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IRS Hardship Letter Template
What Is an IRS Hardship Letter?
An IRS Hardship Letter is a formal statement prepared by the taxpayer and sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with the intention to describe a difficult financial situation, ask the government for leniency, and request new payment deadlines. There is a possibility a well-thought letter supported by appropriate documentation will convince the IRS to give the taxpayer another chance to pay their debts without fines and other penalties or delay the payment for a period of time. The government may determine that now you do not have enough financial means to pay with a sufficient letter that confirms your hardship.
You can download a printable IRS Hardship Letter template through the link below.
How to Write an IRS Hardship Letter to the IRS?
Here is how you can draft a Hardship Letter to the IRS:
- Start with your identifying information - full name and social security number. State the reason for writing - you may seek a delayed collection of taxes or a temporary suspension of fines you have to pay.
- Explain the reasons for the hardship in full detail. For instance, you were self-employed but as a result of coronavirus impact on the economy the business went into insolvency, or you had an accident and had to pay a lot of medical bills which negatively affected your financial standing.
- Refer to statements, affidavits, bills, wage statements that prove your point and attach copies or originals of these documents to the letter as evidence. It is a good idea to provide a copy of your latest tax return and bank statements that show all income and expenses. If you were awarded unemployment benefits or, alternatively, were denied financial assistance, you should tell the IRS about it as well.
- Remain professional and do not make your statement too emotional - you need to present the facts, and only documented troubles will prompt the IRS to make a positive decision regarding your tax obligations.
- Add your contact details and invite the IRS representatives to call or mail you if they have any questions, concerns, or require more documentation to pass their judgment. Sign and date the letter. Call the IRS office nearest to you to find the proper address for your letter - it is possible you will only need to prepare an email.
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