• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Long Island Tax Resolution Services

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Free Consultation
  • Testimonials
  • En Español
  • Representation
  • Notices
  • Wage Garnishment
  • Back Taxes Help
  • Unfiled Returns
  • Levy
  • .
  • .
  • Call us at: 631-244-1650
You are here: Home / Other / How to File Freedom of Information Requests Correctly

October 20, 2014 by James Grennen Leave a Comment

How to File Freedom of Information Requests Correctly

Imagine being prosecuted for a crime you know nothing about. Instead of being informed of your offense, you’re immediately punished. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? In many cases dealing with tax problems, people are surprised to learn they’re in trouble because in their eyes, they’ve done nothing wrong. Freedom of information request

Luckily there’s something called a Freedom of Information Request.

Introduced in the late 1960s, the Freedom of Information act gives every person the right to ask for information from the government. There are limits to what you can learn, however. For example, for tax problems specifically, you can ask for IRS tax records or information pertaining to you, as long as it doesn’t affect anyone else. Also, a 1996 amendment required several federal agencies to make some of their records available online.

Filing a Freedom of Information Request

Any taxpayer can file for such a request, but it must be done correctly. Unlike most official requests, there is no form for a Freedom of Information request. You simply send the request in writing, ensuring the proper documentation and relevant information is included. You may send the request by post, fax, or email.

For the IRS to process your request, be sure to include:

  • A letter describing your issue
  • What information you require
  • Tax years during which you have identified the issue
  • Any additional information that would help your case

A good Freedom of Information request:

  • Is thoroughly fleshed out, with a proper description of what you want
  • Asks for specific information, not just ‘any file’ pertaining to you
  • Contains relevant information required, such as address, full name, identity proof, and any additional documentation
  • Is descriptive, yet precise and to the point
  • Mentions the statute(s) you are using in addition to your rights, so that it is taken seriously
  • Has a valid reason for the request

As part of the act, the IRS is mandated by law to divulge information from a proper Freedom of Information request. However, it is exempt from divulging information about internal processes, law enforcement efforts, and matters of national security. The IRS must also, of course, uphold client-attorney confidentiality, not causing harm to other taxpayers. Despite these exemptions, the Freedom of Information act can help you gain vital information that could tip the scales in your favor. Understanding what the IRS knows about you will help with creating a more precise appeal, which could give you tax relief quickly.

Help from the Professionals

The request can be most beneficial if you think that the IRS has made a mistake or has been misinformed of your tax liability. If you seek the help of a tax professional, he or she will prepare an appeal for tax relief. In some cases, such as criminal tax problems and civil tax problems, a Freedom of Information request becomes much more difficult to file. In this case, help from certified tax professionals is advantageous. Furthermore, if the Freedom of Information request does not yield satisfactory results or if you think the IRS is not properly responding, you can file an administrative appeal to higher officials. In case this doesn’t prove fruitful either, you can file a judicial appeal. In both cases, professional help is advised.

Filed Under: Other

Learn About Us

  • About Us
  • Enrolled Agents
  • Groups and Associations
  • Our Tax Resolution Process
  • Seven Reasons to Hire Us

About James Grennen

James Grennen is a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist who is expert in solving IRS tax problems and New York State tax problems. He has decades of financial tax experience in addition to being an IRS Enrolled Agent.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search Form

DOWNLOAD A FREE COPY OF THE ESSENTIAL TAX RESOLUTION GUIDE

Cover of the Guide

Your information is safe with us.

Attorney Plus Program

Long Island Tax Resolution Services is Not a Law Firm of Attorney Practice


Please click here to see why our Attorney Plus Program is the smartest way to resolve your IRS or State tax problems.

Be Smart Check List

IRS On Enrolled Agents :

"The Enrolled Agent is the most expansive license that the IRS grants a tax professional.

An Enrolled Agent has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the IRS.

Enrolled Agents are generally unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle and the IRS offices before which they can practice."


IRS Publication 4693A
(A Guide to the Enrolled Agent Program)

Man trapped by tax

NYS Tax Warrants: What Every Taxpayer Needs to Know

Man thinking. New York State Tax Problems FAQ

10 Frequently Asked Questions about New York State Tax Problems

Top 4 NY State Department of Taxation Collection Actions

Top 4 NY State Department of Taxation Collection Actions and What to Do About Them

Offer In Compromise (OIC): Tips To Getting Yours Accepted

The Penalties for Failing to File a Return or Pay Taxes

Footer

LITRS Company Profile

Long Island Tax Resolution Services specializes in providing affordable solutions to both individuals and small businesses experiencing back tax problems. These are either IRS tax problems or State tax problems.

Resources

Our Process

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • NYS Tax Warrants: What Every Taxpayer Needs to Know
  • 10 Frequently Asked Questions about New York State Tax Problems
  • Top 4 NY State Department of Taxation Collection Actions and What to Do About Them
  • Offer In Compromise (OIC): Tips To Getting Yours Accepted
  • The Penalties for Failing to File a Return or Pay Taxes

Tags

Innocent Spouse Relief IRS Back Taxes IRS Bank Levy IRS Hardship irs notices IRS Offer IRS Penalties IRS Plans IRS Tax Relief IRS Tax Services IRS Wage Garnishment Tax Debts Tax Returns

Locations

Head Office (map above)
    80 Orville Drive, Suite 100Bohemia, NY 11716
    Phone: (631) 244-1650
    Fax: (720) 294-1650
Manhattan Location
    5 Penn Plaza, 23rd FloorNew York, NY 10001
2nd Long Island Location
    626 Rexcorp PlazaWest Tower, 6th FloorUniondale, NY 11556
Westchester Location
    50 Main St, 10th FloorWhite Plains, NY 10606

© Copyright 2014 - 2017 Long Island Tax Resolution Services · All Logos & Trademark Belongs To Their Respective Owners·