It's funny how three simple letters can create such fear and
loathing in your average citizen. But the IRS are people too.
Keep this in mind and you'll find that dealing with the IRS will
be easy and stress free.
What does the IRS want from me?
Normally a visit from the IRS may be about the most trivial
thing. Maybe you just forgot to sign a tax declaration. Or maybe
they want to audit your tax books. Whatever the case just keep
in mind that they are people with a simple job to do. Be
friendly, patient, and willing to help out to make their job
easier. This will make it easier for you!
How can I look good for the IRS?
You may have a perfectly good excuse for not filing your tax
return ("I don't have the money!"), but that's never a good
excuse for the IRS. Even if you don't have the money, just file
your tax return on time. If you do this, they'll like and
respect you a lot more. And, most importantly, if you've filed
on time, they can't file criminal charges. Yes, whether you have
the money or not, it is a criminal offense to not do your taxes.
But what if I really don't have the money?
If you can't pay your taxes, you actually have another
alternative. You can request a payment plan. There'll be a
little interest charged, but that's nothing compared to the
other consequences. The very worst thing in the world is to
ignore the IRS and refuse to pay your taxes.
The IRS will follow up with telephone calls and letters. Never,
never, ever, ignore the tax department. If you have a problem,
talk about it. You'll find that the IRS are real people after
all and have some alternatives to offer you when you are short
of money at tax time.
|
