IRS

[paindonthurt]

Anyone got any tips on getting someone on the phone? Trying to get a copy of a CP 575 letter (or whatever the replacement is called).

I've had someone basically sitting on hold for about 20 hrs the last 4 business days.

 

[patdog]

Good luck. Not really much you can do.

To find a missing EIN, try these steps:

• Look for it on the notice we issued when you applied for an EIN
• Contact the bank that has your business account
• Check with agencies where you’ve applied for state or local licenses
• Look on past business tax returns

If you still can’t find it, call us at 800-829-4933 Monday to Friday 7 a.m. - 7p.m. ET. We’ll verify your identity and provide the number over the phone if you’re authorized to receive it.

 

[paindonthurt]

Good luck. Not really much you can do.

To find a missing EIN, try these steps:

• Look for it on the notice we issued when you applied for an EIN
• Contact the bank that has your business account - NEED IT TO SET THIS UP!!
• Check with agencies where you’ve applied for state or local licenses - HAVE THE EIN NUMBER JUST DON'T HAVE THE LETTER
• Look on past business tax returns - JUST APPLIED FOR THE EIN RECENTLY

If you still can’t find it, call us at 800-829-4933 Monday to Friday 7 a.m. - 7p.m. ET. We’ll verify your identity and provide the number over the phone if you’re authorized to receive it.

This is part of the waste, fraud and abuse. They won't receive emails and won't email it to you. Only fax or mail. My GD tax return is emailed to me. Sensitive banking information is emailed to me.

Hell you should be able to log into an online portal and get it.

 

[patdog]

This is part of the waste, fraud and abuse. They won't receive emails and won't email it to you. Only fax or mail. My GD tax return is emailed to me. Sensitive banking information is emailed to me.

Hell you should be able to log into an online portal and get it.

Yep. It's ridiculous. If you lose your EIN, you're basically screwed. Or you could just get a new one and use it (I didn't just tell you to do that).
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number

 

[OG Goat Holder]

This is part of the waste, fraud and abuse. They won't receive emails and won't email it to you. Only fax or mail. My GD tax return is emailed to me. Sensitive banking information is emailed to me.

Hell you should be able to log into an online portal and get it.

Aren't you happy that we fired all those IRS employees?

 

[theoriginalSALTYdog]

Shouldn't you be able to find it on your annual report that you file with the MS Secretary of State's office?

I think you can go in there and do a business search.

 

[patdog]

Shouldn't you be able to find it on your annual report that you file with the MS Secretary of State's office?

I think you can go in there and do a business search.

Good thought. I just checked and they mask the number even though it is on the filed form.

 

[DoggieDaddy13]

The MS Secretary of State's Office should be able to give it to you immediately if you have the correct name listed.

I'm curious as to why you might be using an EIN and, if you have one, how you could lose it?

Unless you're just someone who loses stuff.

 

[FrontRangeDawg]

Good thought. I just checked and they mask the number even though it is on the filed form.

I think that a diplomatic phone call to the SoS office can probably get you what you need if you do some nice self-deprecating humor and use the right central Mississippi accent on the right clerk.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

The MS Secretary of State's Office should be able to give it to you immediately if you have the correct name listed.

I'm curious as to why you might be using an EIN and, if you have one, how you could lose it?

Unless you're just someone who loses stuff.

Haha, you know that stupid m17er is up to something dumb.

He's just using this to bash the government yet again.

MuH wAsTe FrAuD aBuSe

 

[patdog]

I'm curious as to why you might be using an EIN and, if you have one, how you could lose it?

Unless you're just someone who loses stuff.

Trust me, he's not the only one to lose it.

 

[DoggieDaddy13]

An according to our AI overlords, the recent cuts to the IRS have led to -

Impact on phone assistance and taxpayer services

• Staffing Reductions: The Taxpayer Services business unit has already experienced a significant staff reduction, estimated at 22% or over 9,000 employees, as of June 4, 2025.
• Decreased Phone Service Levels: IRS projects that if the proposed funding cuts are enacted, the level of service provided to telephone callers could plummet to 16% during the 2026 filing season, down from 87% in 2025.
• Longer Wait Times: This would likely lead to significantly longer wait times for taxpayers attempting to reach the IRS by phone.
• Impact on Other Channels: Decreased phone service levels are also expected to increase the volume on other taxpayer service channels, including paper correspondence and in-person assistance, potentially causing delays there as well.

