Services
If you’re looking for a firm that will focus on your individual needs and always treat you like a client who matters, look no further. Our Company gives you the personal attention that you deserve.
We will thoroughly and conscientiously study your situation and tailor our advice to your needs.
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Services:
- Licensed to Represent Nationwide for 20-plus years
- Unpaid Income and/or Employment Taxes Owed
- Bank Levies (bank freezes funds on deposit in your account(s))
- IRS Appeals Hearings
- If you cannot make any payments now, we can help.
- IRS Liens (Release or Subordinate)
- IRS Levies
- Wage Garnishments
- IRS Seizures
- Offer in Compromise (pay less than you owe)
- Unfiled Tax Returns
- Audit Representation (at the Revenue Agent level only)
- Account Analysis: We download and analyze IRS transcripts, make recommendations, and provide a comprehensive report. You can then decide whether you will need our help.
- Prepare Business Tax Returns
- We can help whether you owe $10,000 or more than $1,000,000.
- Innocent Spouse and Injured Spouse Cases (Hardships)
- Penalty Abatement
- Statute of Limitations
- Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (the 100% penalty)
- DOJ Tax Division (Civil Tax Cases Only)
How we begin working with a new client
- We begin with the initial interview, which is usually a telephone interview.
- After the interview, we prepare and submit a service proposal to the prospective client (usually $1,600 for the analysis stage without further obligation on your or our part).
- If the client approves the proposal, we prepare Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization, and upload it to the IRS portal for processing. After the IRS processes F8821, we download and review the client’s IRS transcripts and prepare a comprehensive report for the client’s review.
- After analyzing the transcripts and discussing our findings with the client, we prepare a power of attorney (IRS Form 2848) if the client decides to hire us to help with current tax issues.
- We also fax a copy of the power of attorney to revenue officers (ROs) or revenue agents (RAs) assigned to the client’s case. After we fax the power of attorney, we usually receive a phone call from the ROs or RAs. From then on, the IRS will contact us directly rather than contact you.
- If, after the analysis stage, clients decide to hire us to resolve their current tax issue(s), we work closely with them to proceed with resolving their issue(s).
Back Taxes Owed
If you file your tax returns every year but do not pay all the taxes you owe, the penalties and interest added to back taxes significantly increase how much you will ultimately owe the government. The IRS may place a lien on your property or a levy on your bank accounts or wages. The potential damage from unpaid back taxes can be financially ruinous but is often avoidable. We can help you assess your tax debt options and negotiate a workable payment plan with the IRS. Unpaid back taxes are a problem that rarely goes away on its own.
Bank Levy
A bank levy freezes your bank accounts. Any checks you have written will bounce. You will not be able to withdraw any funds or pay any bills. Generally, you have 21 days to respond to the IRS after your financial institution receives a Notice of Levy for your accounts. After that, your accounts are drained, and the money is sent to the IRS. If you act immediately, we may be able to revoke the levy. We can compile and forward the IRS the information they require to release the levy. We will also negotiate the best payment arrangement the law and your finances allow.
Currently Not Collectible/Hardship Status
If paying your tax debt would cause you undue financial hardship, you may qualify for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. If the IRS decides your case is legitimate, they will halt collection for your CNC status, although you may still be subjected to a lien. Generally, to be accepted as Currently Not Collectible, you must demonstrate to the IRS that you cannot pay your tax debt after meeting monthly living expenses or liquidating certain assets. Applying for hardship status on your own is time-consuming and can ultimately fail. If we feel you have a good chance to qualify for hardship status, we will submit the correct paperwork on your behalf and emphasize your suitability to the IRS. Not Collectible is considered a reprieve from collection enforcement and is subject to review. Note that the IRS will most likely require financial information from you every 18 to 24 months.
Financial Statements
Financial statements are an important tool for management decision-making. They also represent your business to lenders, partners, potential buyers, and other interested parties. We will work closely with your key personnel to develop and finalize accurate and timely financial statements.
