if irs officer assigned to my final intent to levy and federal lien phoner callls go straight to vm is that a bad sign

Question

I received final intent to levy 4/29, i immediately sent request for cdp hearing due to financial hardship etc. The officer assigned to me called and said received and to call them at number they gave me. Since then call goes right to vm and never returns messages. I then got on saturday a 668 federal lien letter from same officer. I sent out yesterday new request for cdp hearing that includes both and called officer. Same thing happens, goes st. to vm. I am very concerned something is wrong or bad?  How can I contact them to avoid further actions and work with them on CDP and become compliant,etc to avoid further actions and notices. Thanks

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

I understand your concern about not being able to reach the IRS officer assigned to your case. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions: 
 
It's unlikely that the officer sending you straight to voicemail is necessarily a "bad sign." IRS officers are often very busy and may not always be immediately available by phone. The voicemail could simply indicate they are occupied with other cases or tasks at the moment. 
 
You did the right thing by promptly requesting a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing in response to both the Final Intent to Levy and the Notice of Federal Tax Lien. Submitting these requests should provide you some protections and temporarily suspend collection actions until the hearing. 
 
Keep detailed records of your attempts to contact the officer, including dates, times, and any messages left. This documentation could be helpful if you later need to show you made good faith efforts to communicate and resolve the issues. 
 
If you continue having difficulty reaching the assigned officer, you can try calling the main IRS number. Explain your situation to the representative and see if they can direct you to someone who can assist with your case or provide guidance on how to proceed.  
 
You might also consider hiring a qualified tax professional, such as an enrolled agent, CPA, or tax attorney, to help navigate this process and communicate with the IRS on your behalf. They can ensure your rights are protected and help negotiate a resolution, such as an installment agreement or offer in compromise, if appropriate for your circumstances. 
 
Remember, you do have rights as a taxpayer, including the right to a fair and impartial hearing. Stay diligent in your efforts to communicate and comply with the process, but also don't hesitate to seek assistance if you feel your rights are being violated or you're not receiving due consideration.

Q: if irs officer assigned to my final intent to levy and federal lien phoner callls go straight to vm is that a bad sign