Reports by the public of suspected underreporting of taxes or other tax violations can help IRS detect millions of dollars in taxes that would otherwise go uncollected. Productive referrals can help address the net $385 billion tax gap--the difference between the amount of taxes paid voluntarily on time and the amount owed. IRS received about 87,000 information referrals in fiscal year 2015. This book describes IRSs process for screening and routing information referrals; assesses the controls for the information referral screening and routing process; and evaluates the coordination between the information referral process, the Whistleblower Office, and other IRS referral programs.

The Handbook will provide direction on how to resolve the most common IRS problems for individuals. The first section provides guidance on the most common post-filing actions: contacting and working with the IRS to obtain information and helping tax professionals practice effectively before the IRS. The remaining sections of the Handbook focus on each of the major tax problem categories: audits/underreporter notices, collection issues, penalties, unfiled returns, and spousal issues. The issues in these categories constitute most of the problems for individual taxpayers. The book provides solutions to these problems

Taxpayer champion and enrolled agent Bonnie Lee puts the IRS under the microscope and uncovers proven methods, and surprisingly simple strategies to minimize your taxable income, maximize deductions, and, ultimately—add thousands back to your business’ bottom line! Do you owe an insurmountable sum to the IRS? Pay pennies on the dollar. Secret formula the IRS uses to determine an acceptable offer is revealed—Page 246 Save tax dollars simply by reorganizing your workspace—Page 17 Stuff tax dollars back into your pocket by fixing errors on your balance sheet—Page 50 Eat tax-free! Some meal expenses are 100 % deductible. Find out what qualifies—Page 56 Got a great hobby you’re turning into a bona fide business? Deduct the losses by following these guidelines—Page 99 Is your home office a red flag?—Page 107 You inherited Grandma’s house. Do you have to pay taxes on it?—Page 121 Can you write off your clothing?—Page 133 Under IRS audit? Learn “audit speak” to deal effectively with the IRS—Page 215