While the IRS says that appeals hearings, also called appeals conferences, are conducted informally, there is nothing to be taken lightly about your upcoming hearing. You have a lot of prep to do before your hearing, such as collecting extensive financial documentation, legal documents, and your full IRS file. Your preparations are hardly over after this intense collection mission. Next, you will need to strategize the most effective way to present your case persuasively. Let’s walk through these steps in more detail.
Gather the Right Documents
There is no shortage of paperwork when it comes to preparing for your appeals hearing. The first thing you need to do is request your full administrative file from the IRS – you can’t fight them if you don’t know what they are working with. Getting your file may require filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. A tax professional can help you with this process.
Next, you should assemble all your relevant financial records. Things you should include are tax returns, bank statements, business records, contracts, and invoices. If you’re unsure if you have everything you need, your tax professional can clarify.
Compile all IRS correspondence, even if the correspondence is already in your IRS file. This should be all letters, notices, and your protest letter.
Strategically Frame Your Argument
The IRS isn’t interested in taxpayers’ personal hardship stories. If they bent the rules for everyone in a complicated or dire financial situation, they wouldn’t collect any taxes. To succeed in your appeal hearing, you need to back up every argument with applicable tax law, IRS guidance documents, and IRS compliance (or lack of) with their own procedures.
But getting everything you need to support your case in order isn’t the end of the battle. You then need to present your arguments and evidence clearly, effectively, and persuasively. This can be particularly challenging when emotions are running high or you’re feeling nervous.
Most people aren’t experts in tax law, IRS appeals, and presenting a vigorous defense before the IRS. It’s understandable if you aren’t either. The IRS allows enrolled agents, like our Highland Tax Group team, to represent you at your appeal hearing. At Highland Tax Group, we handle all aspects of the appeals hearing for you. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you in your appeals hearing.