After requesting innocent spouse relief more than 4.5 years ago, yesterday I found out of my request was denied. I will transcribed my phone conversations with the tax examiner and her manager in this blog, along with previous communications that I have had in my quest to get innocent spouse relief since October 2002.
I'm a journalist, of the muck-raking sort, by nature, although circumstances have forced me to pursue other avenues of employment. Also, a fear of being a rabblerouser, a troublemaker, or repercussions from getting too involved - either in my efforts to extract myself from this now $200,000 IRS debt, as well as my recently finalized divorce/custody battle that lasted almost five years - those things forced me to silence.
Now it's time to tell those friends who find themselves embroiled in the similar circumstances what I've found what works with the IRS, and what doesn't work. I want others to know they aren't alone, or not to go down the same wrong paths. There are few CPAs that know of cases that continue this long - most reasonable folks extract themselves quickly - with an offer-in-compromise or by paying.
This is also a way I won't have to tell the same news, over and over, to friends and family. So, here we go. Dealing with the past as well as the present.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
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Mission impossible
Mark Everson, commissioner of the IRS, states in a message to taxpayers, "To protect the honest taxpayer, we have strengthened enforcement of the tax laws. The vast majority of taxpayers pay honestly and accurately, and they have every right to expect their neighbors and competitors to do the same."
This blog will document my ongoing efforts to extract myself from the financially oppressive control of the IRS during and after being married to a businessman who was less than forthright with his finances. Here's what happened when I tried to be honest and make things right. A little upfront warning: don't try this at home. You'll end up where I am, and believe me, it's tedious at best.
The IRS Mission, according to the 2006 1040 instruction booklet, is, "Provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsiblities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all."
My Mission: In dealing with the IRS since a joint-income tax return field audit was started in July 2002, I hope to help as many friends as possible, in like circumstances, avoid the "top quality service" of such a fair and honest organization as the IRS. It's not worth it. Don't ever try to be a good American in this realm. Protect yourself.
This blog will document my ongoing efforts to extract myself from the financially oppressive control of the IRS during and after being married to a businessman who was less than forthright with his finances. Here's what happened when I tried to be honest and make things right. A little upfront warning: don't try this at home. You'll end up where I am, and believe me, it's tedious at best.
The IRS Mission, according to the 2006 1040 instruction booklet, is, "Provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsiblities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all."
My Mission: In dealing with the IRS since a joint-income tax return field audit was started in July 2002, I hope to help as many friends as possible, in like circumstances, avoid the "top quality service" of such a fair and honest organization as the IRS. It's not worth it. Don't ever try to be a good American in this realm. Protect yourself.