The IRS, or Internal Revenue Service, is the tax collection and enforcement agency of the Treasury Department of the USA. It goes without saying that there are harsh penalties and fines for tax evaders, though at times, even honest taxpayers find themselves at the receiving end of the IRS. This may be because they have either underpaid or overpaid their taxes.

In most cases, people are willing to pay taxes. The problem arises when they are unable to interpret the tax laws correctly and as a result have to face the wrath of the revenue department. The problem is compounded by the fact that in most cases the attitude of the IRS is so harsh that people have to consult tax law firms to get the issues resolved.

Millions of US citizens have at some time or the other received notices from the IRS. These notices can be due to nonpayment or underpayment of taxes. Of course, there are cases of overpayment also, but the IRS is not as zealous in refunding taxes as it is in collecting them. So, if you are unfortunate enough to pay more than you were required, rest assured you will not get a refund without some struggle.

You need to be conversant with the tax laws in order to calculate tax dues yourself. Otherwise, you may underpay your taxes, and this would invite strict penalties. The other option is to hire the services of a well-established law firm, which for a fee would calculate your dues. In case of some financial liabilities where you are not in a position to pay the full amount of your dues, the tax law firm can work out structured installments in agreement with the IRS and, in this way, bail you out of a difficult situation.

You also have the option of consulting the RO (revenue officer). He can go through your payment records and help you out.