What You Should Know About An IRS Appeal
You already spend your days very busy– taking care of daily chores, providing for children, caring for adult family members, working for or running a business. You may not notice the IRS miscalculations, at first. But when the IRS overcharges you, or something goes wrong with your taxes, you can suddenly realize that you are out thousands of dollars, with no clear path to recovering the loss. Our firm is here to help.
The Legal Process
Appealing an IRS action can take months or years and requires many legal steps. At The Gartzman Law Firm, P.C., our tax attorney is also a certified public accountant and has a master’s degree in tax law. Not only is he able to identify the issues involved in your case, he is well aware of the legal standing and filings necessary to appeal your case. He can represent you through:
- Financial analysis, including reviewing tax filings, financial documents, past audits and other related documents
- Initial filings with the IRS, including handling relevant notices and submitting documentation
- Any relevant hearings and court appearances
The Gartzman Law Firm, P.C. is meticulous, educated and committed to your case. We are ready to assist you, no matter how complicated your case.
When Should You Consider Filing A Tax Appeal With The IRS?
Filing an appeal becomes appropriate when you disagree with IRS determinations regarding your tax liability:
- Disputed audit findings: Incorrectly disallowed legitimate deductions or adjusted reported income warrant appeal consideration.
- Collection actions: Liens or levies you contest based on payment history or financial hardship require formal dispute resolution.
- Rejected settlements: Denied offers in compromise or installment agreements may be appealed when the IRS incorrectly evaluated your financial situation.
- Identity theft cases: Tax liability attributed to you for fraudulent returns filed by others requires an appeal to clear your record.
These circumstances justify pursuing formal appeals to protect your interests.
How Long Does The IRS Appeals Process Usually Take?
Timeline duration varies significantly based on case complexity and Appeals Office workload. Simple cases involving straightforward factual disputes may resolve within three to six months. Complex cases requiring extensive document review or legal research typically extend 12 to 18 months. Those involving novel legal questions can take two years or longer. Collections are extended during appeals, providing temporary relief from enforcement actions.
Can You Appeal Both IRS Audit Results And Tax Penalties?
Yes, taxpayers can simultaneously challenge underlying tax determinations and associated penalties through a single appeal. You might concede audit findings while contesting penalties based on reasonable cause. Alternatively, you could dispute audit conclusions while accepting that penalties would apply if the IRS position prevails.
Can The IRS Reject My Appeal?
The Appeals Office maintains the authority to deny appeals lacking merit or proper documentation. Appeals must present substantive disagreements supported by facts or law. The Office will not consider frivolous arguments contradicting established tax law. However, rejection does not end your options, as you retain the right to petition the Tax Court.
Do You Need A Tax Attorney To File An IRS Appeal?
While representation is not legally required, professional advocacy significantly improves outcomes. Tax attorney Jeffrey Gartzman’s combined CPA credentials and legal training provide strategic advantages in identifying weaknesses in IRS positions and negotiating favorable settlements.
Contact A Skilled IRS Appeals Tax Attorney
Get the experience of over 40 years on your side to fix your IRS or state tax problems, find tax relief and settle tax debt. Call The Gartzman Law Firm, P.C., today at 770-695-7337 or email us in Atlanta. We want to be your IRS Tax Relief Team. Our Atlanta, Georgia, tax appeal attorney aims for success in representation in handling your appeal matters professionally, ethically and successfully.

