If an IRS Revenue Officer contacts you about collection, it means that the IRS is prepared to take action against you or your business for unpaid tax liabilities. You are no longer dealing with automated processes; you must now interact with an actual IRS agent who has the power to assess liens or levies or even recommend the seizure of your assets.
In short, the IRS’s appointment of a Revenue Officer signals that it means business and is shifting to high-level enforcement. In this article, we briefly discuss how to respond if a Revenue Officer contacts you.
How Should I Deal With a Revenue Officer?
The first general piece of advice is not to panic. Although this is a serious development, it does not necessarily mean that you will go to jail or have to pay additional taxes and penalties.
Once you are assigned a revenue officer, reach out to the Highland Tax Group immediately for assistance. We can consult with you and help you devise a strategy to address your tax situation.
If you are in a situation where you are speaking with a Revenue Officer directly:
- Never lie to a Revenue Officer. If the Revenue Officer discovers that you lied, he or she will likely push for more stringent penalties, and, depending on the context, could lead to criminal charges.
- Don’t volunteer any information. Respond to the Revenue Officer’s questions and provide information, but never give more information than you are required to. Even if you are just trying to be helpful, providing more information could lead to unforeseen consequences.
- Don’t hide assets. Hiding assets at this point in an investigation could potentially lead to criminal charges.
- Don’t incur additional debt. If you do so, it may signal to the Revenue Officer that you are not serious about clearing up your financial situation, and they may be less willing to work with you.
Contact the Highland Tax Group if You Have Been Assigned an IRS Revenue Officer
An IRS Revenue Officer is highly trained to collect tax debt. You may be subject to asset seizure and tax liens if you don’t respond to their inquiries. Contact a member of the Highland Tax Group so that you do not face the IRS alone.