Trust Fund Recovery Penalty – #13 – Information Gathering

TaxConnections Picture - Dollar Sign and Money13. INFORMATION GATHERING

§ 5:68 In General

Once, a Revenue Officer has determined the basic financial and organizational information about a company, he or she will begin gathering supporting documents. It is standard practice to summon the company’s banks for corporate resolutions, signature cards, bank statements, cancelled checks, and loan agreements. Revenue Officers will also seek copies of contracts, leases, and corporate minutes books. Normally at the outset of the investigation, the Revenue Officer will not have the corporate tax returns, but as the investigative process begins, he or she will request copies from the Service Center.

§ 5:69 Oral Presentations

Oral presentations on behalf of your client sometimes will prevent assertion. Always point out your client’s dire financial situation when appropriate since the Internal Revenue Service might give her a pass based upon uncollectibility. [IRM 5.7.5.3]

Robert E. McKenzie is a partner of the law firm of Arnstein & Lehr LLP of Chicago, Illinois, concentrating his practice in representation before the Internal Revenue Service and state agencies. He has lectured extensively on the subject of taxation. He has presented courses before thousands of CPA’s, attorneys and enrolled agents nationwide. He has made numerous media appearances including Dateline NBC and The ABC Nightly News. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. McKenzie was employed by the Internal Revenue Service, Collection Division, in Chicago, Illinois. Since entering private practice, he has dedicated a major portion of his time to representation before the IRS. From 2009 to 2011, Mr. McKenzie was a member of the IRS Advisory Council, which advises IRS management. Mr. McKenzie serves on Arnstein & Lehr’s Executive Committee.

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