Ahhh, no. I've been an "E-filer" for the last 5 years. I'm currently going through exactly what Hattie is going through.

I e-filed in April of '09 (for '08 taxes), got the confirmation from the IRS and paid through THEIR on-line payment process (pay1040 or something along the line). In August or September of '09 I got a letter stating my electronic signature was invalid and I needed to sign and mail them a form. Did so. In January '10 I got the same notice again, filled out their form AND submitted a revised 1040. Musta messed their minds up because in August '10, my bank accounts were levied and the money was seized. Called them up in a bit of a snit, spent over 2 hours on the phone to find out they had not received any of the previous correspondence and , oh, by the way, they are missing filings from '03, '05 and '07 also and when did I want to make a payment schedule? What?

Dig out the paperwork for '08, sent them ANOTHER copy of the 1040, a copy of the email confirmation and a copy of the bank statement showing the electronic payment through their site. Mailed it off. Set up a payment plan to prevent any more levies until we get it straightened out. This plan depended on my being current so I had to wait for them to receive the '08 return.

Checked back with them on Sept. 28th to see what my standing was (my payment arrangement depended on a "drop-dead" date of Oct. 4th to go into effect) only to find out they had no record of receiving ANY paperwork! Faxed a copy of my '08 1040 while I was on the phone, received verbal confirmation of its receipt and was told to call back later to check on the payment plan.

Called back and was told, "yes, we received the 1040 and it is being reviewed and did I want to set up a payment plan"? Once again, WHAT? Seems as though it takes 8-12 weeks for them to review the return and make a "determination" on its validity, until it has been approved I'm on the hook for the amount calculated at the HIGHEST possible tax due amount (single, no deductions) ,interest and penalties due. WTF? What review? They accepted the original return and the payments for '04 - '10 and now they are denying receiving 3 years?

Essentially, they've seized 14K of my money and according to them, if I make arrangements to pay ANOTHER 10K to them (?), re-submit all documentation (2 or 3 times at a minimum) they'll review my case and in 3 months, or so, decide whether I need to send them more money or perhaps they made a "correctional oversight".

I feel for you, Hattie. It's a long, dark road you are about to journey upon. There aren't bright enough fog lights to illuminate your path either.