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Warning
CLICK
AN IMAGE OR READ

Question
or Topic
IRS
Summons ! Must it be Honored?

The
Answer
It
must be answered - compliance decisions are not in the taxpayer's or the
recipient's control!
Overview
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- This chapter contains the following sections:
- Appearance, Compliance or Noncompliance with a Summons
- General Enforcement Procedures
- Civil Enforcement of a Summons
- Criminal Enforcement of a Summons
- Protest Procedure Civil Enforcement Cases
- Protest Procedure Criminal Enforcement Cases
- Reports on Adverse Decisions in Civil Proceedings to
Enforce Compliance With a Summons
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[109.1] 10.2 (04-30-1999)
Appearance, Compliance or Noncompliance with a Summons
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- Anytime a summons is issued inform the witness or the
witness' representative that:
- The witness must appear in person with the records and
either comply or refuse to comply, stating reasons for any
such refusal.
- Failure to comply with the summons may result in
judicial remedies.
- The representative of the witness cannot appear in lieu
of the witness on the appearance date set in the summons.
- In the event the witness for a valid reason (such as
illness) cannot appear on the date fixed in the summons, that
date may be continued by mutual agreement to another date.
- If a taxpayer or witness appears in response to a summons
and claims the Fifth Amendment or another privilege, continue
with the examination or interview. Ask the summoned person all
questions necessary so the person asserting the privilege
responds to each inquiry by either answering the questions and
producing the documents or asserting the claimed privilege.
However, if the person summoned refuses to submit to
questioning and the requests for documents, do not continue
the interview. Make a record of the interview. Another IRS
employee should attend the interview or examination as a
witness.
- The above procedures are important to the enforcement of a
summons to establish the facts and circumstances of
noncompliance. The procedures respecting claims of privileges
are primarily applicable when only the witness and the
witness' representative appear in response to the summons. If
the taxpayer or another person attempts to be present during
the questioning of a summoned third-party witness, and the
Service employee does not desire to disclose the course of the
investigation or examination to the taxpayer or other person,
the Service employee should consult with her or his superior.
District Counsel may also be consulted.
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- A summoned party who fails to comply with a summons may be
subject to:
- criminal proceedings under IRC 7210.
- civil proceedings under IRC 7604 to enforce compliance.
- Report immediately, through channels to District Counsel,
any refusal to comply or any proceeding brought by the
summoned party to quash a summons. Make every effort to obtain
copies of the documents involved so that they can be forwarded
to District Counsel.
- Consider recommending civil enforcement action or criminal
action when the person summoned neglects or refuses to comply.
Do not refer a summons for enforcement in the following
situations that might involve an abuse of process, or in other
similar situations, as follows:
- The summoned party or their representative has contacted
the Service and indicated a willingness to comply with the
summons but has requested a reasonable extension of time
within which to comply.
- The summoned party has appeared and denied under oath
the possession or control of the documents called for in
the summons, unless there is a good reason to believe the
contrary.
- The Service has had possession of the documents for a
sufficient period of time in which to examine and copy
them. (See Chapter 4.3 regarding photocopying summoned
records).
- NOTE:
- This provision does not include cases which
involve the withdrawal of consent to the use of
records by an owner of records where the Service has
not had sufficient time to examine and copy them.
- Records of financial transactions are demanded before
the summoned party could reasonably be expected to produce
them.
- More than one examination of the same records for the
same purpose is sought under circumstances that might
suggest harassment.
- The summons has not been issued by a proper, delegated
official.
- The summons has not been properly served under IRC 7603.
- The summons does not comply with the time requirements
for production of documents under IRC 7605(a) and IRC
7609(a)(1).
- The summons to a third party does not comply with the
notice requirements under IRC 7609.
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- IRC 7604 provides for the civil enforcement of a summons.
- Under IRC 7604(b), enforcement action may be initiated by
applying for an attachment for an arrest against a person who
has failed to obey a summons to a district judge or magistrate
judge. When the person is brought before him or her, the
district judge or magistrate judge will issue whatever order
deemed proper to enforce compliance with the summons and to
punish such person for default or disobedience. When a
petition for attachment is filed, the court may choose to
proceed by issuing an order to show cause why the summons
should not be obeyed. It may also modify the summons if
compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive.
