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The IRS Mission                                        tax year) on each page you fax. This is to ensure all  You have the following rights as a taxpayer:           appropriate action will be taken against 
Provide America’s taxpayers top quality service                                                                 ƒ The Right to Be Informed                             employees, return preparers, and others who 
                                                         pages are associated with your case.
by helping them understand and meet their tax            The IRS will not accept your audit reconsideration       Taxpayers have the right to know what they           wrongfully use or disclose taxpayer return 
responsibilities and by applying the tax law with        request if:                                              need to do to comply with the tax laws. They         information.
integrity and fairness to all.                           ƒ You previously agreed to pay the amount of tax         are entitled to clear explanations of the laws and ƒ The Right to Retain Representation 
                                                           you owe by signing an agreement such as a              IRS procedures in all tax forms, instructions,       Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized 
What is Audit Reconsideration?                           Form 906, Closing Agreement; a Compromise              publications, notices, and correspondence. They      representative of their choice to represent 
An Audit Reconsideration is a process used by the          agreement; or an agreement on Form 870-AD              have the right to be informed of IRS decisions       them in their dealings with the IRS. Taxpayers 
Internal Revenue Service to help you when you              with the Appeals office.                               about their tax accounts and to receive clear        have the right to seek assistance from a Low 
disagree with the results of an IRS audit of your tax    ƒ The amount of tax you owe is the result of final       explanations of the outcomes.                        Income Taxpayer Clinic if they cannot afford 
return, or a return created for you by the IRS because     partnership item adjustments under TEFRA, Tax        ƒ The Right to Quality Service                         representation.
you did not file a tax return as authorized by the         Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act.                      Taxpayers have the right to receive prompt,        ƒ The Right to a Fair and Just Tax System 
Internal Revenue Code 6020(b).                           ƒ The United States Tax Court, or another court,         courteous, and professional assistance in their      Taxpayers have the right to expect the tax 
                                                           has issued a final determination on your tax           dealings with the IRS, to be spoken to in a way      system to consider facts and circumstances that 
Reasons for a Request                                    liability.                                             they can easily understand, to receive clear and     might affect their underlying liabilities, ability 
                                                                                                                  easily understandable communications from            to pay, or ability to provide information timely. 
You may request audit reconsideration if you:            Once your documentation is received                      the IRS, and to speak to a supervisor about          Taxpayers have the right to receive assistance 
ƒ Did not appear for your audit                          We will send you a letter if we need further             inadequate service.                                  from the Taxpayer Advocate Service if they are 
ƒ Moved and did not receive correspondence from          information to reconsider your disputed issue(s).      ƒ The Right to Pay No More than the Correct            experiencing financial difficulty or if the IRS has 
  the IRS                                                It is in your best interest to provide complete          Amount of Tax                                        not resolved their tax issues properly and timely 
ƒ Have additional information to present that you        information on each disputed issue. We consider          Taxpayers have the right to pay only the             through its normal channels.
  did not provide during your original audit             each issue separately based on the new information       amount of tax legally due, including interest 
ƒ Disagree with the assessment from the audit            that you provide. We will change any adjustment if       and penalties, and to have the IRS apply all tax   Payment Options
                                                         your new information and the tax law support that        payments properly.                                 Pay the full amount now
Steps to follow to get Audit                           change.                                                ƒ The Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position and      Make your check or money order payable to “United 
Reconsideration                                          When we receive your documentation, we may               Be Heard                                           States Treasury” and mail to the address on your bill. 
