Government shutdowns and policy changes can significantly impact IRS collection activities. For taxpayers in Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia, and the High Desert, understanding how these changes affect tax collections is crucial. After government shutdowns, the IRS often ramps up collection efforts, making it more important than ever to understand your rights and options.
⚠️ Increased Collection Activity Expected
After government shutdowns, the IRS typically increases collection activities to catch up on backlogged cases. If you owe back taxes in Victorville, Apple Valley, or Hesperia, you may see increased collection notices and actions. Don't ignore these—contact a tax professional immediately.
💼 Facing Increased IRS Collections?
If you're facing increased IRS collection activity in the High Desert area after a government shutdown, don't panic. Our tax professionals in Apple Valley and Victorville can help you understand your options, negotiate with the IRS, and protect your assets. Contact us immediately!
Call (760) 249-7680How Government Shutdowns Affect IRS Collections
During a Shutdown
During a government shutdown:
- IRS operations are limited
- Collection activities may be suspended
- Notices may be delayed
- Phone lines may be closed
- Processing may be delayed
After a Shutdown
After a shutdown ends:
- IRS ramps up collection activities
- Backlogged cases are processed
- Collection notices resume
- Enforcement actions increase
- Phone lines become busy
What to Expect After a Government Shutdown
1. Increased Collection Notices
You may receive:
- Multiple collection notices
- Notices for older tax years
- Notices that were delayed during shutdown
- More frequent notices
2. Increased Phone Calls
The IRS may:
- Call more frequently
- Follow up on older cases
- Be more aggressive in collection
- Have longer wait times
3. Increased Enforcement Actions
You may see:
- More levies and garnishments
- More liens filed
- More asset seizures
- Faster enforcement timelines
4. Processing Delays
You may experience:
- Delays in processing payments
- Delays in processing payment plans
- Delays in processing offers in compromise
- Longer response times
💡 High Desert Taxpayer Action Plan
If you're in Victorville, Apple Valley, or Hesperia and receive collection notices after a government shutdown, don't ignore them. Respond promptly, understand your options, and consider getting professional help. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
Your Rights During Increased Collections
1. Right to Notice
You have the right to:
- Receive proper notice before collection
- Understand what you owe
- Know why you owe it
- Have time to respond
2. Right to Appeal
You have the right to:
- Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing
- Appeal collection decisions
- Present your case
- Propose alternatives
3. Right to Representation
You have the right to:
- Have a tax professional represent you
- Not speak directly with the IRS
- Have your representative handle all communication
4. Right to Hardship Consideration
You have the right to:
- Request Currently Not Collectible status
- Show financial hardship
- Request payment plans
- Propose alternatives
What to Do If You Receive Collection Notices
Step 1: Don't Panic
- Read the notice carefully
- Understand what it says
- Note the deadline to respond
- Don't ignore it
Step 2: Verify the Debt
- Check if you actually owe the amount
- Verify the tax year
- Check if you've already paid
- Look for errors
Step 3: Understand Your Options
- Pay in full if you can
- Set up a payment plan
- Request Currently Not Collectible status
- File an Offer in Compromise
- Request a CDP hearing
Step 4: Take Action
- Respond by the deadline
- Contact the IRS or a tax professional
- Propose a solution
- Don't wait
How to Protect Yourself During Increased Collections
1. Stay Current on New Returns
- File all returns on time
- Pay current year taxes
- Don't create new tax debt
- Stay compliant
2. Respond Promptly
- Don't ignore notices
- Respond by deadlines
- Keep records of communication
- Follow up if needed
3. Get Professional Help
- Consult with a tax professional
- Understand your options
- Get help negotiating
- Protect your rights
4. Know Your Rights
- Understand the collection process
- Know what the IRS can and can't do
- Know your appeal rights
- Exercise your rights
Special Considerations for High Desert Taxpayers
Business Owners
If you own a business:
- May face increased payroll tax collections
- May face business asset seizures
- May need to protect business assets
- May need professional representation
Self-Employed Individuals
If you're self-employed:
- May face increased collection on self-employment tax
- May need to protect income sources
- May need payment plans
- May need professional help
Wage Earners
If you're a wage earner:
- May face wage garnishments
- May need to protect exempt income
- May need payment plans
- May need Currently Not Collectible status
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring notices: Makes situation worse
- Not responding by deadline: Limits options
- Not verifying the debt: May pay incorrect amount
- Not seeking professional help: May miss opportunities
- Not understanding rights: May not get best outcome
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider professional help if:
- You've received multiple collection notices
- You're facing levies or garnishments
- You owe a significant amount
- You don't understand your options
- You need help negotiating
- You want to protect your assets
💡 Professional Representation Advantage
Tax professionals in Apple Valley and Victorville understand how government shutdowns affect collections and can help you navigate increased collection activity. We can negotiate with the IRS, protect your rights, and get you the best possible outcome.
Local Resources for High Desert Taxpayers
- San Bernardino IRS Office: 290 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401
- IRS Phone: 1-800-829-1040
- Taxpayer Advocate Service: 1-877-777-4778
- Local Tax Professionals: In Apple Valley, Victorville, and Hesperia
📞 Get Help with Increased Collections
If you're in Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, or anywhere in the High Desert and facing increased IRS collection activity after a government shutdown, don't wait. Our tax professionals can help you understand your options, negotiate with the IRS, and protect your assets. Call us today or request a free consultation!
Call (760) 249-7680Conclusion
Government shutdowns can significantly impact IRS collection activities, and High Desert taxpayers in Apple Valley, Victorville, and Hesperia may see increased collection efforts after shutdowns end. Understanding how these changes affect collections, knowing your rights, and taking prompt action can help you navigate increased collection activity.
If you're facing increased collection activity, don't panic. Respond promptly, understand your options, and consider getting professional help. Our tax professionals in Apple Valley and Victorville can help you navigate increased collections, negotiate with the IRS, and protect your assets.