- Enforcement proceedings are usually commenced by filing a
petition for a court order directing compliance with the
summons. The summons (or a copy) should be attached to the
petition or offered in evidence; otherwise, the court may not
enforce it. Based upon the allegations, the court may issue
either an order to show cause, or an ex parte (only one party
represented) order directing compliance with the summons. The
use of procedures other than attachment is authorized by IRC
7604(a), which grants district courts jurisdiction to enforce
compliance by appropriate process.
- The Service employee who issued the summons is responsible
for the preparation of all requests for civil enforcement of
summonses. Use either the memorandum report format or Form
4443, Summons Referral, Exhibit 109.1.10-1. Include the
following information in all requests for civil enforcement:
- The name, full address, and taxpayer identification
number of the taxpayer ;
- A brief summary of the pertinent facts;
- What the Service employee seeks to obtain by the
summons;
- An explanation of the relevancy of the records sought
where the relevancy is not obvious. For example, if
records pertaining to years other than those under
investigation are sought, the relevancy should be
explained. Explain the relevancy of records pertaining to
third parties, etc.;
- An explanation of the need or importance of such
evidence to the success or completion of the investigation
or examination;
- A statement that IRC 7609(a) notice has been served on
persons or entities identified in the description of
records or, if not, why it is believed notice is not
necessary;
- If a corporation is the party summoned, a statement of
whether service of the summons has been made on a
responsible officer and, if not, why not;
- The circumstances surrounding contacts with the person
summoned showing particularly the defense(s) claimed for
refusing to comply with the summons and the circumstances
under which the person summoned claimed the defense(s);
- A transcript (if recorded) of the questions propounded
to the person summoned and the person's answers;
- The name of the IRS Revenue Agent, Special Agent, or
Revenue Officer or, if none, why;
- A description of any problems involving the imminent
expiration of the statute of limitations with respect to
either the criminal or the civil liability; and
- A statement as to the existence of any known criminal
investigations of the taxpayer by other federal agencies
and, in the instance of a corporate taxpayer, corporate
officers or employees;
- A statement as to any disclosures made pursuant to IRC
6103(i) concerning possible violations of criminal laws
not within Service jurisdiction;
- A statement as to any other known requests for summons
or subpoena enforcement against the witness or related
parties; and
- If a pen register was used in the investigation prior to
the issuance of the summons, a statement to that effect
and the reason the pen register was used.
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- Districts may decide whether Special Procedures function, (SPf)
or Group Managers will review summonses before they are
referred to District Counsel. Consult District Counsel before
implementing summons reviewed by Group Managers. If Group
Managers are authorized to review summons referrals, establish
a system to allow District Counsel to report to Collection any
decrease of quality in the referrals.
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- After a person neglects or refuses to comply with a summons,
decide if summons enforcement is appropriate. Review the case
file to ensure that all standards for preparation, issuance,
and service of the summons were met.
- Within 3 workdays following the appearance date (or the date
of withdrawal of consent), prepare and send the summons
referral to SPf.
- NOTE:
- If a TDI Supplement or IRMF transcript was requested,
follow procedures in Preparation of Summons Referral.
- Document the case file if the:
- decision is made not to enforce the summons;
- summons is not referred within the time period described
in (2) above.
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- Prepare Form 4443, Summons Referral, to refer the summons
for enforcement.
- The Group Manager must approve Form 4443 prepared by revenue
officers below grade 9.
- A summons referral for withdrawal of consent by an owner of
records will include the following:
- In the heading block of the Form 4443 (which contains
the words Summons Referral ), include in red
capital letters "WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT TO USE
RECORDS."
- Describe the records in your possession. State whether
the records are originals or photocopies. An example of
this may be bank statements, contracts, check books, or
financial statements.
- State whether the owner of the records retained copies
of the records.
