I.R.S. letter

[Tigerlily]

I arrived home today and found a letter from the I.R.S saying that they are sending an annual letter of my debt from the tax year 2001. This letter which is the first of it's kind that I have ever states that I owe 976.00 and to please pay, dispute or make arrangements by Jan 17, 2011.

I have never itemized, claimed anyone that I did not give birth to and support so I am really perplexed at this point. I have received a refund every year since the mid- 1990's. If I owed this money would they not have deducted it from a subsequent refund?

I am quite confused about this. I have filed online for years and I cannot even be sure if I have my returns from 2001 at this point. If I dispute something I do not know about will I be further scrutinized on my more recent returns?

I thought they could only go back seven years. I have a friend who is a tax accountant but she is on vacation this week and I do not want to bother her at home. The thought of contacting the I.R.S. Isnfreaking me out though. Also gotta love how the letter is dated the 27th of December and they want me to pony up close to a grand in the next three weeks.

 

[Aerogal]

exactly where are you to send the funds too? Sounds like a scam. I'd take a deep breath and call tomorrow and ask. Don't call the poc on the letter (if there is one).

 

[Dakota]

I got a phone call last year from a friend whose son got a letter such as this and after we followed up on it, he found out that a bank had forgiven him and written off a debt he owed, now he is responsible to report that as income and pay taxes on it.

I would suggest you call them. It may have zero to do with your taxes and everything to do with an unpaid bill you may have had at the time or it could be a total scam.

 

[struggler44]

I believe there is a 7 yr statute for them to check your returns but the part about an "annual" letter means if they claim they sent you a letter in the past about a debt, the 7 yr deal is nul as long as the first letter was within the 7 yr period(doesn't matter if you received them or not). Seems as though it may be legit, may not be accurate but I would contact them and ask them to explain(unless you have something to hide). I dealt with it and it's a pain but the worse thing you could do would be ignore it. If you contact them now, they may wave penalties and such......Good Luck

 

[ProfMoneyWise]

I arrived home today and found a letter from the I.R.S saying that they are sending an annual letter of my debt from the tax year 2001. This letter which is the first of it's kind that I have ever states that I owe 976.00 and to please pay, dispute or make arrangements by Jan 17, 2011.

I have never itemized, claimed anyone that I did not give birth to and support so I am really perplexed at this point. I have received a refund every year since the mid- 1990's. If I owed this money would they not have deducted it from a subsequent refund?

I am quite confused about this. I have filed online for years and I cannot even be sure if I have my returns from 2001 at this point. If I dispute something I do not know about will I be further scrutinized on my more recent returns?

I thought they could only go back seven years. I have a friend who is a tax accountant but she is on vacation this week and I do not want to bother her at home. The thought of contacting the I.R.S. Isnfreaking me out though. Also gotta love how the letter is dated the 27th of December and they want me to pony up close to a grand in the next three weeks.

The IRS will never call or e-mail, they will initiate contact via U.S. Mail - Check

The IRS will ask you to call them - Check

So far so good. Verify the number provided is indeed the IRS.

If you have done nothing knowingly wrong you have nothing to fear. If you dispute an incorrect charge let them scrutinize all they want. Again, if you do nothing wrong you have nothing to fear.

Call the IRS at a number verified by you that you are indeed calling the IRS. Find out the details and go from there.

Document who you speak to, time, date and context of call.

When your friend comes back home involve them if you feel this is wrong and they are not asking for the entire amount by January just to make arrangements. The IRS actually works pretty well with payment arrangements if needed..

If this is your debt I do suggest you put it at the top of your list to get paid in full. The IRS is not to be messed with and they, like federally backed student loans, don't need to go to court to get a judgement against you.

Finally, if it is your debt don't be surprised if you don't get contacted by the State you resided in at the time. Everyone will want their cut if it is owed.

 

[Tigerlily]

exactly where are you to send the funds too? Sounds like a scam. I'd take a deep breath and call tomorrow and ask. Don't call the poc on the letter (if there is one).

Internal Revenue Service
Stop 5000
P.O. Box 219236
Kansas City, MO 64121-9236

This is the address on the remit slip, page three of the notice. I still do not understand why if I did owe a debt that it would not have been deducted from anyone of the last eight returns that I have received since.

Another odd note is that page two of the notice states that the original principal amount was 477.81 it then details interest charges every six months which varies anywhere from .45 to 32.42 every six months. Side note is that the interest charges differ quite a bit in the span over the supposed years. The first six months states 6.01 and the most recent states 18.47.

