Office in Freehold NJ | 
Sometimes you can call the IRS yourself for routine account questions. But for a levy notice, disputed assessment, revenue officer interview, or payroll tax investigation, consult a qualified tax professional first. A call does not automatically stop collection or extend an appeal deadline.
You received a letter from the IRS. You want the calls and notices to stop. Picking up the phone may seem like the fastest way to fix it. But what you say, what you agree to, and what you do not know about your rights could make the problem worse. The good news is that you may have options. At Tomes Law Firm, our legal and tax professionals help New Jersey individuals and business owners understand their tax debt before they make important decisions. Here is what to know before you call.
Should you call the IRS yourself?
Sometimes. If you only need to check whether a payment posted or ask for a copy of a notice, calling the IRS yourself may be reasonable. But if the IRS says you owe a large amount, threatens a levy, questions business payroll taxes, or wants an interview, it may be safer to speak with a tax attorney first. A phone call does not automatically stop collection or extend an appeal deadline.
Why can calling the IRS yourself be a bad idea?
The IRS employee on the phone may explain the rules, but that person is not your advocate. You could agree to payments you cannot afford, miss a better resolution, misunderstand an urgent deadline, or give an answer without first checking your records. You should always be truthful. The goal is not to avoid the facts; it is to understand them before responding.
Could you agree to an IRS payment plan you cannot afford?
Yes. When you feel pressure to resolve a tax problem, a payment amount may sound like the easiest answer. But an affordable agreement depends on the facts. Income, necessary living expenses, medical costs, irregular overtime or bonuses, and the time left for IRS collection may all matter. Some taxpayers may instead qualify for Currently Not Collectible status or a partial-pay installment agreement. These options have requirements and are not available in every case.
For example, one client, whom we will call Bill, was paying $4,315 a month to the IRS. After a closer review of how income and expenses were allocated and the applicable collection period, we were able to reduce his monthly payment to $2,400. The lesson is not that everyone gets a lower payment. It is that you should understand the numbers before you agree.
Can you ask to stop an IRS interview and speak with a lawyer?
In most situations, yes. Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative. If you clearly ask during an IRS interview to consult with an attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent, the IRS generally must suspend that interview. An important exception applies to interviews required by a formal administrative summons. A request for representation also does not freeze unrelated deadlines or all IRS activity.
You can say: “I would like to speak with my tax attorney before answering any more questions.” Do not ignore a summons, notice, or deadline while arranging representation.
Will calling the IRS stop a bank levy or protect your appeal rights?
No. A call by itself does not automatically stop a bank levy, wage levy, or other lawful collection action. If you received an LT11 or Letter 1058, the notice may give you the right to request a Collection Due Process hearing. The deadline is generally 30 days under the notice rules. Follow the exact instructions and date on your notice. Do not assume that speaking to an IRS employee counts as filing the hearing request.
This is why we tell clients to save every page of an IRS letter, including the date and instructions. Waiting until a bank account is frozen may leave fewer options than acting before the levy.
What if the IRS is wrong about what you owe?
Before asking how to pay an IRS bill, ask whether the bill is correct. Some assessments are based on missing information, incorrect Forms 1099, unreported deductions, or errors in the records. The answer may involve transcripts, an amended return, audit reconsideration, an appeal, or another challenge—not simply a payment plan.
In one case, a client we will call Gary faced an assessment tied to approximately $2.5 million of falsely reported Form 1099 income. In another, Joe faced more than $300,000 in gambling-related tax that was ultimately reduced to approximately $6,000. Their facts were different, but the lesson is the same: a tax bill should be reviewed, not automatically accepted. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Should you speak to an IRS revenue officer by yourself?
Use special care. An IRS revenue officer usually handles an active collection case, not a routine account question. The officer may ask about bank accounts, business assets, accounts receivable, payroll, and who controls company money. Those facts may affect collection decisions or personal liability.