- State the date the Service received the records.
- State the date, time, and method used by the owner of
the records to withdraw consent to the use of the records.
- State the date and time the records were secured and
where they are located.
- State whether the owner of the records claimed
reimbursement for search, reproduction, and transportation
costs. Attach a copy of the invoice or Form 6863, Invoice
and Authorization for Payment of Administrative Expenses,
if costs were claimed.
- Include a copy of the letter if the owner of the records
withdraws consent in writing.
- Include the following in a summons referral requesting Forms
W-2 or 1099:
- Check the "Yes" block in item 7 on Form 4443.
Explain in space C why it is impossible or impractical for
the Service to produce the Forms W-2 or 1099 from its own
records. Otherwise, the summoned party can defend against
enforcement of the summons for the production of documents
already in the Service's possession unless the Service
provides good reason for its inability to produce the
documents.
- Document Form 4443, Section C if an IMF TDI Supplement
is in the case file with Forms W-2/1099 information for
all periods covered by the summons.
- Request a TDI Supplement from IDRS.
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| If |
Then |
| All periods do not appear on the TDI Supplement in the
case file |
Request a TDI Supplement |
| The missing years are available on the IMF TDI
Supplement file on IDRS |
Request a TDI Supplement |
| There is no supplement in the case file |
Request a TDI Supplement |
- Request an Information Returns Master File (IRMF) transcript
for earlier years not available on the IMF TDI Supplement
file.
- If a TDI Supplement or IRMF transcript was requested:
- Do not refer the summons for enforcement if the
requested items (or negative response) have not been
received by the date set for compliance.
- If an IRMF transcript is not received within 4 weeks,
treat as a negative response.
- Forward Form 4443, with the original summons, to SPf
within 3 workdays after receipt of the requested items (or
negative response).
- Notify SPf if a transcript is received after the summons
has been referred for enforcement.
- Notify SPf of any developments affecting the summons
enforcement proceeding. SPf must in turn notify District
Counsel if the summons has been referred to that office.
Examples of the type of information which must be reported
are:
- The evidence sought is no longer needed.
- The person summoned voluntarily complied with the
summons.
- The tax liability was paid, became unenforceable due to
expiration of the statute for collection, or was otherwise
satisfied.
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- SPf will review:
- The case to ensure the summons is proper in all
respects.
- The referral report to ensure it contains all necessary
information.
- Contact the referring Collection employee about any
deficiencies with the summons referral so that corrective
action can be taken.
- If the summons and the referral report are satisfactory, SPf
will prepare a letter and five copies, to the summoned person,
for the signature of District Counsel, Exhibit 109.1.10-2.
- NOTE:
- Refer the case directly to District Counsel without the
letter when a noticee has petitioned to quash the summons
under IRC 7609.
- Set the appointment date for the summoned person to appear
before the Collection employee at least 15 days from the date
that the case was referred to District Counsel.
- SPf will transmit the following documents to District
Counsel within 5 workdays of receipt of the case.
- NOTE:
- Documents for withdrawal of consent cases will be
transmitted to District Counsel as soon as possible but no
later than 3 workdays (including the date of receipt) from
the date of receipt of the case.
- original and two copies of Form 4443;
- original and three copies of the letter for District
Counsel's signature (unless an IRC 7609 case is involved);
and
- the original summons.
- District Counsel will consider the summons enforcement
request.
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| If |
Then |
| District Counsel believes the summons can be enforced |
They will sign and mail the letter to the summoned
person |
| District Counsel believes the summons can not be
enforced |
They will inform Special Procedures so the referring
employee can be notified |
- Upon receipt of the two signed copies of the letter which
District Counsel mailed to the person summoned, SPf will:
- retain one copy for the case file; and
- forward the other copy to the referring employee.
- If the summoned person fails to comply to the letter issued
by District Counsel, prepare a summons declaration and three
copies, Exhibit 109.1.10-3, within 3 workdays after the date
set for appearance in the letter.
- NOTE:
- If necessary, modify the declaration to meet the
requirements of local law.
