It’s very disappointing to hear of your experience with the IRS. Unfortunately, auditors are allowed too much flexibility in so far as approving or disapproving a taxpayer’s claim. Often times, there are no clear guidelines with regard to when an item should be approved vs. when it should be disapproved. From what you say, I can’t imagine why your claim was disallowed by your IRS auditor. Sad thing is, if you’d had a different auditor, you probably would’ve had a very different outcome.

Yvette

The IRS and I volleyed via the mail a few times, each time I provided more and more information until I was out of options. I was being audited for 2006’s miscellaneous deductions.

I had signed letters on department letterhead from my Chief explaining items that I was expected to purchase as well as outlining items for which I do not get reimbursed for. I photocopied sections of my department’s policy manual that outlined items I was required to have which are not provided. I also turned in receipts for continuing education which is needed to maintain my emergency medical technician certificate, a certification that results in termination from employment if it is not maintained.

The last straw was when I was told by my auditor that I had to prove that my uniforms could not be worn as everyday clothing. What?!?! I sent in pictures of my uniforms and turnouts…outlining that I can not wear fireproof Nomex pants and shirts, complete with badge and shoulder patches, out as every day attire. I also sent in documentation from my department’s policy manual that stated one could NOT wear their uniform unless on duty and failure to comply would result in disciplinary action.

I also turned in receipts of union dues and initiation fees accompanied with signed letterhead documentation from the union’s secretary-treasurer explaining that I was a member in good standing and had made my payments for that year.

The whole process was a joke. My degree in Political Science has made me a big proponent of the US Government, but my audit had me second-guessing the system.

Out of my total deductions, the fed’s would only allow the standard deduction of $5,000.

If you don’t, and the IRS insists that you owe, follow the rules and ask for a review of your case. And if that doesn’t work, ask for the Taxpayer Advocate to look into it. It’s your right. Meanwhile, you’ll probably have to pay, but that does not mean you have to give up.

I am a firefighter here in Southern California and they wanted me to prove that I couldn’t wear my uniforms for everyday use. So I sent them pictures and explanations. They didn’t accept that.

For every write off I had documentation and photocopies from my department that specifically stated I was not reimbursed for said items. They didn’t accept that.

I could not get a hold of my agent and she would not return my calls. The entire process was a nightmare and in the end, I will pay them my balance. Oddly enough, it’s due September 11. Maybe they did that as a joke for me…who knows.

I ended up paying so much money it changed my life. I hate the IRS.