Government shutdowns and policy changes can significantly impact IRS collection activities. For taxpayers in Apple Valley , Victorville , Hesperia , and the High Desert , understanding how these changes affect tax collections is crucial. After government shutdowns, the IRS often ramps up collection efforts, making it more important than ever to understand your rights and options.Apple ValleyVictorvilleHesperiaHigh Desert

How Government Shutdowns Affect IRS Collections

During a Shutdown

During a government shutdown:

• IRS operations are limited
• Collection activities may be suspended
• Notices may be delayed
• Phone lines may be closed
• Processing may be delayed

After a Shutdown

After a shutdown ends:

• IRS ramps up collection activities
• Backlogged cases are processed
• Collection notices resume
• Enforcement actions increase
• Phone lines become busy

What to Expect After a Government Shutdown

1. Increased Collection Notices

You may receive:

• Multiple collection notices
• Notices for older tax years
• Notices that were delayed during shutdown
• More frequent notices

2. Increased Phone Calls

The IRS may:

• Call more frequently
• Follow up on older cases
• Be more aggressive in collection
• Have longer wait times

3. Increased Enforcement Actions

You may see:

• More levies and garnishments
• More liens filed
• More asset seizures
• Faster enforcement timelines

4. Processing Delays

You may experience:

• Delays in processing payments
• Delays in processing payment plans
• Delays in processing offers in compromise
• Longer response times

Your Rights During Increased Collections

1. Right to Notice

You have the right to:

• Receive proper notice before collection
• Understand what you owe
• Know why you owe it
• Have time to respond

2. Right to Appeal

You have the right to:

• Request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing
• Appeal collection decisions
• Present your case
• Propose alternatives

3. Right to Representation

You have the right to:

• Have a tax professional represent you
• Not speak directly with the IRS
• Have your representative handle all communication

4. Right to Hardship Consideration

You have the right to:

• Request Currently Not Collectible status
• Show financial hardship
• Request payment plans
• Propose alternatives

What to Do If You Receive Collection Notices

Step 1: Don't Panic

• Read the notice carefully
• Understand what it says
• Note the deadline to respond
• Don't ignore it

Step 2: Verify the Debt

• Check if you actually owe the amount
• Verify the tax year
• Check if you've already paid
• Look for errors

Step 3: Understand Your Options

• Pay in full if you can
• Set up a payment plan
• Request Currently Not Collectible status
• File an Offer in Compromise
• Request a CDP hearing

Step 4: Take Action

• Respond by the deadline
• Contact the IRS or a tax professional
• Propose a solution
• Don't wait

How to Protect Yourself During Increased Collections

1. Stay Current on New Returns

• File all returns on time
• Pay current year taxes
• Don't create new tax debt
• Stay compliant

2. Respond Promptly

• Don't ignore notices
• Respond by deadlines
• Keep records of communication
• Follow up if needed

3. Get Professional Help

• Consult with a tax professional
• Understand your options
• Get help negotiating
• Protect your rights

4. Know Your Rights

• Understand the collection process
• Know what the IRS can and can't do
• Know your appeal rights
• Exercise your rights

Special Considerations for High Desert Taxpayers

Business Owners

If you own a business:

• May face increased payroll tax collections
• May face business asset seizures
• May need to protect business assets
• May need professional representation

Self-Employed Individuals

If you're self-employed:

• May face increased collection on self-employment tax
• May need to protect income sources
• May need payment plans
• May need professional help

Wage Earners

If you're a wage earner:

• May face wage garnishments
• May need to protect exempt income
• May need payment plans
• May need Currently Not Collectible status

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring notices: Makes situation worseIgnoring notices:
• Not responding by deadline: Limits optionsNot responding by deadline:
• Not verifying the debt: May pay incorrect amountNot verifying the debt:
• Not seeking professional help: May miss opportunitiesNot seeking professional help:
• Not understanding rights: May not get best outcomeNot understanding rights:

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional help if:

• You've received multiple collection notices
• You're facing levies or garnishments
• You owe a significant amount
• You don't understand your options
• You need help negotiating
• You want to protect your assets

Local Resources for High Desert Taxpayers

• San Bernardino IRS Office: 290 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401San Bernardino IRS Office:
• IRS Phone: 1-800-829-1040IRS Phone:
• Taxpayer Advocate Service: 1-877-777-4778Taxpayer Advocate Service:
• Local Tax Professionals: In Apple Valley, Victorville, and HesperiaLocal Tax Professionals:

Conclusion

Government shutdowns can significantly impact IRS collection activities, and High Desert taxpayers in Apple Valley, Victorville, and Hesperia may see increased collection efforts after shutdowns end. Understanding how these changes affect collections, knowing your rights, and taking prompt action can help you navigate increased collection activity.

If you're facing increased collection activity, don't panic. Respond promptly, understand your options, and consider getting professional help. Our tax professionals in Apple Valley and Victorville can help you navigate increased collections, negotiate with the IRS, and protect your assets.