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Published:   |   Last Updated: October 23, 2024

Letter 1278

Penalty Appeal Abatement

Where am I on the Roadmap?

Overview

The Independent Office of Appeals, after reviewing your evidence and arguments supporting your penalty abatement request, have agreed to adjust the penalties assessed against you and have sent you a Letter 1278.

I need more information

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What does this mean to me?

You appealed a decision made by the IRS and Appeals agreed with you.  Appeals agreed to adjust the penalties assessed against you and will make the necessary changes to your tax account

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How did I get here?

You filed a claim for refund and/or request for abatement. The IRS disallowed your claim and/or abatement. You filed a protest requesting Appeals to make a determine based on evidence and arguments you submitted.  Appeals reviewed the information you submitted and agreed to allow the full amount of your claim for refund and/or request for abatement

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What are my next steps?

You do not need to take any action, as the IRS will make the necessary adjustments to your account and send you a notice that explains the adjustments.

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Customer Satisfaction Survey

At the conclusion of the Appeals process, an authorized vendor may contact you to perform an Appeals customer satisfaction survey. Your participation is voluntary, and the survey will not ask for personal or financial information of any kind.

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Additional Information

If you have formally submitted a request for an appeal and need to check on the status of your request, you can reach us at 855-865-3401.

Leave a message with:

  • your name,
  • tax ID number,
  • a callback number,
  • and the nature of your request.

We’ll research the status of the case and return your call within 48 hours. If we haven’t received your case yet, you won’t receive a call back from us. If you don’t hear back from us or are unsure if your request for an appeal has been forwarded, please directly contact the person with whom you were last involved (examiner or collection officer). They will be better equipped to answer your questions with respect to your appeal request. For more information on submitting an appeal, please refer to Protests on page 3 of Publication 5 for more information on how to request an administrative appeal.

 

 

 

 

Where can I get additional help?

Publication 3498

The Examination Process

Download

Publication 5

Your Appeal Rights and How To Prepare a Protest If You Don’t Agree

Download

Publication 556

Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights, and Claims for Refund

Read More

General Resources

Understanding your notice or letter

Get Help topics

Browse common tax issues and situations at TAS Get Help

If you still need help

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. TAS helps taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS, makes administrative and legislative recommendations to prevent or correct the problems, and protects taxpayer rights. TAS helps all taxpayers (and their representatives), including individuals, businesses, and exempt organizations. You may be eligible for free TAS help if your IRS problem is causing financial difficulty, if you’ve tried and been unable to resolve your issue with the IRS, or if you believe an IRS system, process, or procedure just isn’t working as it should.

TAS has offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To find your local advocate’s number:

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) assist individuals whose income is below a certain level who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. They also provide education, outreach, and information on taxpayer rights to individuals who speak English as a second language. LITCs represent taxpayers in disputes before the IRS and courts and help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. Services are offered for free or a small fee. LITCs are independent from the IRS and TAS. For more information or to find an LITC near you, see the LITC Page or Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. You can also request Pub. 4134 by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

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