The IRS Independent Office of Appeals (Appeals) serves as the administrative forum for any taxpayer contesting an IRS compliance action. Appeals encompasses a number of programs, including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Art Appraisal Services and more.

Mission

To resolve tax controversies, without litigation, on a basis which is fair and impartial to both the government and the taxpayer, and in a manner that will enhance voluntary compliance and public confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the Service.

Strategic priorities

  • Increase taxpayer awareness of the appeals process and their rights within the process.
  • Increase taxpayer awareness of alternative dispute resolution programs.
  • Improve our processes to meet customer needs and to reduce the length of the appeals. process while spending the right amount of time with each taxpayer.
  • Promote employee productivity, engagement, and satisfaction.

Appeals — Continuing the tradition

Appeals constantly looks for ways to reduce the length of the appeals process to better meet taxpayer needs. Traditionally, Appeals held mostly face-to-face conferences. While still available, Appeals encourages video, telephone or correspondence conferences when they can significantly shorten the overall time of the appeals process, thereby reducing taxpayer burden.

How to contact Appeals

If your case was forwarded to Appeals, contact us to get the status of your appeal request at 855-865-3401. Don't have a case? Find how to request an appeal.

Overview

Collection Appeals considers IRS Collection-source cases such as collection due process, offer in compromise, Collection Appeals Program, and Trust Fund Recovery Program cases. 

Examination Appeals works cases before (non-docketed) or after (docketed) a taxpayer petitions the U.S. Tax Court.

Common non-docketed cases are protested notice of proposed adjustments, claims and audit reconsiderations, penalty appeals and interest abatements.

A docketed case is one where a statutory notice of deficiency or other notice with Tax Court rights (e.g., a notice of determination for innocent spouse relief) has been issued.

SEPR works specialized examination cases including Tax-Exempt/Government Entities, estate and gift tax, innocent spouse, penalty appeals, and international cases. SEPR also provides support for Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA), Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) cases, coordinated technical issues and art appraisal services.

Operations Support is responsible for Appeals mission-related training, information technology, policy, quality assurance, human capital and finance.

Case Support is responsible for assigning cases in Appeals and subsequently processing the cases for closure. Case Support also provides administrative and redaction support for Appeals.

Appeals leadership


Welcome to IRS Appeals

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