This is Part [4] of a series of a Chapter in the eBook “Corporate Tax Audit Survival – A View of The IRS Through Corporate Insider Eyes” by Cliff Jernigan.
You can download the entire eBook here.
Sample From Chapter 4: “Big Brother”
When I first engaged the IRS voice messaging system, I was stunned by the message: “Welcome to the IRS voice messaging system. Unauthorized use of this facility could result in civil and criminal penalties.” After this admonition, I was almost afraid to use the IRS phone system.
A few days later I received an email message warning me that I could be disciplined if I did not pay my government credit card bill on time. I thought, “Am I working with a bunch of deadbeats?”
Shortly thereafter I received a sternly-worded message telling me there would be severe consequences, including possible termination of employment, if I incurred estimated tax payment penalties for underpayment of estimated taxes or if I made a mistake on my federal income tax return. I thought, “Am I working with a bunch of tax cheats?”
I considered the references to late payments of credit card bills and tax filing penalties.
Why would IRS employees be receiving these messages? Was I not working with some of the most honorable people in America?
I concluded that the messages were ill-advised and would never have been sent by management in the private sector. Messages like these can only breed hurt feelings and damage morale. To me, the messages are insulting, and I believe the practice should be eliminated.
In accordance with Circular 230 Disclosure
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