The IRS Tax Appeal process is typically the last, and can be the best option, a taxpayer may have to resolve his or her tax problem before going to Tax Court (or District Court if your pay the disputed tax). While the audit and collections process is about the IRS getting as much money as possible, the IRS Appeals process is about finding a settlement for the matter.

The Office of Appeals is independent of any other IRS office. Many of the different departments within IRS are responsible for making decisions concerning the application of tax law to various taxpayer issues. In some cases, agreement on these decisions, or determinations, cannot be reached. In other words, the taxpayer does not agree with the determination.

Appeals serves as an informal administrative forum for any taxpayer who disagrees with an IRS determination. Appeals provides a venue where disagreements concerning the application of tax law can be resolved on a fair and impartial basis for both the taxpayer and the government. The mission of Appeals is to settle tax disagreements without having to go to the Courts and a formal trial.

One way to start the IRS appeals process, is to find an experienced Tax Lawyer to submit a formal protest letter and request the IRS auditor’s file. The protest letter will state that you disagree with the IRS determination, and provide reasons supporting your position. The IRS auditor’s file will provide you with valuable information, as you proceed through appeals process.

An IRS Appeals Officers’ goal is to end the IRS controversy. If there are legal issues in dispute, the Appeals Office will usually be more willing to consider a taxpayer’s position, than any other employee of the IRS. Appeals takes a completely fresh and independent look at the facts, circumstances and law of each case. Furthermore, Appeals are separate from the rest of the IRS are not handling the case to see how much of your money they can get their hands on.

The Tax Attorneys McGinn Law, PC have assisted both individual, and business taxpayers, challenge IRS determinations. Although the appeals process may take several months to complete, taxpayers may generally achieve significant savings on their tax bill.

During a hearing, which will be held at the IRS Appeals Officer’s office, we will present your case on your behalf. The goal of the Tax Lawyers at McGinn Law Offices, PC is usually to resolve the IRS controversy, and do so, in an expeditious manner.

We will negotiate a settlement for you at that appeals hearing. If a settlement is reached, then the IRS Appeals Officer will issue a Form 870, Consent to Proposed Tax Adjustment. By signing this formal document, you agree to pay the amount of the settlement, and you can no longer challenge the existing tax issue and/or tax case.

If you have received documentation from the IRS informing you of your rights detailing the IRS Appeals process, you should act quickly, and obtain legal and tax representation. Call the Massachusetts Tax Attorneys at McGinn Law, PC at at 617 229 9974 for a consultation.

Here is a list of the tax services that McGinn Law Offices, PC provides, and the federal tax issues we resolve everyday for our clients: