My small catering business was audited for Sales Tax. The auditor made up imaginary rules and then created a large amount due using these unsubtiated rules and guestimates based on data that I had supplied while cooperating with the audit. I fought through every step of the process by filing protests and finally got a hearing. The hearing board agreed with me and declared my protests valid but the auditor disregarded the hearing boards instructions (in writing) and filed a collection action for the full amount of her guestimation. She made no adjustments to the balance as she was instructed. The state has processed this collection and I have no ability to contest it. Leaving my business with no recourse for protest except to go to court which will of course cost me as much if not more than to pay the fictitious amount. I am not rich and my business has always provided me with a modest living. The cost of this fictitous collection is enough to put my business out of business permanently. I have always been diligent in paying my sales tax on time and according to state requirements. It seems like the Dept of Revenue is trying to use small businesses like mine to attempt to balance the budget deficit with no validity and even against the determination of its own hearing board. I've operated my business since 1988 and in good faith followed all the instructions to the best of my ability. Now I'm being forced into either paying a huge debt that I don't owe or paying for legal costs to prove this incorrect. I want to know when State of IL Dept of Revenue went into business to put small businesses out of business!
Chef and Owner
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