- Immediately notify SPf when the person summoned is given
more time to comply with the summons. SPf will notify District
Counsel of the newly established time for appearance.
- SPf will review and forward the original and two copies of
the summons declaration to District Counsel. District Counsel
must receive these documents within 15 workdays after the date
set for appearance. If necessary, inform District Counsel by
telephone that civil action to enforce the summons is or is
not being recommended and when the necessary documents will be
forwarded.
- District Counsel will notify SPf that the summons will not
be enforced for withdrawal of consent cases. SPf will
immediately notify the referring employee who will immediately
arrange to return the records to their owner.
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- Prepare Form 2797, Referral Report of Potential Fraud Case
for criminal enforcement of the summons.
- While the case is under consideration for criminal action,
do not attempt to enforce obedience with the provisions of the
summons. The matter may be referred to District Counsel for
civil enforcement action, if not accepted for criminal
investigation.
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- Any summons that has not been complied with within six (6)
workdays following the date set for compliance, where
enforcement action is appropriate, will be referred to
District Counsel for initiation of enforcement proceedings.
- The Chief, CI, will indicate approval of the referral by
endorsement on the signature page of the summons enforcement
request. Transmit the original and four copies with the
original of the summons (Form 2039), through the District
Director or designee, to District Counsel. If the matter
relates to a strike force case or an investigation in which
DOJ has expressed an interest, the Chief will forward an extra
copy of the special agent's request through District Counsel
and Chief Counsel to the Criminal Division of DOJ.
- If this is a summons issued in connection with a collateral
investigation, the replying district will provide to the
requesting district, by memorandum, sufficient information
regarding noncompliance with the summons, to enable the
requesting district to prepare a request for civil enforcement
of the summons. This request should be directed to and
processed by the responsible office of District Counsel
servicing the requesting district.
- Requests are approved generally by District Counsel and in
certain cases by Chief Counsel. Normally, District Counsel
will take final action within 6 workdays from the receipt of a
summons matter, and Chief Counsel will take final action
within 3 workdays after receipt of a summons matter.
- After referring a summons to District Counsel for civil
enforcement by memorandum, keep Counsel informed of all
situations having a bearing on the summons enforcement
proceeding. In instances where time is of the essence,
immediately advise District Counsel by telephone of the facts
in the matter. Follow with a confirmation by memorandum.
Examples of the type of information to report are:
- evidence sought is no longer needed;
- the witness has voluntarily complied with the provisions
of the summons;
- the tax liability is paid or otherwise satisfied;
- the principal is about to be offered a district CI
conference; or
- the special agent has submitted a report recommending
prosecution of the principal.
- NOTE:
- Prepare the memorandum as soon as the information is
received. Distribute the same number of copies and in the
same manner as the original referral to Counsel. Forward
copies of any legal documents involved in the action with
the memorandum.
- Inform District Counsel by memorandum of compliance of any
summons which is referred to DOJ for enforcement, or of an
initial decision by a federal district court or magistrate
that the summons is unenforceable. Include in the memorandum:
- the names of the taxpayer and witness;
- the appearance date set in the summons;
- the date the summoned person complied with the summons
or the date of the adverse decision;
- whether compliance was satisfactory; and
- whether compliance was pursuant to a court order.
- NOTE:
- Prepare the memorandum as soon as practicable after
compliance or the adverse decision. Distribute in the same
manner as the original referral to District Counsel.
- After the referral for summons enforcement, inform District
Counsel by memorandum of any:
- ex parte orders under IRC 6103(i) that may be
sought or granted;
- head of agency requests received or granted.
- NOTE:
- Notify District Counsel if the witness becomes the
subject of a grand jury inquiry before the enforcement of
the summons has been granted.
- If there is a pending summons enforcement action related to
an investigation when the special agent's report recommending
prosecution is forwarded to District Counsel, include in the
memorandum a statement to that effect. Also, identify the
party involved in the summons enforcement action and the
District Counsel office handling the matter.
