know when to FOLD 'em

[Possi]

I am still suffering with a 5 yr NOL that the IRS changed.

If I agree with the changes, do ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP in that order when ducks fly over the grand canyon in the hail.

Then they might consider it.

The changes don't even change the bottom line... that is, they are to recieve all their refunds.

The IRS office can't help me. The IRS hotline can't help me and now the IRS LAW is just listening to my frustration. He said there are so many NOL's coming in that they are looking to kick them back for any reason at all.

I am frustrated to tears. I see how people get so angry at the IRS. If I didn't think it would hurt me, I'd eat a gun.

[Nashville]

Prepayments

I have with some success at the state levels (not the Federal) claimed tardy refunds as prepayments on the next year's tax return.

Example: Alabama is one of the states notorious for holding refunds, or not processing NOLs or amended returns. If they are holding a $2500 refund for no good reason for a client of mine, I will simply claim it as a prepayment of next years' tax, as if it had been an estimated payment.

What invariably follows is a letter telling them they do not have a record of their payments, and could we please furnish same. This costs the taxpayer some interest when it all shakes out, but it does get his refund back, as it will force them to deal with the amended return. I know some taxing authorities are just tossing amended returns into a stack with the attitude "We'll get to it when we can."

This kind of strategy doesn't appeal to all tax preparers, so I already know many of you do not agree with me. Others may be aggressive enough to identify with it, and still others are very much fed up with the double-faced tactics of govts.

[Possi]

interest?

I have with some success at the state levels (not the Federal) claimed tardy refunds as prepayments on the next year's tax return.

Example: Alabama is one of the states notorious for holding refunds, or not processing NOLs or amended returns. If they are holding a $2500 refund for no good reason for a client of mine, I will simply claim it as a prepayment of next years' tax, as if it had been an estimated payment.

What invariably follows is a letter telling them they do not have a record of their payments, and could we please furnish same. This costs the taxpayer some interest when it all shakes out, but it does get his refund back, as it will force them to deal with the amended return. I know some taxing authorities are just tossing amended returns into a stack with the attitude "We'll get to it when we can."

This kind of strategy doesn't appeal to all tax preparers, so I already know many of you do not agree with me. Others may be aggressive enough to identify with it, and still others are very much fed up with the double-faced tactics of govts.

It shouldn't cost the client interest, instead the refund should be inflated for interest that the taxing authority owed them!

Honestly, I have to remember that for 5 terrible returns, one bringing me to tears, I have 400 that are great! It's awful hard to keep it all in perspective this time of year, when all the problems surface.

[geekgirldany]

If you are not getting any help through the regular IRS I would go to the Tax Advocate office. I've had more contact with them in the last few years than I really should. Some things I think the Tax Prac Hotline could have fixed but would not.

[Possi]

I will...

If you are not getting any help through the regular IRS I would go to the Tax Advocate office. I've had more contact with them in the last few years than I really should. Some things I think the Tax Prac Hotline could have fixed but would not.

If the form I file with the letter don't do it for them, and I'll inundate them with forms, then I will have to contact the advocate office.

I will never no never not ever touch one of these again.