The Audit is Over…

One thing I will say for the IRS is that they sure are nice when they are telling you how much you owe. I’m not sure why I draw audits, but this was the 3rd time I’ve been audited. All 3 times have been in regards to deductions I’ve taken. The first 2 times the IRS accepted my proof as accurate, and I was off on my merry way. They say “the 3rd times a charm”? I don’t feel very charmed. This 3rd time I find that I misread a tax document and took a deduction I was not entitled to take. My error was a genuine mistake, but that is not relevant in the eyes of the IRS. The potential penalties and interest for the year in question AND the fact that I’d perpetuated the mistake brought me to tears. I’m sure I sounded like a pathetic idiot, but the IRS rep remained calm, took the time to console me and even offered advice on how to pay the taxes using the stimulus payment or a payment plan. Wow. I must say I was extremely impressed that this person had not become disillusioned with the public and that she patiently answered all my questions (once I had stopped sniffling, of course). Had I been in her shoes, I’m not sure I would have been as generous. Knowing the number of tax evaders they deal with and all the slimy ways they find to cheat, I would think the IRS workers would be grumpy and negative. My experience all 3 times I’ve dealt with the IRS has been nothing but positive. I had heard they were trying to change their image. Well…from what I’ve experienced, they have achieved their goal. Although I don’t care to ever hear from them again, I’m still impressed with the way they have handled all of my audits — even when I was wrong…..