Taxpayers have the right to challenge an IRS decision in a neutral forum.

The IRS Independent Office of Appeals (IOA) was established by Congress to handle a taxpayer’s case independently of the IRS office that initially reviewed the case when a taxpayer needs to challenge an IRS decision. In general, if communications with the IRS appear to jeopardize the independence of Appeals, this office will not discuss the case.

Challenge An IRS Decision

What Exactly Is An Independent Forum?

If you disagree with our interpretation of the tax law, you have the right to appeal an IRS decision in an independent forum. We inform you that you are subject to penalties, and you believe we are incorrect. We raised your tax, increased your interest, or canceled your refund, and you believe we are incorrect. You filed your return on time, but within 60 days you discovered that there was a mathematical error or a clerical error in the figures on the return.

Appeals is an independent office within the IRS that operates independently of the IRS. All of our team members are IRS employees, and we do not outsource our work to private companies. This office handles thousands of taxpayer cases each year and hears appeals on everything from tax credits to penalties to employment taxes.

Challenge an IRS Decision at the IRS Independent Appeals Office

The IRS Independent Office of Appeals has jurisdiction over matters involving IRS appeals or other matters referred to it by the IRS Commissioner. If a taxpayer believes that any aspect of the examination, collection, or appeal process has not been handled satisfactorily, he or she can use one of several methods to select an alternate forum for resolution. By filing a written petition with this Office, the taxpayer has the right to have a decision or action that affects their rights or property reviewed.

A “case” is the name given to each petition filed with this Office. Appeals Officers handle the cases of taxpayers. These Officers work for this Office; they are not IRS employees. An Appeals Officer may not be involved in the operation of the office where the case originated, either directly or indirectly. Officers make decisions in an unbiased manner. They have been trained to communicate effectively, and their credibility is obvious to taxpayers.