Broader implications

• Technology Modernization Delays: Budget cuts could hinder the IRS's efforts to modernize its outdated technology systems, impacting efficiency and potentially increasing the risk of system outages.
• Potential for Increased Tax Gap: Reduced enforcement capacity may lead to a larger tax gap (the difference between taxes owed and taxes paid).

It just is what is. But I'm thinking we're gonna do away with the IRS altogether. Then everything will be GREAT!

 

[paindonthurt]

Aren't you happy that we fired all those IRS employees?

It’s been this way for years. But what would make me happy is them catching up to the 21st century

 

[paindonthurt]

Shouldn't you be able to find it on your annual report that you file with the MS Secretary of State's office?

I think you can go in there and do a business search.

I’ve got the number. I just need the letter from the IRS.

 

[StillTbonewannabe]

I think we should just go to 10% tax on all income above $50k or so. Basically gives you cost of living without taxes and then everyone just pays above that. Unfortunately Rich people wouldn't like it so it won't happen.

 

[T-TownDawgg]

Aren't you happy that we fired all those IRS employees?

Yes. All the rest should be fired as well because of shittt like this thread.
A startup group of high-school techies could do better than this.

 

[paindonthurt]

An according to our AI overlords, the recent cuts to the IRS have led to -

Impact on phone assistance and taxpayer services

• Staffing Reductions: The Taxpayer Services business unit has already experienced a significant staff reduction, estimated at 22% or over 9,000 employees, as of June 4, 2025.
• Decreased Phone Service Levels: IRS projects that if the proposed funding cuts are enacted, the level of service provided to telephone callers could plummet to 16% during the 2026 filing season, down from 87% in 2025.
• Longer Wait Times: This would likely lead to significantly longer wait times for taxpayers attempting to reach the IRS by phone.
• Impact on Other Channels: Decreased phone service levels are also expected to increase the volume on other taxpayer service channels, including paper correspondence and in-person assistance, potentially causing delays there as well.

Broader implications

• Technology Modernization Delays: Budget cuts could hinder the IRS's efforts to modernize its outdated technology systems, impacting efficiency and potentially increasing the risk of system outages.
• Potential for Increased Tax Gap: Reduced enforcement capacity may lead to a larger tax gap (the difference between taxes owed and taxes paid).

It just is what is. But I'm thinking we're gonna do away with the IRS altogether. Then everything will be GREAT!

I mean how about we do something like this.

make the tax code really really really really simple. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and it’s hard for me to do my own taxes. It shouldn’t be.

Audits should be really simple. You made X. Did you pay Y? Yes? Audit over. No? Pay what you owe.

how about an online system where you can login and verify just like you do on other government sites. You can check everything tou need include finding EIN numbers and such.

I could go all day.

 

[patdog]

I’ve got the number. I just need the letter from the IRS.

Why do you need the letter? Usually if you need to verify your EIN for someone, they'll take the first page of the latest tax return (you can mark out the revenue & expense numbers if you want to).

 

[paindonthurt]

Haha, you know that stupid m17er is up to something dumb.

He's just using this to bash the government yet again.

MuH wAsTe FrAuD aBuSe

5 to 1 odds on that IQ test #doubledigitgoat

 

[paindonthurt]

I think we should just go to 10% tax on all income above $50k or so. Basically gives you cost of living without taxes and then everyone just pays above that. Unfortunately Rich people wouldn't like it so it won't happen.

I’m not sure how rich people wouldn’t like this

 

[paindonthurt]

Why do you need the letter? Usually if you need to verify your EIN for someone, they'll take the first page of the latest tax return (you can mark out the revenue & expense numbers if you want to).

