For decades the IRS has sent their friendly revenue officers on unannounced visits to homes and businesses. Their mission, according to the agency, is “to help taxpayers resolve their account balances.” That’s a nice way of saying they’re there to collect unpaid taxes. It’s safe to say that not everyone welcomed their “help.”
The Service has announced an end to this practice “except in a few unique circumstances.” Instead, they’ll mail a letter to schedule a meeting.
Taxpayers may not be happy to receive those letters, but eliminating the stressful and occasionally violent confrontations of surprise visits makes sense for all involved.