Open letter to Internal Revenue Service

Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Small Business Area #8 -- Lien Unit
801 Broadway, MDP-46
Nashville, TN 37203

22 February 2005

Dear IRS:

Being the light-hearted, fun guys that you are, I would like to share with you an interesting experience. This morning, I blogged a post titled "Open letter to Monsanto" (see below). In said letter, I relayed how one William F. Trantham caused a three-car wreck that damaged my bumper, then lied about having insurance to cover the damages.

After I posted my letter, I returned to my editorial duties at the newspaper where I am employed. And a mere two hours later -- in what can only be called an amazing occurrence of synchronicity -- I beheld a federal tax lien against the very same William F. Trantham. Amazing!

According to the lien, Mr. Trantham understated his 1040s for 1998, 1999 and 2003, resulting in an underpayment of $23,852.60. In the lien you state, "We have made a demand for payment of this liability, but it remains unpaid. Therefore, there is a lien in favor of the United States on all property and rights to property belonging to this taxpayer for the amount of these taxes, and additional penalties, interest, and costs that may accrue."

So you want money from Mr. Trantham, too, huh? Well, get in line.

(In an interesting sidenote, Mr. Trantham does not seem to be residing at the address you have listed for him. I've used my Super Magical Journalist Powers to locate a more recent address and phone number for him. If you'd like them, just ask.)

Seeing as how you're part of the government and all, you might have more success than Monsanto at getting money out of Mr. Trantham. If so, do you think you could send me $300 for a new bumper?

Sincerely,
Kate

P.S. I wouldn't be asking you for a new bumper if I had received a refund this year. For the first time ever, I owed you guys money -- a total of $176, to be exact. Sending me a bumper would ease my suffering, because at least my car would be pretty again. Think it over and give me a call, OK?