Talk So That the IRS Listens

It's unlikely anyone wants to have a conversation with the IRS. The less contact with the IRS, the better. No secret there. Most individuals just sit at their computer, electronically file their returns, and then wait for their refund to be directly deposited.

Of course, things don't always go that smooth for everyone, even Joe Taxpayer. A mistake could be made on your return, an income source overlooked, a credit incorrectly claimed. Or worse, the IRS may have pulled your return for an audit.

When this happens, here are 4 tips to keep in mind so that when you talk, the IRS will listen.

1. Don't ignore your notice

In almost all cases, the IRS communicates in writing. Telephone calls are generally made after a balance has been assigned to the IRS collection department, and house calls are only made on certain higher priority cases by Revenue Officers and Revenue Agents.

This means that the extent of your communication may be simply opening a letter and responding in writing or with a phone call.

Some individuals who owe the IRS feel that they need to have a perfect plan in place as to how they are going to resolve their tax balance. Not so. Ignoring IRS notices means you are being unresponsive. Eventually, after multiple notices are issued and you have been served with a formal letter warning of enforcement, collection action could be taken.

2. Don't be defensive

IRS representatives are just doing their job, and they have been very well-trained to do it. The government expends large amounts of resources into its continuing educational training programs, and IRS employees are taught to be strong communicators.

Remember that the IRS holds all the cards. They have little patience for shifty, distrustful or aggressive callers. Don't use your phone contact with an IRS representative as a sounding board to voice all the things you dislike about the government.

3. Ask questions

If you do not understand why you owe, then by all means, ask. Then close your mouth and patiently listen. You may not like the response, but part of the job of an IRS representative is to help you understand why you owe.

Once you have a comprehensive understanding of why you have a balance due, you will be more apt to voluntarily pay it. Additionally, it's unlike you will make the same mistake again. The IRS does not like repeat customers.

4. Keep good records

Many items on a tax return are taken on face value. Income is verified with amounts reported by your payers, but when it comes to deductions, credits and certain business expenses, the IRS assumes you are being honest.

When it comes to an audit however, if it's not documented, it's not granted. You need to keep good records of all your expenses so that in the case of an audit, you can easily present your proof in a neat and orderly manner.

More from this Contributor:

IRS recordkeeping tips

Make a mistake on your tax return? Here's what you need to know

How to avoid being audited