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- Include the following in the referral memorandum whether:
- the examination is a reexamination within the meaning of
IRC 7605(b);
- approval has been obtained from another IRS function or
DOJ. If so, provide the necessary documentation.
- Forward the referral memorandum to District Counsel within 6
working days following noncompliance.
- If summons enforcement is not recommended:
- Prepare a memorandum within 6 working days following
noncompliance to the Chief, Examination Division,
explaining the reasons enforcement proceedings were not
recommended.
- Retain a copy of this memorandum in the administrative
files.
- Submit the original plus two copies of this memorandum
and the original plus two copies of the referral
memorandum to District Counsel. If the summons involves
the Special Enforcement Program, submit the original plus
five copies of each memorandum.
- An affidavit should be prepared by the examiner(s) who
issued the summons, served the summons, and examined the
summoned person. Set forth all the facts pertinent to the
issuance and service of the summons and the summoned person's
noncompliance. A single affidavit is required if the same
examiner performed all three functions. Transmit the affidavit
plus any memorandum to District Counsel.
- NOTE:
- Do not prepare an affidavit in cases involving
"John Doe" summonses, Special Enforcement
summonses, or summonses to financial institutions. These
affidavits will be prepared by or under the supervision of
DOJ.
- If the examiner uses Form 4443 instead of the referral
memorandum, insert "Special Enforcement Program" and
the type of project (if any) in item 5, "Organized Crime
Drive Case" in the form. Prepare four copies of Form
4443, with an additional three copies if a Special Enforcement
Program case is involved.
- If District Counsel has approved civil enforcement of a
summons, forward the request to the U.S. Attorney for the
district where the person resides or is found. District
Counsel will provide a copy of the transmittal memorandum with
copies of all attachments to the Tax Division of DOJ.
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- A memorandum will be provided by the Chief, Examination, to
District Counsel relating to any subsequent developments
concerning the summons enforcement proceeding. The following
are examples of information that should be provided to
District Counsel:
- evidence sought is no longer needed;
- witness has voluntarily complied with the provisions of
the summons;
- tax liability is paid or otherwise satisfied;
- case has gone to court for enforcement;.
- date set for appearance pursuant to the summons;
- date of compliance;
- adverse decision;
- whether compliance was satisfactory; and
- whether compliance was pursuant to a court order.
- NOTE:
- The memorandum should be prepared as soon as the
information is received, attaching copies of all pertinent
documents. The memorandum and copies of the memorandum
should be distributed in the same manner as the memorandum
that was referred to District Counsel.
- In time sensitive situations, District Counsel should be
immediately advised by telephone of the facts. A memorandum
can be prepared as described.
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- A person refusing to obey a court order to comply with a
summons (civil enforcement) may be held in contempt of court.
The contempt proceedings may be civil or criminal, or both. A
defendant may be purged of civil contempt by complying with
the court order, but punishment for criminal contempt is
usually not conditional. Use of civil or criminal contempt, as
with civil or criminal enforcement, depends on whether the
purpose is to compel compliance with the summons or to punish
disobedience and protect the authority of the court.
- A civil contempt proceeding may be commenced by a motion
requesting that the person summoned be adjudged in contempt
and punished. The recalcitrant party may then be committed to
jail until he or she complies with the court order.
- A criminal contempt proceeding can be undertaken only on
notice given by the judge in open court in the presence of the
defendant, by an order to show cause, or by an order of
arrest, unless the contempt was committed in the presence of
the court. The notice must state essential facts, which
constitute criminal contempt and describe the criminal
contempt as such.
- For criminal contempt, the government must prove beyond a
reasonable doubt that the defendant willfully failed to comply
with a lawful court order and show that summoned records are
presently within the defendant's power and control.
Presumption of continued possession and existence is not
enough to shift the burden of proof to the defendant unless
the time span is short and there is no outside motivation for
destruction of the particular records.
