Carrying out one’s duty to the country in the form of paying taxes is not always easy, but most taxpayers work with the IRS as necessary. As a result, when Georgia residents receive notice from the IRS that they owe additional taxes, are having their refund withheld or have other problems with their taxes, they may understandably feel disbelief. While the IRS is the authority on federal tax-related matters, it does not mean the agency cannot make mistakes, and tax litigation could ensue.
If individuals believe that the IRS has not handled their tax situation properly, they may want to keep in mind that they have legal rights. In some cases, a taxpayer may need to take additional steps to ensure that the matter is addressed properly, which could include filing an appeal or even a lawsuit. In fact, one right of taxpayers is to appeal a decision in an independent forum.
Moving forward with an appeal of a tax-related decision could include one or more of the following measures:
- Having a decision reviewed by an office of appeals that is not associated with the IRS office that first reviewed the case
- Filing a petition with the U.S. Tax Court to dispute a notice of deficiency if the taxpayer believes that he or she has paid the appropriate taxes in full
- Filing a tax refund suit if the IRS denies a tax refund claim even if the taxpayer has fully paid his or her tax obligations
Of course, tax litigation is complex, and if Georgia residents believe that they have reason to dispute an IRS decision, it is wise to have assistance. Fortunately, experienced tax law attorneys could help concerned individuals ensure that their tax matter is handled in the most appropriate manner possible. If that means filing an appeal or lawsuit against the IRS, legal counsel could help navigate those processes more smoothly.