Bank was wanting it but mainly the person I’m helping needed to learn a lesson about responsibility and organization.

 

[thatsbaseball]

My accountant wrote them on June 5 replying to collection letter for unpaid 2024 taxes. My accountant's response included a copy of my bank account where they withdrew the money for my 2024 taxes on March 13 . The results, I got another collection letter this weekend. My accountant says there are literally thousands of these letters being issued to taxpayers who have already paid....AND HAVE PROOF OF PAYMENT. What a CF.

 

[thatsbaseball]

Anyone got any tips on getting someone on the phone? Trying to get a copy of a CP 575 letter (or whatever the replacement is called).

I've had someone basically sitting on hold for about 20 hrs the last 4 business days.

LOL They give you their phone # but then warn you to not call on Monday or Tuesday because of high traffic. You can't make this chit up.

 

[Seinfeld]

I mean how about we do something like this.

make the tax code really really really really simple. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and it’s hard for me to do my own taxes. It shouldn’t be.

Audits should be really simple. You made X. Did you pay Y? Yes? Audit over. No? Pay what you owe.

how about an online system where you can login and verify just like you do on other government sites. You can check everything tou need include finding EIN numbers and such.

I could go all day.

Even better...

Why don't you just tell me the taxes that I owe?

 

[patdog]

My accountant wrote them on June 5 replying to collection letter for unpaid 2024 taxes. My accountant's response included a copy of my bank account where they withdrew the money for my 2024 taxes on March 13 . The results, I got another collection letter this weekend. My accountant says there are literally thousands of these letters being issued to taxpayers who have already paid....AND HAVE PROOF OF PAYMENT. What a CF.

Yep. We see a lot of this. It’ll take them a couple of months (or longer) to process that letter. Frustrating.

 

[paindonthurt]

Even better...

Why don't you just tell me the taxes that I owe?

View attachment 873623

Correct. If you are a W2 employee it should be simple.

login to gubment website
Enter w2 info
Answer a few questions

output - you owe X or you are owed Y

your money will be deposited in 7 to 10 days

 

[patdog]

Correct. If you are a W2 employee it should be simple.

login to gubment website
Enter w2 info
Answer a few wuesruons

output - you owe X or you are owed Y

your money will be deposited in 7 to 10 days

Like this?
https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free

 

[onewoof]

I guess it is time to tell you I found your EIN and wow what a great credit line I have established, writing you now from Bora Bora

 

[horshack.sixpack]

An according to our AI overlords, the recent cuts to the IRS have led to -

Impact on phone assistance and taxpayer services

• Staffing Reductions: The Taxpayer Services business unit has already experienced a significant staff reduction, estimated at 22% or over 9,000 employees, as of June 4, 2025.
• Decreased Phone Service Levels: IRS projects that if the proposed funding cuts are enacted, the level of service provided to telephone callers could plummet to 16% during the 2026 filing season, down from 87% in 2025.
• Longer Wait Times: This would likely lead to significantly longer wait times for taxpayers attempting to reach the IRS by phone.
• Impact on Other Channels: Decreased phone service levels are also expected to increase the volume on other taxpayer service channels, including paper correspondence and in-person assistance, potentially causing delays there as well.

Broader implications

• Technology Modernization Delays: Budget cuts could hinder the IRS's efforts to modernize its outdated technology systems, impacting efficiency and potentially increasing the risk of system outages.
• Potential for Increased Tax Gap: Reduced enforcement capacity may lead to a larger tax gap (the difference between taxes owed and taxes paid).

It just is what is. But I'm thinking we're gonna do away with the IRS altogether. Then everything will be GREAT!

Silver lining: you can skip your tax payments and they probably don't have the people to enforce it*** There would be some real positives to some kind of flat tax rate on income. I'm sure there would be negatives and unforeseen consequences along with it...

 

[horshack.sixpack]

I mean how about we do something like this.

make the tax code really really really really simple. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and it’s hard for me to do my own taxes. It shouldn’t be.

