The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives you access to government agencies' records when you request for it. Since the IRS is a government agency, you can request your records from them. What's the goal in doing this?
When you are questioning an audit or tax debt, the FOIA can be extremely helpful, especially in finding out how and when your IRS problems started. Taxes assessed to you and accrued penalties and interest, as well as notes, opinions, and computations formed by IRS agents can be found in those records.
You have to request this records in writing and include these elements:
- Make the request under the Freedom of Information Act.
- Specify the records you're requesting.
- Include your name, address, and a copy of your driverÔø?s license.
- State that you will shoulder fees that apply.
Specify the document format you prefer and the maximum amount that you're willing to pay, and your phone number if they need to call you.
Send the request to the IRS Disclosure Office that has jurisdiction over your records, a list of which can be obtained from the IRS FOIA website. Keep a copy of the request for good measure.
The information must be requested early if you have a deadline to meet, as it takes about thirty days for the IRS to respond. It takes time for the IRS to gather the records, but you can speed up the process by showing that the information are required for a "compelling need", which can be found in the IRS FOIA webpage.
Also, be aware that the IRS edits out records that it feels you are not entitled to. There are 9 exemptions and 3 exclusions that enables the IRS to withhold information, according to the FOIA. If you receive documents with information blacked out and believe that the information is rightfully yours, you can take the matter to the FOIA Appeals Office. Please note that the Appeals Office is very behind on their cases, so you may not get the information you're looking for before you need it.
If you would rather not handle your IRS Problem yourself, why not contact Tampa Tax Lawyer, Darrin T. Mish? He represents clients all over the United States with IRS Problems. Call him tollfree at (888) 438-6474.
Comments on Obtaining your IRS records under the Freedom of Information Act
10 year statue has passed,i have a tax lien that's 16 yrs old still showing up on my record.have not received a tax return in 10 yrs,and this year i received one,does this mean that the tax lien will be released or is released,how can i find out.
You can file a FOIA request on your own; get the transcripts, correctly interpret them; and then make a request to the IRS that they follow the law and release the Notice of Federal Tax Lien. However, this is most likely a matter that would be best handled by experienced counsel who has been down this road before.The fact that you received a tax refund this year is certainly a good sign! You might be tempted to call the IRS to inquire but I think that is a bad idea in most situations considering IRS employees have been documented to give incorrect answers to questions over 40% of the time.
We have a client in the States, and we need the equivalent of a Canada Revenue Agency Report from her. How can we obtain this? Thanks for any help you can provide!
i worked for a trucking company called hurricane express aka naedok llc. i was wrongfully terminated. i found thru various reasons and ways they are misclassifying their truck drivers. they are saying we are independant contractors when we clearly are employees.they have lost in court numerous of times against arkansas workers comp and arkansas employment sec. dept. it was deemed everytime we are employees not indep. contr. the co. is hurricane express aka naedok llc. 17663 east hwy 412 springdale ar 72764 479-750-4581 fed id #71-0684723 owner kaedon steinert.my quest. is whom do i talk to or email to make him get legal? whom do i talk to, to insure that he will start paying unemployment ins. workers comp tax social security medicare etc. on the 60+ truck drivers he has.AND THIS HAS GONE ON FOR YEARS. he was ordered to pay workers comp but still doesnt and he was ordered to pay unemployment but stilol doesnt the courts ordered but still….who can i talk to in IRS to get their attention on this company the IRS is losing on thousands so is FICA etc. can you point me in the right direction please?????
I need a copy of records because I'm in a foreclosure situation and I'm being given the run around.
In a foreclosure situation situation and being given the run around.