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- To support applications for court orders directing
compliance with a summons, prepare a declaration (Exhibit 10-3
contains a sample) detailing the nature and purposes of the
examination, the testimony and records desired, and their
relevancy. Enforcement proceedings are usually held solely
upon declarations and oral argument. The declaration must show
the person summoned has possession, care, or custody of the
desired records and the records are material and relevant to
the tax liability of the person being investigated. If the
summons pertains to a year previously examined, attach a copy
of the District Director's reopening letter. Some courts may
require an affidavit under oath with the same basic
information.
- If the declarations sharply dispute whether the records are
subject to the control of the summoned person, the court will
usually resolve the issue in the summons enforcement
proceeding. When a petition for enforcement is filed, the
court may choose to proceed by issuing an order to show cause
why the summons should not be obeyed. It may also modify the
summons if compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive.
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- A person who neglects to appear or to produce records
pursuant to a summons may be criminally prosecuted under IRC
7210. The government must be able to prove that:
- The defendant was duly summoned to appear to testify or
to appear and produce certain records.
- The defendant did not appear or produce such records.
- At least some of the records called for by summons were
in existence and in the defendant's control.
- The defendant willfully and knowingly neglected to
appear and produce them.
- It has been held that neglect as used in this Code section
means more than mere inadvertence. To make a criminal offense
of neglect in this situation would imply that the person
summoned must have:
- wilfully failed to comply with the summons; and
- knowledge that he or she was failing to do what the
summons required him or her to do.
- Refusal to obey a summons could lead to a prosecution under
IRC 7203 for willful failure to supply information required by
the law. Proof that the refusal was intentional and without
legal justification is not sufficient. The government must
establish that the refusal was prompted by bad faith or evil
intent; i.e., that the defendant did not believe in
good faith that refusal was legally justified.
- Requests for criminal action for failure to obey summonses
issued by the district civil functions will be referred by the
appropriate Chief to CI for evaluation. If CI does not
initiate an investigation, CI will notify the Chief of the
referring function, and thereafter the referring function may
then make a referral to District Counsel for civil enforcement
action. No attempt should be made to enforce obedience with
the summons while criminal action is being considered.
- If CI determines that criminal action for failure to obey a
CI-issued summons, rather than enforced obedience be
undertaken, the matter will be assigned for criminal
investigation. No attempt should be made to enforce obedience
with the summons while considering criminal action.
- Prepare final reports that recommend or do not recommend
criminal action for failure to obey summonses in accordance
with the discontinued report guidelines. When a discontinued
recommendation is approved by the Chief or Branch Chief, CI,
in a case referred by a civil function for criminal action for
failure to obey a summons, the Chief of the referring function
will be advised in writing by the Chief, CI. The Chief of the
referring function may then forward the matter to District
Counsel for civil enforcement action.
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- If District Counsel contemplates disapproving a request for
civil enforcement of any summons, an informal conference may
be arranged between the Chief and District Counsel for the
purpose of clarifying the available evidence or for discussing
the merits of the proposed legal action.
- If District Counsel still disapproves or no agreement is
reached, Counsel will prepare a memorandum for the Chief,
setting forth the reasons for concluding that legal action
should not be instituted. A copy will also be sent to the
Director of Investigations, CI, and the Regional Chief
Compliance Officer (Collection/Exam/EP/EO), as appropriate.
- Upon receipt of the District Counsel's memorandum, the Chief
may choose to prepare a report setting forth his or her views.
The Chief 's memorandum will be forwarded to the Director of
Investigations, CI, or the Regional Chief Compliance Officer
(Collection/Exam/EP/EO) within 10 working days of reviewing
District Counsel's memorandum. A copy of the memorandum will
be forwarded to District Counsel.
- Within 30 days from the receipt of the Chief's memorandum,
the Director of Investigations, CI, or the Regional Chief
Compliance Officer (Collection/Exam/EP/EO) will inform the
Assistant Regional Counsel (General Litigation), in writing of
his or her disagreement with District Counsel. A copy of the
Chief's report should be forwarded with this memorandum. The
decision of the Assistant Regional Counsel (General
Litigation) on the matter will be final.
