The IRS Ends its Appeals Arbitration Program

Darrin T. Mish

Tax Attorney • 32+ Years Experience

If you've got an IRS letter on your desk right now, you have a decision to make, and the clock matters. I'm Darrin Mish. I've spent 32 years helping people with exactly this kind of situation. Here's what you should do.

The IRS is streamlining its operations, specifically the Appeals Arbitration Program.

The program existed under Section 7123(b) and was created to allow taxpayers and the Service to binding arbitration in a joint manner. This was done to solve and handle any unresolved matters that remained after an appeals procedure conclusion.

The programs original goals was to provide better and more transparent customer service and to make it easier on the taxpayer to resolve issues. As a result, the process was limited to reviewing issues of fact, while excluding legal issues from the program’s scope.

The program meant well but saw little use in its 10-year trial period. Only two cases were settled through the procedure. There seemed to be little demand for arbitration.

Normally, problems of this scope are weighed heavily before being closed down. Apparently, the Arbitration Program had broad support in its creation and broad support, as well, in the decision to close it down.

There are too many IRS programs for the average individual to keep track of. That’s why it can be beneficial for individuals to consult qualified authorities when looking for in-depth information or making financial and legal decisions.

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