Step 1:                                                  delay our collection activity. However, we may           Taxpayers have the right to raise objections and   Write the tax year, your Social Security Number, and 
Review the examination report and attachments to         resume collection activity if the documentation is not   provide additional documentation in response       your phone number on your check or money order.
determine which items you feel are incorrect. Gather     sufficient to support your position and you do not       to formal IRS actions or proposed actions, to 
                                                                                                                                                                     Payment by Credit or Debit Card
the documentation needed to support your position.       respond to any requests for additional information       expect that the IRS will consider their timely 
Verify that the supporting documentation is new          within 30 calendar days.                                 objections and documentation promptly and          Payment by debit or credit cards is convenient, safe, 
information that has not been presented before and       Note: If you currently have an installment agreement,    fairly, and to receive a response if the IRS does  and secure. Individual taxpayers may make credit 
ensure that it is for the tax year in question.          you must continue to make payments. You may              not agree with their position.                     or debit card payments on tax liabilities (including 
                                                                                                                                                                     installment agreement payments) by phone or 
Your reconsideration request will be accepted if:        want to refer to Publication 1546, Taxpayer            ƒ The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an 
                                                         Advocate Service - Your Voice at the IRS, if you are                                                        Internet using major credit cards. These payments 
ƒ You submit information that we have not                                                                         Independent Forum 
                                                         experiencing economic hardship as a result of a tax                                                         are made to the United States Treasury through 
  considered previously.                                                                                          Taxpayers are entitled to a fair and impartial 
                                                                                                                                                                     authorized credit card service providers.
                                                         problem.                                                 administrative appeal of most IRS decisions, 
ƒ You filed a return after the IRS completed a return                                                             including many penalties, and have the right to    The service providers charge a convenience fee 
  for you.                                               We will notify you once we complete our review to                                                           based on the payment amount. You will be informed 
                                                         inform you that:                                         receive a written response regarding the Office of 
ƒ You believe the IRS made a computational or                                                                     Appeals’ decision. Taxpayers generally have the    of the convenience fee amount before the credit 
  processing error in assessing your tax.                ƒ We accepted your information. If so, we will                                                              card payment is authorized. You must agree to 
                                                                                                                  right to take their cases to court.
                                                           abate (remove) the tax assessed.                                                                          the terms and conditions of the payment including 
ƒ The liability is unpaid or credits are denied.                                                                ƒ The Right to Finality 
                                                         ƒ We accepted your information in part and we will                                                          acceptance of the convenience fee before the 
Note: If you have paid the amount due in full, you                                                                Taxpayers have the right to know the maximum 
                                                           partially reduce the tax assessed.                                                                        transaction is completed. The payment date will be 
must file a formal claim (Form 1040X, Amended U.S.                                                                amount of time they have to challenge the IRS’s 
                                                                                                                                                                     the date the charge is authorized. The confirmation 
Individual Income Tax Return).                           ƒ Your information did not support your claim and        position as well as the maximum amount of 
                                                           we are unable to eliminate the tax assessed.                                                              number provided at the end of the transaction and 
Step 2:                                                                                                           time the IRS has to audit a particular tax year or 
                                                                                                                                                                     on your account statement will both provide proof of 
Make photocopies of the documents gathered above         If you agree with the results of the                     collect a tax debt. Taxpayers have the right to 
                                                                                                                                                                     payment.
and attach to your letter explaining your request for    reconsideration:                                         know when the IRS has finished an audit.
                                                                                                                                                                     Visit www.irs.gov, Keyword: epay or e-pay, to obtain 
reconsideration. Please ensure that you are clear        Pay the amount due in full or make other               ƒ The Right to Privacy 
                                                                                                                                                                     a list of authorized service providers and to obtain 
as to which changes you want us to consider. Form        arrangements as outlined in the section titled           Taxpayers have the right to expect that any IRS 
                                                                                                                                                                     updated information on card payment options.
