Tax History ... Ask TaxMama ... July 23, 2004

Ask TaxMama.Com
Tax Information With A Mother's Touch

Published by Eva Rosenberg, MBA, EA
Volume 6, Issue 268 July 23, 2004


	TaxMama's Resources & Specials
	Tax-Free Days
	Investor Meeting
	Tax History
	Trucking Along


	New Taxpayer Account Processing System Debuts


	Road Rage

E-Mail
This Page To A Friend

Your email:

Your name:

TO email:

Tax History

» From: Michigan

Dear TaxMama,.

I received a communication in the mail and a follow-up phone call from Michigan Accounts receivable Collection System, stating that I did not file a Michigan tax return for the year 1990, and that I owed $1333. And could I pay that right now?

I said, "No, I will have to make payments."

She asked how much and when can I start?

I said, "Wait I don't know if I owe that. Isn't there a statute of limitation?"

She said no there isn't.

Then I told her to send me the Information stating what I owe and for what and I will decide if I will pay it.

She informed me that they were going to attach my bank account.

Can they do that?

Is there a statute of limitation for state taxes?

I can't find my 1990 tax filings.

Thank You

Lee

Dear Lee,

I am not familiar with Michigan law.

However, there is no statute of limitations on tax debt if you didn't file the return.

Call her back and ask her, really politely, to please put your account on hold.

Tell her you're going to research it because you are not sure that you owe this money.

And yes, please have her send you a copy of the source of the tax due (i.e. did they have 1099s or other information saying you had income in MI).

Then, call IRS and ask for a TRANSCRIPT of your account and filing information for 1990. It will take them a few weeks to get it for you.

OR, if you really need it quickly, call a good, local tax pro in the area (see www.naea.org for a referral) and ask them to get it for you.

We have access to a Practitioners' Hotline that can get us this data within 48 - 76 hours. Or less, on good days.

Incidentally, when a tax collector calls you and you want more information - NEVER say, send it to me and I'll decide if I want to pay it. It's just that kind of arrogance that got Martha Stewart into trouble.

You might have gotten more cooperation from that tax lady if you had simply asked her to send you the basis for that balance due so you could see if it had already been paid in the past.

Good luck!

Best wishes,

Eva Rosenberg
Your TaxMama

TaxMama's
Other Sites
TaxMama's Secrets
The Help Desk
PhotoMasterpieces
I-Laugh

Site design by Serenata Design.