The most costly charges are from December of 2005 to December of 2007. Another interesting thing I noticed is that the back of the first page states my unpaid balance is 603.92 but with interest is 945.49 but the first principle amount on page three is 477.81. I think I am going to really dread this call.

The letter states I can dispute but I have to provide proof. I am like hello it's nine years later where is there proof.

 

[struggler44]

Internal Revenue Service
Stop 5000
P.O. Box 219236
Kansas City, MO 64121-9236

This is the address on the remit slip, page three of the notice. I still do not understand why if I did owe a debt that it would not have been deducted from anyone of the last eight returns that I have received since.

Another odd note is that page two of the notice states that the original principal amount was 477.81 it then details interest charges every six months which varies anywhere from .45 to 32.42 every six months. Side note is that the interest charges differ quite a bit in the span over the supposed years. The first six months states 6.01 and the most recent states 18.47.

The most costly charges are from December of 2005 to December of 2007. Another interesting thing I noticed is that the back of the first page states my unpaid balance is 603.92 but with interest is 945.49 but the first principle amount on page three is 477.81. I think I am going to really dread this call.

The letter states I can dispute but I have to provide proof. I am like hello it's nine years later where is there proof.

Not wanting to get in your business but if you could keep us posted with any changes......

 

[ProfMoneyWise]

Internal Revenue Service
Stop 5000
P.O. Box 219236
Kansas City, MO 64121-9236

This is the address on the remit slip, page three of the notice. I still do not understand why if I did owe a debt that it would not have been deducted from anyone of the last eight returns that I have received since.

Another odd note is that page two of the notice states that the original principal amount was 477.81 it then details interest charges every six months which varies anywhere from .45 to 32.42 every six months. Side note is that the interest charges differ quite a bit in the span over the supposed years. The first six months states 6.01 and the most recent states 18.47.

The most costly charges are from December of 2005 to December of 2007. Another interesting thing I noticed is that the back of the first page states my unpaid balance is 603.92 but with interest is 945.49 but the first principle amount on page three is 477.81. I think I am going to really dread this call.

The letter states I can dispute but I have to provide proof. I am like hello it's nine years later where is there proof.

Phone number?

That is not the address to the IRS in Kansas City. They have two offices it looks like.

You ever live out that way?

 

[Tigerlily]

Not wanting to get in your business but if you could keep us posted with any changes......

I most certainly will. I so feel like Wille Nelson, Denzel Washington and Nick Cage and Val Kilmer right now. I get that you can usually get the interest knocked off if you pay them them the lump balance of the initial amount owed. I think if you make payments then they hit you for at the very least a portion of the interest.

I still am baffled that this is the first I have heard of anything in nine years. If I really owed a debt from previous year you would think they would have taken it from another years refund. I just don't know how I can dispute information that I may no longer have. I thought seven years was the magic number on paperwork.

 

[Tigerlily]

Phone number?

That is not the address to the IRS in Kansas City. They have two offices it looks like.

You ever live out that way?

No I have lived in Maryland since 1989. The phone number on the letter is 800-829-7650. Also thanks for all the responses and guidance.

 

[DoWhat]

Where to File Tax Returns - Addresses for Tax Professionals By State, U.S. Possession or Foreign Country.

 

[Tigerlily]

Where to File Tax Returns - Addresses for Tax Professionals By State, U.S. Possession or Foreign Country.

Thank you for the link. I have filed online for at least the last eight years and I remember that when I mailed them in it was usually to an address in Philadelphia. Of course that was back in the day when they mailed the tax books to your home.

Also after looking at the letter again it references that I filed a 1040 which I believe is a long form. As I stated I have never itemized so I believe I have only ever filed a 1040ez when very young and a 1040a since.

 

[ProfMoneyWise]

I most certainly will. I so feel like Wille Nelson, Denzel Washington and Nick Cage and Val Kilmer right now. I get that you can usually get the interest knocked off if you pay them them the lump balance of the initial amount owed. I think if you make payments then they hit you for at the very least a portion of the interest.

I still am baffled that this is the first I have heard of anything in nine years. If I really owed a debt from previous year you would think they would have taken it from another years refund. I just don't know how I can dispute information that I may no longer have. I thought seven years was the magic number on paperwork.

