Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

I'm a UK citizen, and live and worked in the US for 8 years, returning to the UK 5 years ago.
I didn't file the last few yearswhile in the US becuase I am an idiot.
And today I have received a "final notice: intent to levy" with an eye-watering demand: basically the value of my house.
This is the first time I have heard from the IRS since moving back here.
Any advice on who could help me normalise my relationship with the IRS.
And how worried should I be in the event that they insist on paying this amount in full, which would put myself and my family out on the street?
I have some money in US banks which presumably they can take, but can they take my UK assets? My UK house?

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

Bite the bullet and get a tax adviser who can set you straight.

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

Thanks for the reply. I do need a tax adviser: my US one only knew about it from a US citizens point of view.
Any advice about how to find someone who knows about this would be appreciated: I'm not thinking straight right now, and keep having to lie down :(

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

I'm no expert, but this article suggests that yes, they can.

https://www.escapeartist.com/blog/ir...-bank-account/

I would get a proper tax adviser pronto. Don't wait and don't wing it.

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

Thanks for the reply. I've read similar articles, but they all seem to be written form the point of view of a US citizen.
Any recommendations for tax adviser gratefully received.

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

Forget advisor. Tax attorney.

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

As already said see a tax attorney, you said you didn’t file did you pay tax? There’s quite a difference between nonpayment and not filling. You could also speak to the IRS I had to speak with them regarding my employer underpaying my tax, I found them very helpful. As my father also said never run from the taxman as they have very long arms and will catch up with you.

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

There's a BE member called ' theOAP ' who, I think, could help you to find exactly what you seek in way of a dual-qualified, UK located tax professional

I'd send him a PM. Include a copy of your OP

If you do a Search and take a look at his posts - you'll see why I'm suggesting him as a source for a recommendation.

Good luck.

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

@ Bertd
First, approach this as a business transaction gone wrong, and try not to panic.

I've not used a UK tax advisor for US tax, but I have used one of the following three for UK tax. They are all well recognised for their expertise in US/UK tax affairs and carry highly regarded reputations in the UK.

The first is American Tax Returns. The web site is here (and don't be put off by its' starkness):
American Tax Returns - US and UK Tax Experts Tel: 020 8946 0523
Talk to David Treitel (owner)
[email protected]
I suspect he may have already read your post since, I believe, he does occasionally follow posts on the USA part of BE.

The second is British American Tax. Try to talk with Liz Zitzow.
https://britishamericantax.com/

The two above are boutique (highly specialised) firms. The third is a larger firm, Frank Hirth.
https://www.frankhirth.com/

A warning - reputations come at a price. These are not fly-by-night organisations. They're some of the best and their prices may reflect that. If they seem too rich for your blood, don't be afraid to say so, and ask for a reference for a less expensive contact. There are surely other well regarded firms in the UK.

All the above are located in London.

Second:
In cases such as yours, the IRS notices always start with a high amount. They do not factor in any and all deductions that you would have coming to you. It's simply an amount (gross) and what the tax on that amount would be. The amount may well be negotiable if you respond as required.

Third:
Yes, funds in a US based account can be 'claimed' as partial payment if the tax payer is not in the US. There are a number of 'rumours' on the internet, and one is, as a UK citizen resident in the UK, HMRC will not automatically allow the IRS access to UK accounts or property. There are only a few countries that co-operate with the IRS in retrieving funds, by treaty, and (SUPPOSEDLY) the UK is not one of those countries. But, if true, residence at the time of non-payment could be crucial. The above advisors will know what is the real truth.

Since the IRS has now contacted you directly, there will be no pre-emptive action which you may take to protect US based funds.

Good luck with this.

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

Are you sure that the claim is legit? How did they get in touch? A lot of scams out there.

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

Good point :thumb:

Re: Returned to UK five years ago; IRS have sent a final notice
 

Agreed.

An IRS issued notice will arrive by snail mail. Any notification via a phone call or Email should be treated with suspicion. Unfortunately, the OP does not say how they were notified. It would be the first question one of the above UK based advisors would ask.