneath your heading.Any facts that are unfavorable can be minimized.Remember to be accurate, even if the facts are not favorable.You could be deducting job hunting expenses.You have to give the dates of your trip and the amount of money spent on it.
Step 22: Discuss the law with someone.
It is necessary to research tax law in order to bring a successful appeal.Statutes, court decisions, and scholarly articles can be found online.You should try to distinguish unfavorable law from your current situation.A tax attorney can do research for you if you don't understand tax law.You can explain the law as follows: "Taxpayers may deduct for preparing and mailing copies of a resume to prospective employers if they are looking for a job."
Step 23: You should apply the law to your facts.
Explain to the IRS how the law applies to your facts.When you describe the key facts in the letter, any fact you mention in this section should be mentioned as well.If you write, "Here, Taxpayer is clearly entitled to deduct the $26.73 for printing and mailing her resume, since all of the jobs she sought were in her current field as a dental hygienist."
Step 24: The perjury statement should include penalties.
Put your name and signature underneath the statement that says "under the penalties of perjury, I declare that the facts stated in this protest and any accompanying documents are true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief."
Step 25: Support documents should be gathered.
The IRS sent you a letter.Any documents that support your case should be pulled together.The IRS should be able to find its own regulations and statutes, but you might want to print off a scholarly article or court decision that is favorable.Send copies, never originals, since the IRS often misplaces documents.
Step 26: The correct address is where you should submit your letter.
You should not send your appeal to the Office of Appeals.You can send it to the address in the letter explaining your appeal rights.You should keep a copy of the letter.