Finding Favor: My IRS Experience of Unexpected Forgiveness

Proverbs 8:35 for whoever Finds Me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.

Anytime you get a letter in the mail from the IRS, it’s always a little nerve-racking to open. Needless to say yesterday I got a letter from the IRS. And when I opened it, it said we were being fined $2,200.  I was pissed. Because I know we had not done anything wrong.

The letter stated that we were being charged a penalty for failure to file our S corporation return on time. I knew that was a lie because we had filed it on time. We never are late. (I have a motto, Don’t mess with the IRS!) This is 2022 return. I go down to my shop to call the number on the letter. I’m so mad I’m almost shaking. I tell myself there’s no reason to be mad just relax make the phone call. Be Jesus with skin on. I really try to avoid asking God for anything. I focus more on cultivating my relationship. Life happens mistakes happen but I know that I walk in favor. We all do. It’s not something that we do, it’s Who We Are.

While I am on hold I start to get a sense of peace and my spirit calms. I thought about the Serenity Prayer. I thought if somehow or another my CPA screwed up then we’ll pay the fine.

A gentleman answers his name is Mr Helton. He wouldn’t tell me his first name I didn’t press him. We go through everything. He is asking me questions. All I can say is I just turn everything over to the CPA. I wish I had more information for you. He says, “because of your exemplary record and you have never been late. We have a forgiveness program. Give me 5 to 10 minutes while I get this taken care of.” I said, “what do you mean forgiveness program?” He said, “I have the authority to forgive the $2,200 worth of debt. You’ll be receiving a letter within 7 to 10 days stating that the $2200.00 has been forgiven.”

I was in total shock. All I can think about in my mind was the favor that I walk in. I didn’t have to ask for help it just happened.

I am grateful.

Psalm 90:17 let the favor of the Lord Our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us: yes, establish the work of our handsr

When I think back on this experience. I think it boils down to just trusting the Trinity.  Life happens and you Continue to move forward. I truly believe that if I had gone into that phone call with an negative attitude .  That fine would not have been forgiven. We have to always think about what we are projecting to other people. A lot of times we create for ourselves a negative outcome. 

Be Jesus with skin on. Love your neighbor, Love your enemies.