There are all sorts of different time limits on things but none really get out you of things free and clear. Like the one in Maryland having to do with dead debt. After the statute of limitations runs out they may not be able to sue you but they can sure keep trying to collect.

Besides define "dead debt." All sorts of ways around that term.

Ok, back to the IRS. I googled the number. Some hits tied it to the IRS, some tied it to a scam.

If you feel compelled call the main IRS number, not the one in the letter, and pursue it from there. See if they know who you are.

As for proof, they should have their proof as well.

You are ahead of the game. You already have the number to a tax professional. Wait until she is off vacation and employ her to find out what this is for you.

And do report back. Curious as to what this is for.

 

[PrepH4U]

Internal Revenue Service
Stop 5000
P.O. Box 219236
Kansas City, MO 64121-9236

This is the address on the remit slip, page three of the notice. I still do not understand why if I did owe a debt that it would not have been deducted from anyone of the last eight returns that I have received since.

Another odd note is that page two of the notice states that the original principal amount was 477.81 it then details interest charges every six months which varies anywhere from .45 to 32.42 every six months. Side note is that the interest charges differ quite a bit in the span over the supposed years. The first six months states 6.01 and the most recent states 18.47.

The most costly charges are from December of 2005 to December of 2007. Another interesting thing I noticed is that the back of the first page states my unpaid balance is 603.92 but with interest is 945.49 but the first principle amount on page three is 477.81. I think I am going to really dread this call.

The letter states I can dispute but I have to provide proof. I am like hello it's nine years later where is there proof.

Was the envelope postmarked from Kansas also? Did it have a government use only for the stamp? I just went through an audit and your letter should have an agent name associated with it. When you do call the MAIN IRS number listed on the web site as PMW suggested ask for that agents name.

It does sound kinda fishy though, kinda like the scam artists know that most people only keep 7 years of tax returns. They know most people shudder when a letter comes from them and probably would pay it rather than investigate it. Now I am glad that I have kept tax records for the last 20 years. Also wait to talk to your tax lady before you do anything.

 

[bcp]

That number is to the IRS levy office.

I have been going through this same basic crap with the state for the last 4 months, I have proof that I did not owe what they claimed.
Evidently once its in their computer, you owe it, proof or not.

I kept fighting it, calling, letters, faxes etc...

this last pay check they levied me for my second against my will payment toward the bill.
A lawyer would cost me more to fight it than they are taking.

Good luck.

I lost.

 

[Tigerlily]

Was the envelope postmarked from Kansas also? Did it have a government use only for the stamp? I just went through an audit and your letter should have an agent name associated with it. When you do call the MAIN IRS number listed on the web site as PMW suggested ask for that agents name.

It does sound kinda fishy though, kinda like the scam artists know that most people only keep 7 years of tax returns. They know most people shudder when a letter comes from them and probably would pay it rather than investigate it. Now I am glad that I have kept tax records for the last 20 years. Also wait to talk to your tax lady before you do anything.

Top of envelope left side is Official Business, Penalty for Private Use $300.00.
Postage stamp side is Presorted, First-Class Mail, Postage And Fees Paid, IRS, Permit NO.G-48.

Thanks and I agree I will not make a move without further investigation. I had my identy stolen from a bank account I closed in 1995 three years later. I prefer to be cautious at all costs. Also my SSN is all three pages of this notice. It also states to put my SSN on my check yeah right on that one.

 

[Loper]

Top of envelope left side is Official Business, Penalty for Private Use $300.00.
Postage stamp side is Presorted, First-Class Mail, Postage And Fees Paid, IRS, Permit NO.G-48.

Thanks and I agree I will not make a move without further investigation. I had my identy stolen from a bank account I closed in 1995 three years later. I prefer to be cautious at all costs. Also my SSN is all three pages of this notice. It also states to put my SSN on my check yeah right on that one.

Tigerlily, also check your SS paperwork that you get each year if you have kept it. Last year, my friend had a couple thousand dollar discrepancy from what they knew they paid and earned and what SS said was paid in and what they earned for the year. It turned out that an undocumented person was using her SS number and the extra was tacked on to her SS. It's a long shot but worth looking into!.

 

[MadDogMarine]

I will not make a move without further investigation.

Good for you.

Fact #1: The IRS is a criminal operation that operates like the mafia.
Instead of "pay or we will break your legs"
they operate under "pay or we will break your financial legs"

Never,ever call the IRS. You always need to maintain a paper trail since you are typically dealing with liars. My paper trail has proven itself time and time again. Why? because I was lied to time and time again.

