IRS Revenue Officer at Your Door: What to Do
A Revenue Officer just showed up at your home or business. This is not a letter. This is not a phone call. This is someone with a badge and the authority to seize your assets. What you do in the next 24 hours matters more than you think.
What a Revenue Officer Does
Revenue Officers are IRS field agents assigned to collect delinquent taxes. Unlike most IRS employees who work from a desk, ROs come to you. They can visit your home, your business, and your bank. They have broad authority to seize property, file liens, and levy accounts.
What to Do When They Show Up
Be polite. Get their name, badge number, and phone number. Don't discuss your finances. Don't sign anything. Tell them you're going to hire representation and will have your attorney contact them. Then call me.
How I Handle Revenue Officers
I file a Power of Attorney immediately and contact the RO directly. I establish a timeline for compliance, request any pending actions be held, and negotiate a resolution. ROs respond to attorneys differently than they respond to unrepresented taxpayers.
Enforcement Actions
Revenue Officers can seize assets without a court order. They can padlock your business. They can levy everything. Having an attorney in the picture changes the dynamic. It doesn't guarantee a friendly outcome, but it guarantees your rights are protected.