Audits should be really simple. You made X. Did you pay Y? Yes? Audit over. No? Pay what you owe.

how about an online system where you can login and verify just like you do on other government sites. You can check everything tou need include finding EIN numbers and such.

I could go all day.

Audits could be automated and algorithms could be used to raise up suspicious filings for scrutiny.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

I’m not sure how rich people wouldn’t like this

they typically have loopholes that they exploit to pay nearly no taxes, sometimes literally zero

 

[mstateglfr]

This is a leopardsatemyface level thread if there ever was one on SPS.


As for the generalized rants about how the IRS should be simplified, well yeah I bet everyone but accountants would like that...but changing it isnt that simple. Neither side does anything to fundamentally simplify the overall tax experience for individuals or businesses. And based on how some update costs were framed in the winter(as waste, fraud, and abuse), the cost to streamline the tax experience would be ironically rejected by many who support streamlining.

 

[paindonthurt]

Like this?
https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free

I’m willing to bet that’s not super easy if you are trying to itemize

 

[paindonthurt]

Silver lining: you can skip your tax payments and they probably don't have the people to enforce it*** There would be some real positives to some kind of flat tax rate on income. I'm sure there would be negatives and unforeseen consequences along with it...

It doesn’t even have to be a flat tax
You can still have progressive percentages but do away with itemizing and the worksheet $h1t

if you wanna have a few deductions, fine just make it easier

 

[paindonthurt]

This is a leopardsatemyface level thread if there ever was one on SPS.


As for the generalized rants about how the IRS should be simplified, well yeah I bet everyone but accountants would like that...but changing it isnt that simple. Neither side does anything to fundamentally simplify the overall tax experience for individuals or businesses. And based on how some update costs were framed in the winter(as waste, fraud, and abuse), the cost to streamline the tax experience would be ironically rejected by many who support streamlining.

You still aren’t real smart are you?

it would be very simple to change the tax formula and make it easier to file and enforce.

 

[patdog]

I’m willing to bet that’s not super easy if you are trying to itemize

I bet it is. In fact, I have no doubt it is.

 

[paindonthurt]

I bet it is. In fact, I have no doubt it is.

Well good for them. Might try it in the future

 

[mstateglfr]

You still aren’t real smart are you?

it would be very simple to change the tax formula and make it easier to file and enforce.

That doesnt sound simple at all. Based on every session of Congress since I have been alive, it actually sounds damn near impossible.
People have come into Congress pushing for simplification and streamlining tax laws for decades and...here we are with the system that is a result of all their collective works.

Democrats have said they want to simplify it and failed.
Republicans have said they want to simplify it and failed.
Newly elected representatives and institutional representatives have both said they want to simplify it and failed.
Presidents of both parties have said they want to simplify it and failed.

...despite all that reality, you claim it would be very simple to change the tax formula and make it easier to both file and enforce.

 

[paindonthurt]

That doesnt sound simple at all. Based on every session of Congress since I have been alive, it actually sounds damn near impossible.
People have come into Congress pushing for simplification and streamlining tax laws for decades and...here we are with the system that is a result of all their collective works.

Democrats have said they want to simplify it and failed.
Republicans have said they want to simplify it and failed.
Newly elected representatives and institutional representatives have both said they want to simplify it and failed.
Presidents of both parties have said they want to simplify it and failed.

...despite all that reality, you claim it would be very simple to change the tax formula and make it easier to both file and enforce.

None of those people want to make it simple. At least not the collective majority, bc I can assure you the math behind it isn't hard.

Take SS as an example. Tying it to individual growth accounts and stock markets is the way to go but that takes control out of the governments hand. They don't want that.

 

[ckDOG]

Side rant. I'm a got damn CPA (not the patdog kind) and the W4 withholding process drives me insane - especially if either spouse has multiple W2s. Just give me a minimum amount to withhold on every W2 paycheck and I'll do the math myself. I don't want to fill out a combination of different tax withholding statuses, exemptions, and extra withholdings to ball park the ****. Let me calc the taxes and divide by 12, 24, 26 or whatever and that's what you give to Uncle Sam on my behalf.