Most people I talk to about their IRS problem have already built the worst-case scenario in their head. The reality is usually much more manageable. I'm Darrin Mish, and I've been representing taxpayers before the IRS for 32 years. Here's what actually tends to happen.
The IRS seems to be taking a step in the right direction by allowing victims of fraud to see the fraudulent tax returns that were filed in their name. This new measure follows in the wake of a surge in taxpayer identify theft during the 2015 season. Many victims of fraud were left worrying to find out how much of their personal data was compromised.
The IRS has started posting instructions for fraud victims for the first time. Why would they have waited so long? That seems like a fair-enough question! They also said that they would acknowledge a fraud victim’s request for copies of fraudulent returns within 30 days and respond within 90 days.
There are strict laws in place by the IRS that might redact some of the information sent so as to prevent fraud! No doubt, that might seem a little odd to a person whose information has already been compromised.
The IRS is working to change their policy regarding disclosure of identity theft returns. Millions of people are probably wondering how hard the IRS is working to prevent tax return fraud in the first place. Sometimes, hiring a tax attorney is a smart way to work through challenges with the IRS on tax-related issues.
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