I don't find this comforting
 

The IRS. I think they have a room full of dart boards and they just throw darts to make decisions. Long story:

I have two LLPs that do nothing but license their names and collect royalties - both from the same publishing company, both get paid the same amount every month. Everything about these companies is identical except their names and EIN numbers.
The first year the IRS instituted the rule that partnerships have to file their taxes by March 15 I missed the deadline and got a $395 penalty on each LLP (a $790 hit). This year my accountant effed up and didn't file the taxes on time. Again, a $395 per company hit. I paid the penalties but sent letters to the IRS asking them to cut me some slack. The letters were identical except for the names and EIN numbers. I literally just cut and pasted the name of LLP #2 onto the letter I wrote from LLP #1.
Last week LLP #1 got a letter from the IRS saying they needed a couple of months to consider my request. Two days ago LLP #2 got a letter saying eff you, you did this before and didn't learn your lesson so maybe you'll file on time from now on. Today LLP #2 got a check for $395.
I'm not complaining, I got some of my money back, but the arbitrary nature of the IRS's decision making makes me nervous. I just get a feeling that at any time they could decide you owe them everything you own and they'll come and take it.

If it were me I would get a better accountant!

I remember an old Barney Miller episode...a guy telling of a long list of things done to him without a warrant. Miller says that's not constitutional. Guy says "IRS". Miller says "Oh."

And I'd expect a rebate from the one that I've got!

I loved Barney Miller when i was a kid, Wojo, Fish, etc...

The first year we were really in business earning any money the IRS did an audit on us. They wanted copies of every single receipt, and tons of documentation. I had to buy a new printer, and scanner and a fax combo printer and two reams of paper. It took me two weeks of doing nothing but that crap. She looked at it, said it was all OK and pending a supervisor approval not further action was needed. I spent a large chunk of money with my CPA and he gave great advice.

In the end, they accepted the tax return as originally filed. No action needed. That was a good thing except for the money and time I spent to prove I was innocent.

A couple months ago I got a letter from the IRS saying I owe them nearly $30k.
sent them a letter and documents that basically said no I don't.
Last week they sent me a check for $300 ;)
That was the only interaction or correspondence I've ever had with the IRS besides filing every year.

Done. I've been with this guy for 30 years. He's nearly 80, is really slipping, and needs to retire. I have switched to a new accountant.

I agree with the "A B O L I S H the I R S" is the best to deal with those criminals!

I got a letter from the IRS saying I owed $100,000 when I built my house, because the construction loan lender sent a 1099 to the IRS.

The idiot lender at the bank said to show the IRS my receipts, when all he had to do was correct the 1099 and tell the IRS I was not an employee and did not earn any wages from them.

I sent a registered letter to the CEO/president on down to every person in the company. Finally, one guy got in touch with me and corrected the error, which they sent to the IRS and I was good to go.

I told him he needs to fire the guy under him who recommended showing the IRS my receipts.

I wasn’t happy.