Can't Get Through to the IRS?

The IRS has been nearly impossible to get a hold of in the recent month.  Budget cuts, understaffed departments and huge workloads have left the IRS drowning.  Implementing the new Tax & Jobs Act during the busiest time of their year is a daunting task, but it's become even more difficult.  According to the Des Moines Register, the IRS "has 21,000 fewer employees than it did seven years ago. The IRS’s budget has been slashed by a crippling $900 million since 2010."

The good news is that they barely have the staff to conduct audits anymore, and the rate has gone down from 1.1% of individuals in 2008, to .8% in 2010, and .7% in 2015. 

If you are having issues with the IRS, including notices or liens, don't give in if you can't get a hold of them.  KEEP TRYING, or hire someone to handle it.  If you don't agree with an assessment, do not just pay the amount and hope the IRS will work it out, they will not put it on their TO-DO list!