Dealing with the IRS can feel overwhelming. When a tax dispute escalates, receiving an IRS notice can trigger both stress and confusion. But one of the most powerful tools you have is your right to appeal.
An appeal is more than just paperwork — it is your legal avenue to pause harsh collection actions, present your side, and negotiate for a better outcome. At Sterbick & Associates, we guide taxpayers through this complex process with experience and clarity. We are active member of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) and the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high professional standards and ongoing education.
If you’ve received threatening IRS notices or disagree with a tax decision, understanding your appeal rights — and acting quickly — is critical. This is where IRS appeals Tacoma can make all the difference in protecting your interests.
Every year, thousands of taxpayers miss out on the opportunity to file an appeal request simply because they did not act on time. The IRS is required to offer you a path to appeal certain collection actions and decisions, but the window to respond is short.
Filing an appeal request provides unique advantages. Once your appeal is accepted, the IRS must pause many enforcement activities, including:
Wage garnishments
Bank levies
Asset seizures
This pause gives you time to present your case and prevents the IRS from taking collection actions while your appeal is under review. The structured process of IRS appeals Tacoma offers taxpayers a powerful means of defense.
Another key benefit of filing an appeal is that the process moves your case away from IRS collection agents and into the hands of an independent office of appeals. These appeals officers have broader discretion to resolve disputes fairly and are specifically tasked with seeking resolutions without litigation.
Without an appeal, you may lose the ability to challenge the IRS in U.S. Tax Court, which is often your strongest legal option. Maintaining this chain of appeal through IRS appeals Tacoma is vital to preserving all your rights under the law.
If you are behind on your taxes, the IRS will begin a structured collection process. Understanding this sequence of notices and your rights at each stage is key.
The process typically begins with the IRS issuing Notice CP504. This letter serves as a final demand for payment. It warns that if you do not pay your tax debt, the IRS may seize your assets through enforced collection action.
However, CP504 itself does not provide the option to request a formal appeal. At this point, you should take immediate steps to either resolve the debt or prepare for the next notice. Your options include:
Paying the balance in full
Requesting an installment agreement
Exploring Offer in Compromise
Seeking Penalty Abatement or Innocent Spouse Relief
Time is of the essence once CP504 is issued. Delays can move your case quickly to the next stage.
If you do not resolve the debt after CP504, the IRS will issue Letter 1058, also known as the Final Notice of Intent to Levy. This is a critical document because it informs you of the IRS’s plan to seize assets — and it provides your opportunity to appeal.
Included with this letter is the Collection Due Process hearing request form. You must complete this form and submit it to the IRS office within 30 days of the letter’s date to preserve your right to a hearing.
Responding within this timeframe stops collection activity while your appeal is processed. Missing this window eliminates your right to a Collection Due Process hearing and could expose your assets to levy and seizure. If you’re unsure how to proceed, seeking professional help through IRS appeals Tacoma ensures your response is both timely and effective.
Filing an IRS appeal starts with completing the CDP request form accurately and on time.
Here’s what the process looks like:
Complete the CDP form fully. This includes your personal information, the tax periods you are appealing, and a clear statement that you are requesting a hearing.
Attach a copy of the Final Notice of Intent to Levy (Letter 1058) to your request. This ensures that the appeals office has the full documentation to process your case.
Ensure accuracy in tax periods listed. Double-check that the tax periods on your CDP form match those referenced in the IRS notice you received.
Submit your request within the 30-day window. If your request is late, the IRS may reject it, leaving you without the protections of the appeal process.
Once your request is accepted, the IRS will assign an appeals officer to review your case. From this point forward, collection actions are typically paused, and the focus shifts to resolving the dispute through the appeals process. Utilizing the experience of professionals who specialize in IRS appeals Tacoma can help avoid common errors during this critical phase.
A successful appeal requires preparation. Once your hearing is scheduled, you’ll meet with an appeals officer who is independent of the IRS collection division. This is your chance to present your case and argue for a resolution.
