Understanding the Challenges Faced with the Internal Revenue Service
In this article, we delve into a personal experience with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by an individual from Schuyler County, Illinois. The individual claims to have had no taxable income in 1995-96 and therefore did not file tax returns. However, the government contended otherwise, leading to a series of interactions and disputes. This article explores the details of this case, which include legal actions, unanswered questions, and attempts by the government to collect unpaid taxes.
Background: Unfiled Tax Returns and Government’s Position
In 1995-96, the individual at the center of this case, who wishes to remain anonymous, asserts that they had no taxable income and thus did not file tax returns. However, the government took a different stance, insisting that taxable income was indeed present. Thus, a disagreement emerged, with the individual maintaining their innocence and the government pursuing collection of taxes.
Government Interactions and Collection Efforts
Over the years, the situation escalated, with the government attempting various tactics to collect the purported unpaid taxes. These efforts included freezing the individual’s bank accounts and contacting their employer in an attempt to seize money owed. Despite these measures, no money was successfully collected.
In 2008, the situation took a legal turn when the government filed a lawsuit against the individual, seeking a judgment of $144,000 and aiming to foreclose on their family home. This legal action added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute.
Legal Proceedings: Discovery and Interrogatories
In the legal process, there is a phase commonly referred to as discovery. This phase allows both parties involved to request information and evidence from each other to support their claims. One particular aspect of discovery is the use of interrogatories, where written questions are posed to the opposing party, seeking crucial information.
In this case, the individual utilized interrogatories as part of the discovery process. One of the key requests made was for copies of assessments related to the tax claims. Surprisingly, the government failed to produce the requested assessments, substantiating their claim that taxes were owed. This lack of evidence raised doubts about the accuracy of the government’s position.
Additionally, the individual sought clarification on the specific code section within the Internal Revenue Code that imposed the alleged tax liability. The government, in a rather evasive response, stated that the internal revenue code was publicly accessible and the individual could find the information themselves. However, the judge found this answer inadequate and demanded a more substantial response.
The Continued Quest for Answers
Despite the judge’s intervention, the government’s subsequent response did not fully address the individual’s original question. Instead of providing the section of the Internal Revenue Code directly pertaining to the individual’s tax liability, the government presented several code sections related to the matter in a more general sense.
This response only deepened the individual’s frustration and confusion. The lack of a direct answer raised concerns about the government’s ability to substantiate the claims against them.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Battle
As we conclude this article, it is evident that the individual’s case with the IRS remains unresolved. The individual’s consistent assertion of having no taxable income during 1995-96 and their diligent pursuit of answers has not yielded a satisfactory outcome. The unanswered questions and the government’s inability to provide concrete evidence raise doubts about the legitimacy of the tax lien placed on the individual.
While this particular case highlights the challenges an individual can face when dealing with the IRS, it is essential to recognize the importance of accurate filing and open communication to prevent such situations. Transparency and clear documentation are crucial in ensuring a fair and just tax system for all.