- In the case of a third-party recordkeeper summons where the
noticee has filed a petition to quash the summons and District
Counsel determines that the summons should not be defended,
arrange an informal conference with the Chief as quickly as
possible. If no agreement is reached, the above protest
procedures will be followed telephonically, as quickly as
possible. Petition to quash cases must be handled as
expeditiously as possible since an answer must be timely filed
in response to the petition to quash.
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- The processing and protest procedure as set out in CI
Handbook 9.5 Chapter 12 with respect to other prosecution
cases will be followed in summons cases involving requests for
criminal action.
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[109.1] 10.8 (04-30-1999)
Reports on Adverse Decisions in Civil Proceedings to Enforce
Compliance with Summons
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- If the Service receives an adverse decision in any civil
summons enforcement proceeding, the Chief of the division that
issued the summons will promptly send a brief report of the
proceeding to the Regional Chief Compliance Officer
(Collection/Exam/EP/EO) or to the Director of Investigations,
CI. Copies of the report must be immediately sent to the
District Counsel office serving that district and to the
Assistant Chief Counsel (General Litigation) CC:EL:GL to
enable these offices to consider pursuing a timely appeal.
- When the Government appeals an adverse summons enforcement
decision, the division that issued the summons must promptly
inform district counsel and the General Litigation Division of
any developments affecting the summons enforcement proceeding.
Examples of information which must be reported are set forth
above at subsections 10.4.1.2(6) and 10.4.2(4).
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- Except as provided by IRC 7609(b)(2) (right to proceeding to
quash), no party has a right to enjoin or quash a summons. Any
such attempt to quash a summons through injunction proceedings
or other court action before the date fixed for compliance
should be immediately reported through normal channels to the
District Counsel. Make every effort to obtain copies of the
pleadings involved so they can be forwarded with the
notification memorandum.
Exhibit
[109.1] 10-1 (04/30/99)
Form 4443, Summons Referral
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Exhibit [109.1] 10-2 (04/30/99)
Letter to Summoned Person from District Counsel
(USE DISTRICT COUNSEL LETTERHEAD)Person to Contact (Name of
Service employee and title)Telephone NumberDateDate summons
servedAppearance date as specified in summonsTaxpayer's name (if
not person summoned)The District Director of your Internal Revenue
Service district has notified me that you did not provide the
documents or testimony required by the summons identified above.
Legal proceedings may be brought against you in the United States
District Court for not complying with the summons. To avoid such
proceedings, you should keep the appointment we have arranged for
you with (insert title and name) on the date and at the time and
address shown below. Please be sure you bring with you all records
and documents specified in the summons. If you have any questions,
please contact the person named above at the address or telephone
number shown.Sincerely yours,District CounselDate of your
appointmentTimeAddress |
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Exhibit [109.1] 10-3 (04/30/99)
Sample of a Declaration
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT FOR THE (NAME OF THE
JUDICIAL DISTRICT)United States of America and (name and title of
Revenue Agent/Revenue Officer/Special Agent), Petitioners v.(Name
of summoned party), RespondentsCIVIL ACTION NO. (leave
blank)DECLARATION(Name of Service employee), petitioner herein,
declares:
- Paragraph (1): I am a duly commissioned Revenue
Officer/Revenue Agent/Special Agent employed in the
(Collection/Examination/Criminal Division) of the Office of
the (District Director of Internal Revenue)(Director of
International Operations) at (address of office where
assigned).
- Paragraph (2): In my capacity as a Revenue Officer/Revenue
Agent/Special Agent, I am conducting an investigation (into
the tax liability of) (for the collection of the tax liability
of) (name of taxpayer) for the (year(s)) (taxable period(s)).
- Paragraph (3): In furtherance of the above investigation and
in accordance with Section 7602 of Title 26, U.S.C., I (or
name and title) issued on (date) an administrative summons,
Internal Revenue Service Form (number) to (name of summoned
persons), (to give testimony) (and) (to produce for
examination books, papers, records, or other data as described
in said summons). The summons is attached to the Petition as
Exhibit ( ).