Preparation steps include:
List key issues. Prepare a detailed list of issues you want to discuss. Focus on legal and factual arguments that support your position.
Gather documentation. Compile all necessary tax forms, financial records, correspondence with the IRS office, and any other documents that strengthen your appeal.
Organize your case. Present your information clearly and concisely. Appeals officers appreciate well-prepared cases and are more likely to respond favorably when the facts are presented in a professional manner.
Consider relief options. If you’re seeking a settlement such as an Offer in Compromise or a Penalty Abatement, be prepared to present supporting documentation for those requests.
Early preparation is critical. Starting to gather and organize your materials as soon as your CDP request is filed will give you a significant advantage when your hearing date arrives. Many clients rely on IRS appeals Tacoma professionals to guide them through this preparation.
Following your hearing, the appeals officer will issue an appeals decision based on your case. This may result in:
A resolution in your favor
A revised payment agreement
Acceptance of a settlement offer
Rejection of your appeal
If the determination is not favorable, you still have options. You can elevate your case to:
The U.S. Tax Court
The U.S. Court of Appeals
Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court (in rare cases)
Maintaining your right to pursue these avenues is one reason it is so important to file the Collection Due Process request on time. Without it, you may be unable to advance your case to court.
Be aware that while an appeal is pending, the statute of limitations on IRS collections is tolled. This means the IRS will still have time to pursue collection after the appeal concludes, so working toward resolution should remain a priority throughout the appeals case. At this stage, advice from a seasoned IRS appeals Tacoma team can help you navigate further options effectively.
The IRS appeals process is complex. Navigating it without legal representation can lead to costly mistakes:
Missing appeal deadlines can permanently eliminate your right to contest the IRS decision.
Filing an incomplete or inaccurate Collection Due Process request can result in rejection.
Poor preparation for the hearing can weaken your case and reduce your chances of success.
Lack of legal knowledge can prevent you from identifying all available relief options or submitting a written protest where necessary.
At Sterbick & Associates, we understand the nuances of IRS appeals Tacoma and how to advocate effectively for our clients. We help ensure your appeal request is filed correctly, your case is prepared thoroughly, and your rights are fully protected.
Failing to respond to IRS notices can result in severe consequences:
Interest and penalties will continue to grow, increasing your debt exponentially.
Wage garnishment can be initiated, reducing your paycheck.
Bank accounts can be levied, draining your available funds.
Property liens can damage your credit and complicate financial transactions.
Seizure of assets such as cars or even your home becomes a real risk.
The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to resolve your tax debt. Proactive action is the only way to stop the IRS in its tracks. Engaging IRS appeals Tacoma services early can help prevent these risks.
At Sterbick & Associates, we use a proven 4-step process to help clients through IRS appeals Tacoma:
We immediately request that the IRS office cease direct contact with you. From this point forward, all IRS communications are handled by our firm.
We gather your complete tax records and financial information to build a clear and detailed picture of your case. This analysis forms the foundation of your appeals process strategy.
We aggressively pursue a resolution that is in your best interest, whether through negotiation, settlement, written protest, or further legal action.
Once your tax issues are resolved, we provide guidance to help you maintain compliance and avoid future problems with the IRS office or collection appeal issues.
If you are facing an IRS dispute, receiving collection notices, or considering filing an appeal request, now is the time to act. The appeals process offers vital protections, but the window to file is short.
Don’t face the IRS alone. Let Sterbick & Associates help you navigate the system and fight for the best possible outcome through IRS appeals Tacoma.
Schedule your risk-free consultation today and take the first step toward resolving your IRS problems.
Call us at 253-265-4695
The IRS appeals process typically takes several months, depending on case complexity. Working with Sterbick & Associates can help streamline your appeal and ensure proper handling at each step.
Yes. Filing a timely appeal can pause IRS collection actions such as levies and wage garnishments. Sterbick & Associates ensures your appeal is filed correctly to trigger these protections.
Each case is unique, but clients working with Sterbick & Associates benefit from expert preparation and strong advocacy, improving the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
