Two days ago, on April 13, I opened my mailbox and found an envelope from the IRS. This is it, I thought.
Here's what it says:
"Dear Taxpayer:
We previously sent you a letter concerning your inquiry received Feb. 09, 2009. Although we try to respond quickly, extensive research is often required. At this time we are unable to provide a complete response because:
Due to heavy workload, we have not yet completed our research to resolve your inquiry.
While waiting to hear from us, you can still make payments to reduce your tax liability and interest charges. [Etc.]
Please allow an additional 45 days for us to obtain the information we need and to let you know what action we are taking."
The letter goes on to say I can call or write with any questions. It again closes with the line:
"We apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you, and thank you for your cooperation."
The letter is signed again by Retha Zulager, Department Manager, ACS Support, Collection Operations.
Well, they're definitely being polite about it, which is nice. But it troubles me to think that it would take any government agency 90 days or so to come up with an answer to this question: How is what you do NOT unconstitutional? Does it really require "extensive research"? I am positive that if I were to pose the same question to the manager of a regional post office, a Target store, or a hobby shop, I could get an answer on the spot.
You would think by this time the IRS would have a file of stock answers to questions along these lines. Have I really thrown them for a loop? Have they never had this question before? And even if they haven't, shouldn't they be able to answer such a question readily?
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