If I was in a similar situation I would WRITE(signature confirmation or certified return receipt) and ask them a very simple question expecting a written response withing 30 days from the date of your letter.
Stipulate if no response received in 30 days you consider the matter closed.
Demand a copy of your "Notice of Deficiency" for the tax year in question.
No collection action can occur if a proper and legal Notice of Deficiency has NOT been issued. Cite your authority for asking is 26 USC 6212(a)
That Notice of Deficiency(also known as Letter 3219) constitutes NOTICE to you with all your rights to appeal, challenge,go to tax court etc. It would be no surprise to me that one has never been issued.
Sample letter 3219(NOD) located here

http://tinyurl.com/32xvvlv


26 USC located here:
United States Code: Title 26,6212. Notice of deficiency | LII / Legal Information Institute
TITLE 26 > Subtitle F > CHAPTER 63 > Subchapter B > § 6212
§ 6212. Notice of deficiency

(a) In general
If the Secretary determines that there is a deficiency in respect of any tax imposed by subtitles A or B or chapter 41, 42, 43, or 44 he is authorized to send notice of such deficiency to the taxpayer by certified mail or registered mail. Such notice shall include a notice to the taxpayer of the taxpayer’s right to contact a local office of the taxpayer advocate and the location and phone number of the appropriate office.

 

[Tigerlily]

Hey Maddog help me here if you can as I am working from an iPad. The notice number is a cp71c and after several searches the only site I came up with said to ignore the notice. I am still trying to understand that if I owe from 9 years ago how come they have not reduced any refund I have received since. I have been surfing-all night and I hope to have better luck at work tomorrow.

Everything I have found says not to give your SSN as that since they are a government agency they have that info already. There is no agents name or any contact name listed. I may copy and white out my info and then scan and post the document tomorrow. I also read from my searches that the IRS gives you 90 days to respond. This letter is dated the 27th and made it from the land of misery in one day yet I cannot get s piece of mail to Leanordtown in that time. The letter gives me less than three weeks to pay though. Just seems odd to me.

 

[MadDogMarine]

Hey Maddog help me here if you can as I am working from an iPad. The notice number is a cp71c(that letter is simply a past due notice they are required to issue once a year/see below:I have plenty of them. People can say ignore it because it is not an indication they are going to take collection actions against you. Doesn't mean they won't in the future.) and after several searches the only site I came up with said to ignore the notice.(as a matter of policy it is good to never ignore a letter from the IRS. You need a paper trail on your side of the issue denying the tax bill) I am still trying to understand that if I owe from 9 years ago how come they have not reduced any refund I have received since.( If there was no NOD letter issued then this debt letter is based upon fraud. Here is a link to some other info on your particular CP71 that may answer some questionsResponding To IRS CP 71,CP 71A, CP 71B, CP 71C, and CP 71D Reminder Notice - Blog Top Sites ) I have been surfing-all night and I hope to have better luck at work tomorrow.

The purpose of these type letters is in hope you will pay it without question if for no other reason then to avoid additional penalties and interest. They are very effective since most people fear the IRS just like they fear the Mafia.

Everything I have found says not to give your SSN as that since they are a government agency they have that info already.(In your response just attach a copy of the CP71. The paper trail is FOR YOU. Not for them)) There is no agents name or any contact name listed. I may copy and white out my info and then scan and post the document tomorrow. I also read from my searches that the IRS gives you 90 days to respond.
(They tell you in the letter if you have 90 days-like the NOD letter. Good practice stipulates a response in 30 days.) This letter is dated the 27th and made it from the land of misery in one day yet I cannot get s piece of mail to Leanordtown in that time. The letter gives me less than three weeks to pay though. Just seems odd to me. (why does it seem odd that they just want you to pay without question? It is easy money for them. Are you seriously considering paying these people?)

"The CP 71 A or CP 71D notice is issued by the IRS once every year to remind the taxpayers they still have a balance owed, and that it includes interest and penalties. It is your annual notice of what is still owed. This notice will also inform you of your 'currently not collectable' status. The Service is required by law to inform the tax payers about the amount of money that is still outstanding at least once in a year. They will send the CP 71 A or CP 71D notice to remind you of that"
From here
Killer IRS CP 71A or CP 71D Reminder Of Balance Due - IRS CP 71A, IRS CP 71D, CP 71A