IRS Keypunching error

You are responding to the IRS letter request. What part of the response are you asking for help with?

-Mark Bole

Mark Bole wrote in news:%EYzk.419$ snipped-for-privacy@nlpi069.nbdc.sbc.com:

Dear Mr Bole:

I realze that you may not work for the IRS, but ... Why would a 1040X be required to correct a data entry eror by the IRS? Seems to me that a simple letter requesting correction of the error, with a copy of the original return should be sufficient. Maybe over a notarized signature.

You got that right!

Well, there is time when the IRS has a question to ask, and there is a time when the IRS has a statement to make. If their system has gotten to the "statement" phase, whether it's your fault or not, the path of least resistance is to amend the return they have on file.

On the other hand, you typically *don't* want to file an amended return if they are simply asking a question.

In this case, the original question could have been answered instead of just sending in a payment.

-Mark Bole

Me thinks, he is venting justified frustration that the IRS is not verifying their data entry and correcting their own errors.

Keep in mind that the people who answer the phones at

Dick

When IRS said "look at original submission", they might be referring to a return atually having been submitted that way, despite what taxpayer's copy actually shows. Yes, it the return were filed electornically by AARP, it just might be there that the error occurred.

At any rate, what's done is done, and the simplest way to correct it, since the return is already in IRS system, is to submit the 1040X changing to MFJ.

Sometimes we just have to principal on the back seat and do the easiest thing. right, Mark?

ChEAr$, Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

If the CP11 is dated less than 60 days ago, a written explanation is supposed to be sufficient to get your return adjusted to agree with the original filing. Internal Revenue Code section 6213(b)(2)(A), "Abatement of assessment of mathematical or clerical errors."

If the CP11 was issued more than 60 days ago, you need to submit an amended return on Form 1040X.

If you are still within the 60-day window, I recommend you take a copy of the CP11 and a complete copy of your original tax return to your local IRS walk-in office. Explain your situation to them and ask them to prepare a written inquiry to the IRS service center that processed your tax return. The walk-in staff probably will want to include a copy of your return and the CP11. To save time, you may want to come prepared with copies you can give them.

If the walk-in staff forwards the write-up to the service center, allow 60 days for IRS to adjust your account. If the problem still isn't resolved at that point, contact your local the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Office.

Walk-in offices:

Condor

at this point, it seems the 1040x would correct the amount taxes paid (by the amount of the extra payment) and the amount of refund now due taxpayer (the same amount).

I think if someone wants credibility/sympathy with a dumb IRS mistake, they need to have not compounded the problem.

"Han" wrote

The IRS, being a government agency as it is, is highly a forms driven agency. So the best method to resolve most issues is with a form. They love forms. So much so that they have forms to order forms. So when they ask you to complete a form to solve a problem, make their day. Complete the requested form and submit it so they feel loved and wanted.

On the other hand...on two separate occasions (two different tax years), I stupidly made mistakes on my 1040 involving my kids' social security numbers. One year I transposed two of the digits on my son's number and another year I somehow forgot to enter my daughter's SSN. In both cases, the IRS reduced my exemptions by one and sent me a bill for the extra tax, since they obviously verified the SSNs. In BOTH cases (remember, this was two different years), I was able to resolve the problem over the phone by calling whatever 800 number was in the letter that came with the tax bill. In neither case was I required to fill out an 1040X, yet in both cases it was clearly my fault and not an IRS typo or mistake. Go figure...

Perhaps they took pity on you because you admitted your mistakes and threw yourself on their mercy.

I imagine that when it comes to them admitting their mistakes, the rules would be very different. At least it would appear so.

Stu

Another good reason for e-filing :^)

The SSN/Name mismatch would have been caught right up front.

Rick wrote: [...]

Actually, your story makes sense and helps validate the problem as presented in the OP.

1. You responded to the *original* IRS letter to resolve the problem. In the OP, the taxpayer simply agreed with the IRS and sent in a payment, then later changed his mind about agreeing. That is why you didn't need a 1040X and the OP does.
2. Dick was commenting on the regular "front-door" toll free phone number. You mention calling the number on your letter, which is not the same. You were already "in the system" due to the letter being sent, so you cleared at least one hurdle just by calling the given number.

-Mark Bole