Does the IRS make mistakes? You bet...

DETROIT - James Howarth is a little confused by two letters he has received from the Internal Revenue Service. The Detroit defense lawyer received one letter in November that said he owed the IRS money - five cents.

He was warned that he should pay "to avoid additional penalty and/or interest," the Detroit Free reported Saturday.

Howarth says he then received a second letter telling him the government owes him money - four cents.

He was told he would have to request the refund since it's less than $1."When I owe them a nickel, I must pay them. It's not optional," he said. "But when they owe me, I have to ask for it."

Read more about this story...