Are local IRS offices still available for personal meetings for payment solutions for a client? I a seminar I learned that one should never call the 800 number for collections unless one wants to be abused (which happened to me in a discriminatory manner because of my German accent - and yes, I have reported the incident). Instead one should go to the local IRS office...BUT this was before everything got down the drain with IRS and local offices.
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
Local IRS offices
Collapse
X
-
Originally posted by Gretel View PostAre local IRS offices still available for personal meetings for payment solutions for a client? I a seminar I learned that one should never call the 800 number for collections unless one wants to be abused (which happened to me in a discriminatory manner because of my German accent - and yes, I have reported the incident). Instead one should go to the local IRS office...BUT this was before everything got down the drain with IRS and local offices.
To check go to this site: http://apps.irs.gov/app/officeLocator/index.jsp
My local IRS TAC offers the following services:
Account inquiries (help with letters, notices and levies on your wages or bank account)
Adjustments (changes to tax account information or payments)
Alien clearances (Sailing Permits)
Assistance with Affordable Care Act tax provision questions for individuals
Basic tax law assistance January 1 - April 15 (answers related to your individual Federal Tax Return) (Topics)
Form 911, Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance
Help with Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return (tax law & submission of tax return)
Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers and Form W-7 (More Information)
Multilingual assistance (over 150 languages translated)
Payment arrangements
Payments (check or money order only)
Procedural inquiries
Solutions to tax issues
Tax forms (based on availability)
*Does not accept cash paymentsLast edited by ATSMAN; 05-26-2015, 10:45 AM.Taxes after all are the dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society. - FDR
-
Collections Alive and Well
Gretel, you are quite correct about the functionality of the local offices being hampered, in fact some of them have been closed.
I remember the days when you could take your issue to an IRS employee at a local office and he/she could get it solved for the
taxpayer. Sort of a "customer service" approach. No more.
However, there ALWAYS seems to be someone available to discuss collection issues. Even the government has got sense enough
to not slam the door in the face of incoming money. I'm certain the IRS has an office in Billings and will have a collection agent
available to you. If your client is having problems paying, be prepared to bring a 433A with you.
Comment
-
Originally posted by ATSMAN View PostThe answer is maybe. Depends on where you are located and if your local IRS office has a Taxpayer Assistance Center. Fortunately I have one within driving distance. My clients make use of it all the time.
To check go to this site: http://apps.irs.gov/app/officeLocator/index.jsp
My local IRS TAC offers the following services:
Comment
-
You can find the nearest IRS office at http://www.irs.gov/app/officeLocator/index.jsp
Locals are not going to want to deal with a case that is assigned to the automated collection system but can take a request over the counter. A Form 9465 with a proposed payment of 1/60th of the liability per month with less than $25,000 due should flow through without any trouble.
Comment
-
Originally posted by Gretel View PostAre local IRS offices still available for personal meetings for payment solutions for a client? I a seminar I learned that one should never call the 800 number for collections unless one wants to be abused (which happened to me in a discriminatory manner because of my German accent - and yes, I have reported the incident). Instead one should go to the local IRS office...BUT this was before everything got down the drain with IRS and local offices.
There have been a small number of times when I got an arrogant jerk, but most of the time the person I dealt with was pleasant and task-oriented - they just want to get the case cleared or payment plan set up and move on. On the few occasions I ran into someone who was disagreeable, I just found an excuse to get off the phone and then called right back to get someone else. Incidentally that's something you'd find impossible to do if you walk into one of their offices.
It's been a few months since I made a call like this, and maybe they've loaded the phone lines with ogres since my last experience. But I think calling them is much less stressful than going to the trouble to travel to an office."The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectful" - John Kenneth Galbraith
Comment
-
Originally posted by Gretel View PostIt's a walk-in office with taxpayer assistance. How do you know what an office offers? Where did you get your list from? Thanks for the link.Taxes after all are the dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society. - FDR
Comment
-
I have found that If you go with the taxpayer to the local TAC the agents are helpful and they seem to get things resolved because now you have a name to call. Make sure you have the POA signed and in hand before walking in. Also when taxpayers call the IRS they generally don't get to the issue at hand and probably confuse the agent at the other end. Some are so emotional that they don't even make sense. If you are there with the taxpayer to explain the matter it helps IRS resolve it or point you in the right direction.
I learned this almost 20 years back before we had internet!Taxes after all are the dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society. - FDR
Comment
Disclaimer
Collapse
This message board allows participants to freely exchange ideas and opinions on areas concerning taxes. The comments posted are the opinions of participants and not that of Tax Materials, Inc. We make no claim as to the accuracy of the information and will not be held liable for any damages caused by using such information. Tax Materials, Inc. reserves the right to delete or modify inappropriate postings.
Comment