If you ever argued with your Mom about your hairstyle, with your spouse about his/her spending habits, or with your boss about your raise, you will notice a lot of similarity. You did not do anything wrong, they are totally unreasonable, and they just don’t get it. Plus, they have an attitude, and you don’t. Well, dealing with the IRS people is no different.
Treat them as humans.
Just like you, they’re overworked and underpaid. They too have sick kids, traffic tickets, missed deadlines, and they’d rather be somewhere else. Give them a break, and you’ll make your own life much easier.
Understand their goals.
Of course, they want to make it through the day and please their boss. What their bosses want them to do? They want them to collect maximum tax from you within the shortest time possible, then close your case and move to the next one. Let’s see. Their first objective (collecting more money) is exactly opposite to your interests. The good news is that their second goal (wrap it up) is the same as yours! Both you and the IRS agent are motivated to get it done quickly. Use this to your advantage.
Understand your goals.
This advice is not as stupid as it sounds at first. Let me list some of the goals that you might have.
- Teach those SOBs not to mess with you. (Not recommended)
- Get it finished with the least possible stress.
- Get it finished in the shortest time possible.
- Get it finished with every possible tax penny saved from them.
- Get it finished with the least total money spent – on taxes plus on problem resolution.
Unfortunately, these goals are not compatible. You have to decide which one is the most important to you. Depending on your priorities, you actions should be different. For instance, don’t get confrontational if you are trying to save time (goal #3). And maybe you shouldn’t pay an accountant $200 to argue with the IRS about a $100 item – even if you have no doubt that you’re right (goal #5).