- Paragraph (4): In accordance with Section 7603 of Title 26,
U.S.C., on (date) I served an attested copy of the Internal
Revenue Service summons described in Paragraph (3) above on
the respondent, (name of summoned person) by (specify manner
of service), as evidenced in the certificate of service on the
reverse side of the summons.
- Paragraph (5): On (date), I served the notice required by
Section 7609(a) of Title 26, U.S.C., on (person(s) entitled to
notice), by (show manner of service, i.e., personal; left at
last and usual place of abode; sent by registered or certified
mail; or left with the person summoned), as evidenced in the
certificate of service of notice on the reverse side of the
summons.
- Paragraph (6): On (date), the respondent, (name of summoned
person), (did not appear in response to the summons) (appeared
but refused to comply with the summons by not producing the
books, records, and other documents demanded in the summons or
by not giving testimony as to the matters requested in said
summons) (failed to appear because notice not to appear had
been given in accordance with Section 7609(b)(2) of Title 26,
U.S.C.). The respondent's refusal to comply with the summons
continues to the date of this declaration.
- Paragraph (7): The books, papers, records, or other data
sought by the summons are not already in possession of the
Internal Revenue Service (except as follows: (specify any
summoned materials that have been obtained since the summons
was served)). Paragraph (7) is a general provision. However,
in the event the Service does have some of the summoned
material at the time of enforcement proceeding, those
materials should be excepted. Where the summons seeks Forms
W-2, 1099, or other items which the Service technically may
have in its possession, but are not available, the paragraph
should be modified to include a statement to the effect that
these items are not readily accessible or retrievable without
undue administrative burden or expense, together with an
explanation thereof.
- Paragraph (8): All administrative steps required by the
Internal Revenue Code for issuance of a summons have been
taken.
- Paragraph (9): It is necessary (to obtain the testimony)
(and) (to examine the books, papers, records, or other data)
sought by the summons in order (to properly investigate) (to
collect) the federal tax liability of (name of taxpayer) for
the year(s) ) (for taxable period(s)). I declare under penalty
of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed this day of , 19 .(Name of Person Seeking Enforcement)The
appropriate title changes should be made in preparing the
declaration. Only one declaration should be prepared where more
than one Service employee is involved in issuing, service, or
designation as the party before whom the summoned party is to
appear. In such cases, paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 should be modified
as illustrated below:
- Paragraph (4): I have been advised by (specify title and
name of person serving summons), that on (date), in accordance
with Section 7603 of Title 26, U.S.C., (s) he served an
attested copy of the Internal Revenue Service summons
described in Paragraph (3) above on the respondent (name of
summoned person) by (specify manner of service). This is
further evidenced in the certificate of service on the reverse
side of the summons.
- Paragraph (5): On (date), the notice required by Section
7609(a) of Title 26, U.S.C., was served by (specify title and
name of person serving notice) on (specify person(s) entitled
to notice) by (specify manner of service, i.e., personal; left
at last and usual place of abode; sent by registered or
certified mail; or left with the person summoned). I have been
apprised of this by (specify title and name of person serving
notice), and it is further evidenced in the certificate of
service of notice on the reverse side of the summons.
Paragraph (5) should be used when a summons is directed to a
third-party entitled to notice of the summons under IRC
7609(a).
- Paragraph (6): I have been informed by (specify title and
name of person designated as the individual before whom the
summoned party was to appear), that on (date), the respondent,
(name of summoned person), (did not appear in response to the
summons) (appeared but refused to comply with the summons by
producing the books, records and other documents demanded in
the summons or by giving testimony as to the matters requested
in said summons) (failed to appear because notice not to
appear had been given in accordance with section 7609(b) (2)
of Title 26, U.S.C.). The respondent's refusal to comply with
the summons continues to the date of this declaration.
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Internal Revenue Manual
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Hndbk. 109.1 Chap. 10 Enforcement of Summons
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(04-30-1999)
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Solutions
are dependent upon facts & circumstances, law and the
objectives. These elements vary from one time to another, from one
circumstance to another and from from person or entity to another

Engagement
Status Letter ~ WARNING!


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