Request our CDP Hearing Resource Guide NOW!
The CDP Hearing Guide includes the following resources:
- CDP Checklist For Court
- Collection Appeal Rights
- Request for Due Process Hearing
What is an IRS Summons?
Our system of taxation relies on self-reporting of taxpayer’s liability. This means that the IRS relies upon the taxpayer to disclose all information necessary for the determination and collection of taxes. If a taxpayer or a third party does not supply information voluntarily, Service revenue agents, collection officers, and criminal investigators are authorized to issue and serve administrative summons ordering the taxpayer or a third party to appear before them and to produce records and other information that the agent, collection, and investigator consider to be relevant to the examination or investigation being conducted.
A summons is a powerful enforcement tool and is generally issued when the IRS has attempted and failed to obtain the information from the taxpayer through voluntary means.
Who May Be Summoned?
The following individuals may be summoned:
- the taxpayer (the person liable for the filing of tax returns, or the paying of taxes)
- an officer or employee of the taxpayer
- a person having possession, custody, or care of the books of account
- a person who might have information which would assist the IRS in determining a liability making a return, or collecting a liability
What information may be requested with a summons?
A summons may only be issued to secure information that may be relevant to:
- ascertain the correctness of any return
- make a return where none has been made
- determine a tax liability
- collect a tax liability
- inquire into any offense connected with the administration or enforcement of the internal revenue laws
Anytime a summons is issued the taxpayer or third party must appear in person — a representative cannot appear instead of them. However, at an interview of the taxpayer pursuant to a summons, the taxpayer may be represented by any representative authorized to practice before the IRS. A taxpayer cannot refuse to comply with the summons. However, a summons could be challenged or objected to by appropriate legal means.
Do not ignore your summons. The IRS will not forget about you or your tax debt, it will only increase the pressure to collect! Keep in mind that a failure to comply with a summons may result in judicial contempt against you.
Every tax case is different, but EVERY case has a solution. Call us at 855-472-8294 to speak with a tax professional who will advise you of the best way to handle your summons. We can take over all communication and protect you from the IRS.
