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It's day #7 of the shutdown. So far, there's no sign that it will be ending any time soon.

We have received several calls from clients advising us that they have been receiving calls from "The IRS" warning them that they are going to take "LEGAL ACTION", that it is "URGENT", and there is some kind of discrepancy.

Some people are surprised to learn they're due a large federal income tax refund when they file their taxes. Others are surprised that they owe more taxes than they expected. When this happens, it's a good idea to check your federal tax withholding or payments. Doing so now can help avoid a tax surprise when you file your 2013 tax return next year.

Myth: "You MUST avoid failing to file taxes at the time required by law."

What is it about the Offer-In-Compromise that's attracted so much attention? When President Clinton signed into law the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, it opened the door for taxpayers to potentially have crushing tax debt actually forgiven by the IRS.  

National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson's latest mid-year report to Congress calls the IRS "an institution in crisis," with its many problems affecting its ability to conduct its mission.

If you receive your "Notice & Demand of Payment" and you don't pay the tax debt, the IRS can then choose to pursue thelien on your property. When they do, all of your creditors are notified that the government now has a claim against all of your property.

Phony tax preparers may offer extravagant services through alleged clever use of the law. Watch out for such enticing claims. The IRS considers a taxpayer, not preparer, liable for false statements or mistakes on tax documents. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure a tax prep service is legitimate.

WASHINGTON, June 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. Internal Revenue Service, under political fire and distracted by leadership changes, faces a big job and tight deadlines in months ahead as one of the main federal agencies implementing President Barack Obama's new healthcare law.

Back taxes are simply taxes that you owe that you didn't pay when they were due. If you've underpaid taxes for any reason, the balance that you owe is considered back tax. You may have failed to report taxable income (intentionally or unintentionally, it doesn't matter) – as the IRS sees it...you still owe them money in the form of a back tax.