Steps Format a business letter. Add the IRS address. Include your personal information. Insert your salutation. Include a copy of the notice you received from the IRS. Identify the information you are providing. Close the letter on a friendly note. Identify any enclosures.
The IRS provides clear guidelines on what your letter should include: Your name, address, and contact information. A statement expressing your desire to appeal the IRS's findings. The tax period(s) in question. A list of the items you disagree with and why. Facts supporting your position.
Reasonable cause The IRS will consider this relief when the taxpayer can show they tried to meet their obligations, but were unable to do so. Situations when this could happen include a house fire, natural disaster and a death in the immediate family.
Write the Request Letter: Craft a detailed letter to the IRS that includes: The taxpayer's identification information (name, address, Social Security number, or tax ID number). A statement requesting the First Time Abatement. An explanation of each penalty notice received, including the date and the type of penalty.
When requesting abatement of penalties for reasonable cause, your statement should include supporting documentation and address the following items: The reason the penalty was charged. The daily delinquency penalty may be charged for either a late filed return, an incomplete return, or both.
Box 7704, San Francisco, CA 94120-7704.
If the letter doesn't appear in your search or if it looks suspicious, call 800-829-1040. Follow the IRS representative's instructions.
Consider Certified Mail: For added security and proof of delivery, you may choose to send your mailpiece via certified mail with the return receipt requested. This provides confirmation that the IRS received your documents.
3. Structure Your Letter Properly Your name, address, and contact information. A statement expressing your desire to appeal the IRS's findings. The tax period(s) in question. A list of the items you disagree with and why. Facts supporting your position. Any relevant law or authority supporting your case.
Write to explain why you disagree and include any documents and information you wish the IRS to consider, along with the bottom tear-off portion of the notice. Mail the information to the IRS address shown in the lower left part of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response.