F-5. The first call, when you know nothing yet

For the taxpayer in Chapter 4 who has sorted the letters, pulled the transcript, and is calling to confirm the picture before deciding anything.

YOU: Good morning. I'm calling about my account. I have balances for tax years [years] and I'm gathering information to propose a resolution. I'd like to confirm a few things. First, can you give me the current balance for each year, broken into tax, penalty, and interest? Second, the collection statute expiration date for each year? Third, whether a final notice of intent to levy has been issued for any of these years, and when? Fourth, whether any levy or lien action is currently pending?

[Write down each answer.]

YOU: Thank you. I'm completing my financial statement and expect to propose [an installment agreement / a resolution] by [date, two to three weeks out]. Can you place a hold on collection activity until then? [If asked whether you can pay in full today:] No, I cannot pay in full today. I'll have a proposal by [date].

YOU, before hanging up: To confirm: a hold is on the account through [date], and I should call back at this number with my proposal. May I have your name and ID number?

The purpose of this call is information and a hold. It is not the call where you agree to anything. If the representative pushes toward a payment amount you have not computed, the answer is the date you will call back, said politely, as many times as necessary.