The Audit That Won’T Go Away

Okay, I’m on a roll here. This is the 3rd blog in a row about my audit. Here’s the latest….Like the conformist we all know me to be (yeah, I know, I need to work on that), I sent in my proof before the deadline the IRS gave me. When I spoke with them on the phone, they assured me they were a bit behind in reviewing audit responses, so I probably wouldn’t hear from them for awhile. To me ‘awhile’ means weeks or months, especially since the IRS person I spoke with told me they were just now getting to the responses for audits from last August.

I fell into a comfort zone about the audit, particularly since I did not do anything wrong. Turns out the only thing I did wrong was to relax about it. Next thing I know I receive a certified letter telling me that I must respond, in court, or pay fines and taxes for my ‘mistake’. What up???  Back on the phone again — multiple times actually, since they left me on hold for over 30 minutes several times and I just couldn’t wait. When I finally reached the IRS, they had the audacity to tell me I didn’t understand the letter I had. Can they read it through the phone? Did I somehow forget how to read and interpret? Please, I think not. Anyway, turns out they only received 2 pages of the 50 I mailed them!! In my cover letter I had clearly listed all the pages I sent them, but instead of just asking me where the rest was, they sent me a scary and (in my opinion) threatening letter. I guess I can thank all the non-conforming, dishonest tax-cheaters that came before me for the distrust the IRS has for me – someone they do not even know!

Their solution? Please FAX all 50 pages. Didn’t they say they wouldn’t get to it for ‘awhile’ anyway? Why the sudden rush?
I’m done ranting…for now…until I see what comes next.