12661, Disputed Issue Verification, is recommended       “Payment Options”.                                       inquiry, examination, or enforcement action will 
to explain the issues you disagree with. If available,                                                            comply with the law and be no more intrusive       The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System 
attach a copy of your examination report, Form 4549,     If you disagree with the results of the                  than necessary, and will respect all due process   (EFTPS) The Internal Revenue Service and Financial 
along with the new documentation that supports your      reconsideration:                                         rights, including search and seizure protections   Management Service provide EFTPS free. It is 
position. Include a daytime and evening telephone        ƒ Request an Appeals Conference,                         and will provide, where applicable, a collection   convenient, secure, and saves time.
number and the best time for us to call you.             ƒ Pay the amount due in full and file a formal claim,    due process hearing.                               Taxpayers may enroll in EFTPS at www.eftps.gov or 
Please do not send original documents – originals will     or                                                   ƒ The Right to Confidentiality                       by completing a form available from EFTPS customer 
not be returned.                                         ƒ Do nothing. We will send you a bill for the            Taxpayers have the right to expect that any        service at (800) 555-4477. Once enrolled in EFTPS, 
Note: If you are faxing your documents, please             amount due.                                            information they provide to the IRS will not be    you can pay all your federal taxes electronically using 
include your identifying information (i.e., your TIN and                                                          disclosed unless authorized by the taxpayer        the Internet or phone. You can also make EFTPS 
                                                                                                                  or by law. Taxpayers have the right to expect      payments through your local financial institution.



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Installment Agreement                                      Help with Unresolved Tax Problems and Hardships                      Andover Campus
An installment agreement (IA) allows you to pay            The Taxpayer Advocate Service can help you if you                    Internal Revenue Service  
your debt in smaller, more manageable amounts.             tried unsuccessfully to resolve a problem with the                   310 Lowell Street Stop 823  
Installment agreements generally require equal             IRS. Your local Taxpayer Advocate can offer you                      Andover, MA 01810-0953  
monthly payments. We base the amount and number            special help if you have a significant hardship as a                 Phone: 1-866-897-0177
of your installment payments on the amount you owe         result of a tax problem. For more information, call toll-            Atlanta Campus 
and your ability to pay that amount within the time we     free 1-877-777-4778 (1-800-829-4059 for TTY/ TDD)                    Internal Revenue Service  
can legally collect payments from you.                     or write to the Taxpayer Advocate at the IRS Office                  4800 Buford Hwy. Stop 54A  
You should be aware, however, that an installment          that last contacted you.                                             Chamblee, GA 39901
agreement is more costly than paying all the taxes you                                                                          Phone: 1-866-897-0177                What You Should Know About 
owe now. Like revolving credit arrangements, we charge     Frequently Asked Questions
                                                                                                                                Austin Campus 
interest on the unpaid portion of the debt. Penalties also 1.  How long do I have to file for audit                             Internal Revenue Service  
continue to accumulate on installment agreements.          reconsideration?                                                     3651 S IH 35 Stop 4103  
Another cost associated with an installment                An audit reconsideration request can be made                         Austin, TX 73301 
agreement is a user fee. We charge this one-time           anytime after an examination assessment has been                     Phone: 1-866-897-0177
fee to set up the agreement. If you do not meet the        made on your account and the tax remains unpaid.
                                                                                                                                Brookhaven Campus
terms of the agreement throughout the life of the          2.  Where do I send my reconsideration request?                      Internal Revenue Service 
agreement, we charge an additional fee to reinstate it.    All reconsideration requests are first reviewed in                   P.O. Box 9002 Stop 611, Team 406
If you want to pay off your tax debt through an            the IRS campuses listed in this publication. Please                  Holtsville, NY 11742 
installment agreement, visit www.irs.gov and use the       call one of the toll free numbers for the campus to                  Phone: 1-866- 897-0161
search engine with keywords “installment agreement”        obtain correct address. If a face to face meeting 
or call the number shown on your bill.                     is necessary the campus will transfer to the office                  Cincinnati Campus
If you arrange for an installment agreement, you may       nearest you.                                                         Internal Revenue Service CIRSC 
                                                                                                                                P.O. Box 145574 Stop 
use any of the following payment methods:                  3.  Do I need to complete a special form to request                  8202 Covington, KY 45250  
ƒ Personal or business checks, money orders,               audit reconsideration?                                               Phone: 1-866-897-0161
  or certified funds (payable to the United States         The IRS doesn’t require you to complete a special 
  Treasury)                                                form, however, Form 12661, Disputed Issue                            Kansas City Campus 
ƒ Credit and debit cards                                   Verification, is recommended to explain the issues                   Internal Revenue Service  
ƒ Payroll deductions your employer takes from              you disagree with.                                                   P3 Stop 4200 
                                                                                                                                Kansas City, MO 64999  
  your salary and regularly sends to IRS                   4.  How long will it take before I receive an answer                 Phone: 1-866-897-0177
ƒ Electronic transfers (direct debits) from your bank      to my request?
