IRS Revenue Officer Assigned Here’s What to Do Next
When a Revenue Officer Gets Involved, the IRS Means Business
If you’ve received a call, letter, or unannounced visit from an IRS Revenue Officer, you’re no longer dealing with automated collections—you’re facing high-level enforcement.
Revenue Officers are field agents who handle serious tax cases. If one has been assigned to you, it usually means:
- Your tax debt is large
- You’ve ignored multiple notices
- There may be unfiled returns
- You may have payroll tax problems or business exposure, such as when payroll taxes fall behind
This blog explains what to expect, what your rights are, and how to respond immediately to avoid aggressive collection action.
What Is an IRS Revenue Officer?
A Revenue Officer (RO) is not a call center agent. They are field agents trained to:
- Conduct in-person interviews
- Demand financial documents
- Assess assets and collectability
- Seize assets or recommend liens/levies
- Refer egregious cases for criminal investigation
Related: can’t afford to pay your payroll tax debt
Step 1: Don’t Ignore the Officer
Ignoring a Revenue Officer won’t make them go away. In fact, it will:
- Trigger levies, liens, and asset seizures
- Eliminate opportunities for voluntary resolution
- Cause your case to be flagged as uncooperative
- Limit negotiation flexibility
You (or your CPA) should respond quickly and professionally. If ignored too long, you may face responding to an IRS notice of intent to levy, which can result in bank account freezes or wage garnishments.
Step 2: Know What They’ll Ask For
The Revenue Officer will request:
- All unfiled returns
- Your last 6 months of bank statements
- Pay stubs or profit/loss statements
- A full Collection Information Statement (Form 433-A or 433-B)
- Documents showing assets, liabilities, and expenses
If you’re missing returns, see: Facing Back Taxes? Here’s How Orange County Residents Can Get Relief
Step 3: Don’t Meet With Them Alone
Meeting with a Revenue Officer without representation is high-risk—especially if you:
- Owe payroll taxes
- Have significant unfiled returns
- Are self-employed or a business owner
- May have commingled personal and business funds
These cases often involve personal liability through the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP), which can make you personally responsible for unpaid payroll taxes.
Step 4: Build a Resolution Strategy
Depending on your financial situation, your CPA can pursue:
- Installment Agreement
- Offer in Compromise
- Currently Not Collectible status
- Partial pay agreement or a phased resolution
Revenue Officers are often more flexible early in the case—before escalation. An experienced professional can help with challenging IRS penalties and negotiating more favorable terms.
Step 5: Be Organized and On Time
Missing deadlines or submitting sloppy documents signals that you're a collection risk. That increases the chance of enforcement.
Instead:
- Get your financial records in order
- File all required returns before submitting Form 433
- Respond promptly to RO correspondence
Your goal is to demonstrate cooperation and control.
We Help Orange County Taxpayers Deal with Revenue Officers
At Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, we help individuals and business owners:
- Communicate directly with IRS Revenue Officers
- Submit Form 433-A/B and supporting documents correctly
- Stop levies, garnishments, and seizures
- Negotiate fair resolution options quickly
Call
(657) 218-5700
or schedule at
www.orangecounty.cpa
You don’t have to face a Revenue Officer alone—learn more in Defend What’s Yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the IRS assigns a Revenue Officer?
It means your tax case has been escalated for in-person collection. Revenue Officers handle larger debts, unfiled returns, and enforcement actions like levies and seizures.
Will a Revenue Officer come to my home or business?
Yes. Revenue Officers often visit taxpayers in person. They may also contact your employer or bank if you ignore their requests for cooperation.
What authority does a Revenue Officer have?
They can demand financial information, enforce collection through levies and liens, and recommend asset seizures. They cannot arrest you, but they have strong enforcement powers.
What should I avoid saying to a Revenue Officer?
Never provide false information or make promises you cannot keep. Inaccurate statements can make matters worse and limit your resolution options.
Can I negotiate directly with a Revenue Officer?
Yes, but it’s best to do so with professional representation. Revenue Officers are trained to protect the government’s interests, not yours.
What if I ignore a Revenue Officer?
If you ignore them, the IRS can move quickly to levy wages, seize bank accounts, or shut down a business in serious payroll tax cases.
Do Revenue Officers target payroll tax debts?
Yes. Payroll tax debts are high-priority cases. Revenue Officers may also recommend Trust Fund Recovery Penalties against responsible individuals.
How should I prepare before meeting with a Revenue Officer?
Gather recent tax returns, financial statements, and proof of income and expenses. Having a professional present ensures you don’t disclose unnecessary or harmful information.
📣 About the Author
Marc Boulanger, CPA is the founder of Boulanger CPA and Consulting PC, a boutique tax resolution firm based in Orange County, California and trusted by high-income individuals and business owners across Southern California.
With over a decade of experience resolving high-stakes IRS and State tax matters, Marc brings strategic insight to complex cases involving wage garnishments, bank levies, unfiled returns, and six-figure tax debts. He is known for helping clients reduce or eliminate tax liabilities through expertly negotiated settlements and compliance plans.
Marc is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in California and Oklahoma and holds the designation of Certified Tax Representation Consultant. He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) — the national organization founded by the educators and practitioners who have trained thousands of CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys in IRS representation strategy.
Every case is handled with discretion, proven methodology, and direct CPA-led representation — not call center scripts.
📍 Learn more at www.orangecounty.cpa or call (657) 218-5700.
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