In the body of the letter, explain the reason for your request for penalty waiver. Be factual and provide specific details about your circumstances. If you are claiming reasonable cause, provide supporting evidence to back up your claim.
time penalty abatement letter typically contains: Notice number and date (if applicable) Type of penalty and amount. Acknowledgment that the taxpayer fulfills the firsttime penalty abatement criteria. Optional: Explanation of the taxpayer's situation, circumstances and reasonable cause (review: IRM 20.1.
Sound reasons, if established, include: Fire, casualty, natural disaster or other disturbances. Inability to obtain records. Death, serious illness, incapacitation or unavoidable absence of the taxpayer or a member of the taxpayer's immediate family.
Taxpayers have reasonable cause when their conduct justifies the non-assertion or abatement of a penalty. Each case must be judged individually based on the facts and circumstances at hand.
Complete Form RC 4288 to apply for relief within 10 years of the tax owing. Give the facts and reasons why the charges should be cancelled or waived. Include all relevant supporting documents and information.
Waiver letters are usually brief and limited to two or three paragraphs. Stick to the facts. Don't exaggerate the reasons why you require the waiver or dramatize your situation. Include evidence that supports your reasons for requesting a waiver such as names, dates or anything else that backs up what you say.