It happens, allot. They may seem nice, and appear to understand your predicament, and sound like they want to help you …but it isn’t true. They have a job to do and they will do it. So lets set the stage and dispel a few myths.

1. IRS agents are not there to help you. Do not believe for one second that they have you interests at heart. They do not. I believe in fact their goal is to collect all that is owed, quickly, or liquidate the offending tax payers business so he will not abuse the tax code any further.

2. While they are interested in collecting as much as possible, they are usually not committed to keeping your business open just to collect more, so keeping you in business is not their objective.

3. They will not inform you about options or a better way or plan. They will not help you achieve your goals.

4. Working with them means you will pay the maximum and more then likely go out of business still owing a lot of money, which debt will follow you unless you do something about it.

5. They will attempt to make as many people as possible responsible persons to broaden the personal liability and collection potential.

6. They will go after your home and everything you own and your business assets.

7. There are many agents who simply go for the jugular vein immediately. Cutting you no slack, making what you consider unreasonable demands and basically putting you out of business in a heart beat.

Aside from the best advice I can give you, which is hire an experienced tax professional who works with such issues and knows the IRS, the code, and what to do in your situation, aside from this obvious good advice, you do have an avenue for relief from an oppressive agent.

Its called a Collection Due Process hearing (a CDP). It’s a beautiful thing and devised to help the taxpayer get a fair hearing and a reasonable shot at working their problems out without losing their business and everything they have worked their lives to build. Even with a professional on board you may need a CDP to level the playing field and undo the damage already done or being threatened by the agent.

When you begin to get the lien and levy notices, you will also get a series of pamphlets describing your rights to appeal and have an independent party from a different office who has fairness at heart, take over the situation and provide you with a fresh review.

If in fact your agent has been heavy handed, offensive or simply overbearing and you feel as though you have not been given a fair chance or a fair hearing, or your rights have been violated in some way, and you want an opportunity to work it out and your agent has not been willing to consider such options you may file for a CDP and get the hearing you want as well as having your case moved to another agent and an other office altogether.

It’s a real avenue for help. The review agents must follow the statute, but there is usually a way to resolve an issue without putting you out of business and liquidating your assets.

In fact the best answer is hire a professional and have him file for a CDP and represent your interests before them, assuring you not only a fair hearing but a representative that knows what is possible and what can be done.

It is a real review, and one which should not be overlooked. It works better for the tax payer and should be utilized when appropriate. Call for help. 413-549-2966.