  account or other similar means                           The IRS strives to timely handle all requests received               Fresno Campus
Note: We generally cannot take any collection              You should expect to hear from us regarding                          Internal Revenue Service 
actions affecting your property while we consider          your reconsideration request within 30 days after                    P.O. Box 12067 Stop 82206 
your request for an installment agreement, while your      submission.                                                          Fresno, CA 93776 
                                                                                                                                Phone: 1-866-897-0177
agreement is in effect, for 30 days after we reject your   5.  Do I need to send proof with my request for                                                           The Audit  
request for an agreement or for any period while you       reconsideration?                                                     Memphis Campus
appeal the rejection.                                      Yes. In order to have your case reconsidered,                        Internal Revenue Service             Reconsideration  
Offer in Compromise (OIC)                                  documentation must accompany the request.                            P.O. Box 309011 Stop 8236 
                                                                                                                                                                     Process
                                                                                                                                Memphis, TN 38130-0911 
With an OIC, we can accept less than the full amount       6.  How do I know if the information I sent before                   Phone 1-866-897-0161
you owe when it is doubtful we will be able to collect     was considered?
the entire amount due or if collection action would        When the examiners provide any explanations to                       Ogden Campus
create an economic hardship. In some cases, we             you, a list of the documentation that you submitted                  Internal Revenue Service  
may accept an Offer in Compromise (OIC), to settle         will be included with an explanation as to if it was                 1973 N. Rulon White Blvd. Stop 4440  
an unpaid tax account, including any penalties             acceptable. If the list doesn’t include the documents                Ogden, UT 84404
and interest. See Form 656, Offer in Compromise,           that you submitted, you may need to resubmit that                    Phone: 1-866-897-0161
and Form 656-L, Offer in Compromise (Doubt as              information.                                                         Philadelphia Campus 
to Liability), which includes necessary forms and          7.  Do I need to resend the information previously                   Internal Revenue Service Exam  
instructions. In most cases, there is an application       submitted?                                                           Recon, M/S 4-E08-141  
fee and a required initial payment associated with         Under normal circumstances you do not. If for                        2970 Market Street 
applying for an Offer in Compromise.                       some reason it appears that the IRS didn’t receive                   Philadelphia, PA 19104 
Temporarily Delay the Collection Process                   previously submitted documentation, you may                          Phone: 1-866-897-0161
If we determine that you can’t pay any of your tax         resubmit that information.
debt, we may temporarily delay collection until            If you decide to request audit reconsideration, please 
your financial condition improves. You should know         send your request to the address of the IRS campus 
that if we delay collecting from you, your debt will       shown on your Examination Report listed below. If 
continue to increase until the tax, penalties, and         the office that completed your audit is not listed, call 
interest are paid in full. During a temporary delay, we    the toll free numbers below for the correct address to 
will periodically review your ability to pay. We may       send your request
also file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, to protect the 
government’s interest in your assets. See Publication 
594, The IRS Collection Process.

Publication 3598 (Rev. 11-2023)  Catalog Number 29542P  Department of the Treasury  Internal Revenue Service  publish.no.irs.gov






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