We got a nastygram from the IRS in early June. It said we owed $814. I scratched my head and said some unkind things about Uncle Sam and my accountant...but that number sounded familiar.

When I looked in my records, we paid $814 in April when I filed my taxes We did a cashier's check and sent the payment through certified mail.

I checked the IRS site, it said they had not received the payment.

I looked at my U.S. mail receipt and verified the envelope containing our payment was delivered. I then called the bank to make sure the check cleared. It did. 

I sent a snooty letter to the IRS pointing out their error and slept soundly that night.

Today, we got a second notice with added late charges, penalties, and poo-poo charges.

I tried calling them and went through 1776 options before being placed in the right queue. I was there about 30 seconds and I got a recording saying the had a high call volume to call back later. It then hung up on me.

Had I taken my blood pressure at this point, my BP cuff would have said - CALL 911.

I took a few cleansing breaths and then called my accountant. He chuckled and said bring him the documents and he'd handle it Monday. Apparently, he had a hotline that the IRS actually answers.

Next year, I may drive my taxes to the IRS and demand a signature.

I'm about to drink a cup of sleepytime tea and hit the hay.