{"id":32508,"date":"2017-12-29T09:23:22","date_gmt":"2017-12-29T15:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resource-center.hrblock.com\/?p=32508"},"modified":"2020-04-28T17:05:43","modified_gmt":"2020-04-28T22:05:43","slug":"want-know-youre-good-standing-irs-heres","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrbcomlnp.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/irs\/audits-and-tax-notices\/want-know-youre-good-standing-irs-heres\/","title":{"rendered":"Want to Know if You\u2019re in Good Standing with the IRS? Here\u2019s How."},"content":{"rendered":"

Most people would rather walk on hot coals than call the IRS.<\/p>\n

In fact, the IRS Oversight Board reports that 59% of Americans fear the IRS. But that doesn\u2019t change the fact that, every year, 43% of taxpayers (that\u2019s 70 million people) need to get in touch with the IRS.<\/p>\n

They may need to ask a question, understand more about their tax situation, or solve a problem.<\/p>\n

For most people, their status with the IRS (good, bad, ugly?) is a complete mystery<\/h2>\n

Why? Because the IRS doesn\u2019t send you a tax scorecard telling you the details about your account history and the status of your compliance situation.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s not always easy or quick to try to get your information directly from the IRS. You may have to wait on hold, jump through hoops online, or wait several weeks for your paper transcripts.<\/p>\n

Here are four options to find out your status with the IRS.<\/p>\n

1. Ask the IRS.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Call the IRS directly at (800) 829-1040, or go in person to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.<\/p>\n

But beware. The IRS doesn\u2019t readily answer tax law questions about your situation. Phone lines will usually divert taxpayers to IRS.gov for answers.<\/p>\n

Also, getting through to speak with an IRS representative isn\u2019t always easy because of long wait times. If you’re successful, the IRS representative can provide you with information about your status.<\/p>\n

Start with one simple question about your overall status: \u201cCan you do a compliance check on my account to see if there are any outstanding issues?\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Get your IRS transcripts<\/strong>.<\/h2>\n

IRS transcripts<\/a> (\u201cIRS speak\u201d for tax records) show your tax history, including tax returns you\u2019ve filed, your income information, and your account activity.<\/p>\n

Account transcripts can be particularly useful if you have questions about your status. You can see any:<\/p>\n