JK Harris recommends answering IRS correspondence promptly

    /24-7PressRelease/ - NORTH CHARLESTON, SC, April 18, 2008 - According to the IRS, every year millions of letters and notices are sent out to taxpayers to request payment of taxes, notification of account changes or to request additional information.

It is not uncommon to experience the anxious feeling that comes when you open the mailbox and find a letter bearing the IRS' return address in the upper left hand corner.

"Don't panic!" says JK Harris founder and CEO, John Harris. "There are many different types of correspondence that the IRS sends out, so a letter from the IRS doesn't always mean bad news. These notices are usually very specific in nature regarding your account or tax return. Normally, these letters carry very definitive instructions on what you need to do to satisfy the IRS' request for information or payment."

If you agree with the correspondence, you do not need to reply to the letter unless a payment is due.

If you disagree with the notification, you have the right to appeal. If your records show that the IRS has incorrect information, respond as directed in the letter as soon as possible. Write an explanation on why you disagree with the IRS notice and include any documents you have that may back up your letter. Be sure to include the tear off portion of the IRS notice. Mail your letter to the IRS address in the upper left-hand corner of the notice. The IRS requests that you give them at least 30 days to respond to your letter.

Usually, these requests can be handled by correspondence, but you may call the IRS for more information or to have your questions answered. When calling, make sure you have your tax return in front of you and use the number listed in the upper right hand corner of the IRS notice.

"It is very important to keep all copies of correspondence between you and the IRS for future reference, said Harris. "The more documentation you have to state your case, the better your chance for resolving your tax issue."

For more information on IRS notices and bills, see Publication 954, What You Should Know about the IRS Collection Process. More information about penalties and interest charges is available in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax. You can order these publications by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) or online at www.irs.gov.

About JK Harris:
JK Harris & Company, LLC, (www.jkharris.com) based in North Charleston, S.C., is the nation's largest tax resolution firm and has served over 200,000 customers since its founding in 1997 by John K. Harris. JK Harris consultants are available to meet with consumers in over 425 locations nationwide by appointment only. The company also provides services for student loan debt, fee-based financial planning, tax return preparation, and audit representation.

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