The Tax Times: IRS CI Changes Phone & Fax Numbers for OVDP Preclearance!

So here I am just another 59-year-old tax attorney who is sure that technology has it out for him, sitting in my office trying to get a few more cases moving forward while I wait for the Labor Day weekend, and I'm trying to fax to (267) 941-1115 a preclearance for yet another client who wants to enter the OVDP program.　

Naturally, I'm waiting for my E-Fax confirmation that this request for preclearance has gone through to the IRS and today I received not 1 but 2 messages that my E-Fax, that I rely on for communicating with the IRS, was not able to deliver either of my faxed requests.

Dear Marini & Associates PA,

Re: Confidential Client SSN #XXX-XX-1234

The fax you recently sent through eFax Solutions to 12679411115 did not go through because there was no answer. Be sure to check that you have the correct number and that you have entered it properly. Enter numbers only, no dashes or brackets. Please verify the fax number before re-transmitting.

Thank you for using the eFax Solutions service.

Best Regards,
eFax Solutions

So I called the (267) 941-1115 fax number, only to get a busy signal?

Naturally I pick up the phone to contact the IRS-CI OVDP Hotline at (267) 941-1607 only to find out, from a recording, that I'm not as technologically challenged as I feel that I am, and that IRS CI has changed its phone and fax numbers for voluntary disclosures.

The phone number is now 267-466-1607 and the fax number is now (267) 466–1115.　

I've included these revised numbers in our revised FAQ #23 below:

23.

How do I request preclearance before I submit my offshore voluntary disclosure?

For the OVDP, the preclearance process is as follows:

1. Taxpayers or representatives send a facsimile to the IRS – Criminal Investigation Lead Development Center (LDC) with:

(a) Applicant identifying information including complete names, dates of birth (if applicable), tax identification numbers, addresses, and telephone numbers.

(b) Identifying information of all financial institutions at which undisclosed OVDP assets (see FAQ 35) were held. Identifying information for financial institutions includes complete names (including all DBAs and pseudonyms), addresses, and telephone numbers.

(c) Identifying information of all foreign and domestic entities (e.g., corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, trusts, foundations) through which the undisclosed OVDP assets (see FAQ 35) were held by the taxpayer seeking to participate in the OVDP; this does not include any entities traded on a public stock exchange. Information must be provided for both current and dissolved entities. Identifying information for entities includes complete names (including all DBAs and pseudonyms), employer identification numbers (if applicable), addresses, and the jurisdiction in which the entities were organized.

(d) Executed power of attorney forms (if represented).

The LDC fax number to request preclearance before making an offshore voluntary disclosure is (267) 466-1115. In the case of jointly filed returns, if each spouse intends to apply for OVDP, each spouse should request preclearance.

The LDC fax number to request preclearance before making an offshore voluntary disclosure is (267) 466-1115. In the case of jointly filed returns, if each spouse intends to apply for OVDP, each spouse should request preclearance.

2. Criminal Investigation will notify taxpayers or their representatives via fax whether or not they are eligible to make an offshore voluntary disclosure. It may take up to 30 days for Criminal Investigation to notify taxpayers or their representatives of the decision.

Preclearance does not guarantee a taxpayer acceptance into the OVDP. Taxpayers pre-cleared for OVDP must follow the steps outlined below (FAQ 24) within 45 days from receipt of the fax notification to make an offshore voluntary disclosure.

Taxpayers must truthfully, timely, and completely comply with all provisions of the OVDP.

Taxpayers or representatives with questions regarding preclearance may call the IRS-CI OVDP Hotline at (267) 466-1607. For all other offshore voluntary disclosure questions call the IRS OVDP Hotline at (267) 941-0020.

Want to Know if the OVDP Program is Right for You?