Requesting A Penalty Abatement
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Requesting A Penalty Abatement
To give your penalty abatement request a professional appearance, thereby increasing your success of receiving the abatement, the following steps are recommended:
- Determine your reasonable cause explanation
- Gather together your supporting documentation for that reasonable cause
- Photocopy your IRS notice showing the penalty
- Compose a penalty abatement request letter
Ø Explain your reasonable cause
Ø Be brief
Ø State you are requesting a penalty abatement
Ø Sign and date the letter
- Make several copies of the request letter
- Mail the request letter to the address noted. Also include:
Ø Copy of the original IRS notice
Ø IRS Form 843 (Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement)
The mailing address for penalty abatements is the same IRS service center where you mail your 1040 series tax return.
Wait about 45 days after originally mailing your letter to the IRS. Then, send another copy of your request letter, if you have not heard anything. Simply change the date on the request letter.
The IRS should respond to your request within 60 days. When requesting your penalty abatement make certain to emphasize your positive IRS record, if it applies. Remind the IRS items such as not being late with taxes, not having pain any previous penalties, etc. The IRS may take this into consideration and help you out.
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| Byron White |
