As we delve deeper into the intricacies of effective tax management, the 2nd C emerges as a critical player: Compile Papers. Depending on the nature of the issue at hand, the ability to gather and present documents in a coherent, logical sequence becomes paramount. This task often resembles constructing a business case or laying out legal arguments. Clarity in articulating your needs is key. Whether it’s a plea for leniency due to limited cash flow or a statement about constrained financial assets, precision in your “ask” is pivotal.
In many instances, our aim revolves around aligning a taxpayer’s monthly payments with their available cash flow, presented to the IRS alongside their initial monthly budget. The ultimate goal: minimizing monthly payments, reducing amounts due within 30 days, and potentially eliminating outstanding debt before the collection statute’s expiration. Backing up your appeal with documentary evidence solidifies your position. While the latest month’s records hold prime importance, having the last three months readily available, along with a full year’s records, can significantly bolster your case.
Presenting documents in a concise, well-organized manner can often make or break the success of your appeal. Often underestimated, compiling documents requires thorough preparation to ensure clarity for tax agents. The effort invested in presenting information in a well-structured, transparent manner can greatly influence the outcome of your tax proceedings.
Kelly Coughlin, CPA,
CEO, EveryDayCPA.com
Founder,TaxRxCenter.org