Sample Letter To Irs Asking For Forgiveness

Need to ask the IRS for a break? A “Sample Letter To IRS Asking For Forgiveness” can help. It’s for when you messed up on your taxes. Maybe you missed a deadline or didn’t pay enough. This letter is your chance to explain things and request relief.

Writing to the IRS can be daunting. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve gathered handy letter samples.

Ready to see examples? We’ve got templates to make it easier. Use them as a guide. Adapt them to your unique situation. Let’s get started!

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Sample Letter To Irs Asking For Forgiveness

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

Internal Revenue Service
[IRS Address]
[IRS City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Request for Penalty Abatement

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request a penalty abatement for the tax year [Year]. I filed my tax return late and/or did not pay my taxes on time, resulting in penalties.

I understand my responsibility to file and pay taxes on time. I failed to do so because [Explain your reason for late filing or payment. Be specific and honest. Examples: serious illness, a death in the family, natural disaster, reliance on incorrect advice, etc. Provide documentation if possible].

I have since filed my return and/or paid the outstanding balance, including interest. I have also taken steps to ensure that I will file and pay my taxes on time in the future. [Explain what steps you’ve taken].

I believe that my circumstances warrant a penalty abatement. I am respectfully requesting that you consider my request and remove the penalties assessed for the tax year [Year].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

How to Write Sample Letter To IRS Asking For Forgiveness

Subject Line: Be Clear and Concise

The subject line is your initial opportunity to capture attention. Be forthright about your intention. Don’t obfuscate the matter.

Example: “Request for Penalty Abatement – [Your Name] – [Tax Year]”
Example: “First-Time Penalty Abatement Request – [Your Taxpayer Identification Number]”

Salutation: Address with Respect

Begin with a formal salutation. Demonstrate deference to the IRS official who will review your entreaty.

Acceptable: “Dear Internal Revenue Service,”
Preferred: “Dear Sir or Madam,” (if you don’t have a specific name)
Avoid: “Hey IRS,” or any informal greetings.

Introduction: State Your Case Succinctly

In the opening paragraph, declare your purpose. Identify the specific penalties you are contesting. A clear and direct approach establishes your credibility from the outset.

Identify yourself: “[Your Name], Taxpayer Identification Number [Your TIN]”
State the tax year in question: “Regarding tax year [Year]”
Specify the penalty: “I am writing to respectfully request abatement of penalties assessed for [Specific Penalty, e.g., failure to file, failure to pay].”

Explanation: Articulate Your Circumstances

This is the crux of your petition. Elucidate the extenuating circumstances that prevented you from fulfilling your tax obligations. Honesty and transparency are paramount; however, avoid excessive rambling. Be precise and compelling.

Describe the hardship: “Due to [brief description of hardship – e.g., severe illness, natural disaster, death in the family], I was unable to [file my taxes/pay my taxes] on time.”
Provide corroborating documentation (if possible): “Supporting documentation, such as [medical records, police report, death certificate], is attached for your consideration.”
Acknowledge responsibility: “I understand my responsibility to comply with tax laws and regret any inconvenience this has caused.”

Legal Basis: Cite Authority (If Applicable)

If you believe there’s a legal basis for penalty abatement, cite it. This demonstrates a more sophisticated understanding of tax law and strengthens your plea. This may not be necessary for first-time penalty abatement.

Example: “Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 6651(a), penalties may be waived for reasonable cause.”
Example: “I believe my circumstances meet the criteria for penalty abatement under the IRS’s first-time penalty abatement policy.”

Commitment: Promise Future Compliance

Reassure the IRS that you are committed to fulfilling your tax obligations in the future. Demonstrate a proactive approach to prevent similar situations.

“I have taken steps to ensure timely filing and payment of taxes in the future, including [specific actions, e.g., setting up automatic payments, engaging a tax professional].”
“I am dedicated to maintaining full compliance with all applicable tax laws going forward.”

Closing: End with Gratitude and Contact Information

End your letter with a polite closing. Provide your contact information for easy communication. Acknowledge their time and consideration.

Closing: “Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].”
Signature: Sign your name above your typed name.
Enclosures: List any documents you are including with the letter: “Enclosures: [List of Documents]”
Final Salutation: “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,”

Frequently Asked Questions: Requesting IRS Penalty Abatement

Understanding the penalty abatement process can seem daunting. This FAQ section addresses common queries regarding writing to the IRS to request forgiveness of penalties.

What is penalty abatement?

Penalty abatement is a request to the IRS to remove or reduce penalties assessed due to non-compliance with tax laws.

When should I write a letter requesting penalty abatement?

You should write a letter as soon as you become aware of penalties you believe you are eligible to have abated.

What information should I include in my letter?

Include your name, Social Security number (or Employer Identification Number), the tax year in question, the specific penalty you are addressing, and a detailed explanation of why you believe the penalty should be abated.

What are some valid reasons for requesting penalty abatement?

Valid reasons often include reasonable cause, such as illness, death of a family member, natural disasters, or reliance on incorrect advice from the IRS.