How to Fill Out Request for Abatement Form 843 for Late Filing?

This is a frustrating situation, but you've got options! Form 843 is exactly what you need to request an abatement of penalties. Here's how to approach this: First, gather all documentation showing your tax preparer was instructed to file the extension. Include any emails, texts, or contracts showing this was her responsibility. The screenshot from her software is worth including, even if you're unsure about its legitimacy - let the IRS evaluate it. On Form 843, make sure to check Box 4a for "Reasonable cause..." In the explanation section (Part II), clearly state that you hired a professional preparer who confirmed she filed the extension by the deadline. Explain that you acted in good faith by hiring a professional and reasonably believed your extension was properly filed. Also consider requesting a tax transcript through the IRS website or by filing Form 4506-T. This might show if any extension was actually received, which could strengthen your case one way or the other.

I was in a similar situation last year with penalty notices after my accountant messed up. I spent HOURS on hold with the IRS getting nowhere. Then I found https://taxr.ai and it was seriously a game-changer. I uploaded my penalty notice and some supporting documents, and their system analyzed everything and helped me prepare a complete abatement request. They specifically helped me with Form 843 and explained exactly what documentation I needed to include to maximize my chances. Their AI even identified a reasonable cause argument I hadn't considered. The best part was they helped me draft a detailed explanation letter that cited specific IRS guidelines about reasonable cause when using a tax professional. My abatement was approved within weeks!

Just wanted to follow up about my experience with https://taxr.ai after my skeptical question earlier. I decided to try it for my Form 843 situation, and I'm really glad I did. The system walked me through the entire abatement request process step-by-step. What impressed me most was how it analyzed my specific situation with my tax preparer and generated a customized explanation letter that cited relevant IRS policies about reasonable cause when relying on a professional. They also gave me a checklist of exactly what documentation to include with my Form 843. I just got notice yesterday that my abatement request was APPROVED! Saved me over $800 in penalties. Wish I'd known about this sooner instead of stressing for weeks!

I feel your pain! I had a similar issue where my CPA failed to submit something properly. I eventually got it resolved, but only after spending WEEKS trying to reach someone at the IRS. I would call at exactly 7:00 am when they opened and still couldn't get through. I finally discovered https://claimyr.com which was a total lifesaver. They have this service that basically waits on hold with the IRS for you, then calls you when an actual human agent is on the line. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was super skeptical at first, but I was desperate after my 12th failed attempt to reach someone. Within a few hours, I was talking to an actual IRS agent who helped me understand exactly what documentation I needed for my Form 843 and how to properly submit it. Saved me hours of frustration and probably got my issue resolved weeks faster.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr in my comment above. After another week of failed attempts to reach the IRS myself, I broke down and tried the service. I was 100% prepared to come back here and expose it as a scam. But... it actually worked exactly as promised. I got a call back in about 2 hours with an actual IRS agent on the line. The agent walked me through exactly what I needed for my Form 843 abatement request and even noted in my file that I had been attempting to resolve the issue for weeks. My reasonable cause explanation was accepted and my penalties were removed. I'm still shocked it worked so well after all my failed attempts. Just wanted to update since I was so skeptical before.

Just FYI - you might be able to get First Time Penalty Abatement without going through the whole Form 843 process if you have a clean compliance history. My wife and I had a similar situation, and I just called the IRS and requested "first time abatement" and they approved it on the spot. Worth asking about!

Don't forget that you can (and should) file a complaint against your tax preparer! If they're a CPA, you can file with your state's board of accountancy. If they're an Enrolled Agent, file with the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility. And definitely leave reviews online so others don't get stuck with them.

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! My tax preparer claimed she filed my extension but the IRS had no record of it. Here's what worked for me: 1. **Get everything in writing from your preparer** - Ask for a detailed timeline of when she claims to have filed, what confirmation she received, and any reference numbers. That screenshot might be helpful even if you doubt it. 2. **Request your IRS transcript immediately** - File Form 4506-T or get it online through IRS.gov. This will show exactly what the IRS has on file for you and can definitively prove whether an extension was filed or not. 3. **For Form 843, focus on reasonable cause** - In Part II, emphasize that you hired a licensed professional specifically to handle this filing requirement and reasonably relied on their expertise. Include copies of your contract/agreement showing you paid them to file the extension. 4. **Document your good faith effort** - Include evidence that you provided all necessary information to your preparer well before the deadline and that filing the extension was explicitly part of their service. The IRS is generally sympathetic when taxpayers can show they made good faith efforts to comply by hiring professionals. Just make sure your Form 843 tells a clear story of reasonable reliance on professional advice. Also, definitely pursue getting reimbursed by your preparer - most carry professional liability insurance for exactly these situations!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - tax preparer mistakes are incredibly frustrating! I went through something similar a few years ago and learned some hard lessons. One thing I'd add to the excellent advice already given: when you're preparing your Form 843, make sure to include a timeline of events in your reasonable cause explanation. Show exactly when you hired the preparer, when you provided all necessary documents, when the extension was supposed to be filed, and when you first discovered the problem. The IRS likes to see that you acted promptly once you became aware of the issue. Since you just found out about this last week, make sure to emphasize that you're filing the abatement request immediately upon discovering the problem. Also, if your preparer is enrolled with the IRS (has a PTIN number), you can look up their credentials on the IRS directory. This can be useful documentation to include showing that you reasonably relied on a properly credentialed professional. One last tip - if your Form 843 gets denied initially, don't give up! You can request a supervisory review or file an appeal. Sometimes it just takes getting in front of the right person who understands the situation better. Good luck with this mess - I hope you get it resolved quickly!