Payroll tax cases can be especially serious. The IRS may investigate whether an owner, officer, or employee was responsible for paying withheld taxes and willfully failed to do so. An interview about who signed checks, controlled funds, or chose which bills were paid can matter to a Trust Fund Recovery Penalty case. Some matters also present possible criminal concerns. Not every payroll tax debt is criminal, but early legal advice may be important.
What if you already called the IRS and said something you regret?
You may still have options. Write down the date, the person you spoke with, what you said, and any payment or document deadline. Keep the letters, notes, and financial records. Tell your attorney what happened, even if it feels embarrassing. A prior call does not automatically end your right to challenge a balance or request relief, but any agreements or deadlines need to be checked promptly.
What happens after you hire a tax attorney?
An attorney can first review your notices, tax returns, account transcripts, financial records, and immediate deadlines. With a proper IRS Form 2848 power of attorney, an authorized representative can contact the IRS about the tax matters covered by the authorization, ask for records, and work on a response or resolution. Representation does not mean the IRS can never contact you or require you to appear under a summons.
At Tomes Law Firm, our approach begins with four questions: Is the IRS amount right? What can the IRS lawfully collect? What deadlines and appeal rights apply? And what result is realistic for this client? Our team combines legal and tax knowledge, including accounting experience and former IRS experience, rather than treating every case as simply a request for a payment plan.
What if someone claiming to be the IRS calls you first?
Be cautious with unexpected calls, especially if the caller demands immediate payment, threatens arrest, or pressures you to share sensitive details. The IRS normally begins contact by mail, although legitimate calls do occur. Do not rely on caller ID alone. If you are unsure, hang up and verify the issue using contact information from an official IRS website or a notice you know is authentic.
Should you hire a tax attorney or a tax resolution company?
Attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents may be authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. The best choice depends on your problem. A routine account question may not require a lawyer. But when the amount is disputed, a business or owner could face personal payroll tax liability, an appeal deadline is approaching, or a criminal issue is possible, legal advice can be particularly valuable. Ask who will actually handle your case, what qualifications they hold, and whether the firm reviews the accuracy of the debt before discussing payment.
When is calling the IRS yourself reasonable?
A simple question about a missing letter, whether a return was processed, or how to obtain a transcript may be handled directly. Confirm the phone number from an official source, take notes, and do not share information you have not verified. If you discover an enforcement threat, disputed amount, or significant deadline, consider stopping to obtain professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I refuse to answer IRS questions?
You have important rights, including the right to seek representation, but the answer depends on the type of request. Do not ignore a summons or assume you can refuse every question. Get advice about the specific situation.
Can I tell the IRS to call my lawyer instead?
Often, yes. A properly authorized representative can handle many communications. Some personal appearances or information requests may still be required.
Should I call the number on my IRS notice?
First verify that the notice is genuine. An official notice may provide a useful contact number. If the issue is serious, review the notice and deadline with counsel before discussing the facts.
Does calling the IRS stop a levy?
No. A phone call does not by itself halt collection. The appropriate collection or appeal procedure depends on your notice and account.
Can I change an IRS payment plan I already agreed to?
Sometimes. A change in finances or a review of your ability to pay may support a request to revise an installment agreement. Approval is not automatic.
What should I do before my next IRS call?
Gather every IRS notice, your recent returns, payment history, and notes from earlier calls. Identify any deadlines. If the case involves a levy, disputed taxes, payroll liability, or an interview, consider legal advice before making the call.
Get help before a phone call becomes a bigger problem
Calling the IRS yourself is not always wrong. But you should know what you owe, what you may be giving up, and what choices are available before you speak. Tomes Law Firm, PC, in Freehold, New Jersey, helps individuals and businesses facing IRS and New Jersey tax problems. Contact our office to discuss your situation. This article is general information, not legal advice for your particular case.
Official IRS resources
IRS: Your right to retain representation
IRS: Collection Due Process hearing FAQs