The IRS has updated its Post-Appeals Mediation (PAM) process by launching a two-year pilot program that provides taxpayers with a “fresh look” at their case. The new procedure, announced two days ago, reassigns cases that have reached an impasse to a new appeals team for a mediation session.
The core change is the introduction of a new, impartial team to represent the IRS during mediation. Taxpayers can request this after an unsuccessful appeals proceeding has concluded.
If the mediation request is accepted, the case is assigned to an Appeals Team that has no prior connection to it. This new team represents the IRS in mediation, offering a fresh perspective on the issues.
The mediation is non-binding, meaning neither the taxpayer nor the IRS can be forced to accept a resolution. The power to settle the case remains with the parties.
The sessions are designed to be completed quickly, typically lasting one day. If mediation is unsuccessful, the taxpayer retains their right to continue with a traditional appeals process or to pursue litigation.
Let me leave you with this…
This is an exciting development because it allows us to present the case to a new team of mediators. The problem in the past was that when you received an unfair decision in appeals, you had to go back to the same appeals panel to try getting it reversed.
And if you’ve ever tried to get an IRS Agent to change their mind, you know how impossibly difficult this task happened to be.
In the past, instead of going back to the same appeals panel for another rejection, I’d move the case into tax court. Their mediators, needing to save as much of the court’s time as possible, would always reasonably dispense with cases in a timely manner.
But the time and expense of doing that might now be at an end. We’ll see if this is an actual change for the better, or just more of the same.
It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful weekend and might be the last one we see in the eighties this season. Enjoy yourselves.
Only God knows what next week will throw at us. If you need to talk, I’m here.
We’re all going to get through this. Let’s get through it together.
Accounting Solutions Ltd. stands ready to complete our mission and purpose of protecting you, your family, and your business. Whether you need Payroll Services, or Accounting and Tax Work, you have but to ask. I’m here and I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Chris Amundson
President
Accounting Solutions Ltd.
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