Injured Spouse Relief
You may qualify for Injured Spouse Relief if the IRS uses the refund from your joint return to offset certain past-due debts that are the sole responsibility of your spouse or former spouse, such as taxes, child support, or student loans. Injured Spouse Relief should not be confused with Innocent Spouse Relief. You may be classified as an Injured Spouse if you do not receive your portion of a refund because of your spouse’s debt. In contrast, Innocent Spouse Relief applies to debt for which you are technically co-responsible but not liable because of circumstances. Whatever the cause, we can help you rectify an unfair tax liability. We will closely examine your case to see if you qualify for Injured Spouse Relief and/or any other IRS Relief programs.
Innocent Spouse Relief
Many married taxpayers file a joint tax return because of the benefits this filing status allows. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. If you filed a joint return with your spouse or former spouse, you may be liable for the taxes, interest, and penalties–even if your spouse earned the income and/or claimed improper deductions or credits. This is true even if a divorce decree states that your spouse will be responsible for any amounts due on previously filed joint returns. If the IRS holds you responsible for your spouse’s or former spouse’s fraud or negligence, we can help.
- There are three types of relief available.
- Innocent Spouse Relief. By requesting innocent spouse relief, you can be relieved of responsibility for paying tax, interest, and penalties if your spouse did something wrong on your tax return.
- Separation of Liability Relief. Under this type of relief, you divide the additional tax owed from your joint return, plus penalties and interest, between you and your spouse (or former spouse).
- Equitable Relief. If you do not qualify for innocent spouse relief or separation of liability, you may still be relieved of responsibility for tax, interest, and penalties through equitable relief.
IRS Audit Representation
Have you received a Notice of Audit and Examination Scheduled from the IRS? An IRS audit reviews an organization’s or individual’s accounts to ensure information is reported correctly. An IRS audit is a serious situation that you should not face alone. You don’t have to face an audit alone. We are qualified to represent you before the IRS and the Independent Office of Appeals examination division if necessary. Oftentimes, we can save taxpayers many times the cost of representation and quickly bring the audit to a close.
Levies and Seizures
Levies and liens are often confused, but they are quite different. A lien secures the government’s interest in your property when you don’t pay your tax debt. A levy actually takes the property to pay the tax debt. If you don’t pay or make arrangements to settle your tax liability, the IRS can levy, seize, and sell any personal property you own or have an interest in. Even your retirement accounts and home are fair game. If you have received a Notice of Intent to Levy please contact us immediately. After receiving a Final Notice of Intent to Levy, you only have 30 days to appeal the IRS’s intent to seize your money and/or other property.
Liens
A federal tax lien arises shortly after the IRS makes an assessment of your tax and sends you a demand for payment. A publicly filed Notice of Federal Tax Lien lets your creditors know the IRS has a claim against all your property–including property you may purchase in the future. Once the lien arises, the IRS generally will not release it until the taxes, penalties, and fees are paid in full. But there are actions you can take. If you contact us immediately, we may be able to file an appeal with the IRS and have your lien reconsidered. We can find out if the Statute of Limitations has expired or if your finances allow you to file as Currently Not Collectible. We can also diligently work to set up a payment plan with the IRS and get the lien revoked.
Offer in Compromise
An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. It may be a legitimate option if you can’t pay your entire tax liability or if doing so would create a financial hardship. The IRS will generally approve an offer in compromise when the amount offered represents the most it can expect to collect within a reasonable time. However, the Offer in Compromise program is not for everyone. We will analyze your financial situation to see if you are eligible. If you do not qualify for a compromise offer, we can recommend other payment options to resolve your tax debt.
Penalty Abatement
One of the worst things about IRS tax controversies is the penalties and interest tacked on to your original bill. There are penalties for late filing, late payment, and negligence, to name a few–and the interest on unpaid taxes can rapidly increase your total tax liability. If you are struggling with unpaid taxes plus additional penalties and interest, we can help. The IRS may abate specific penalties if there is reasonable cause and the failure was not due to willful neglect. Many taxpayers who have not previously had major issues with the IRS can qualify for a first-time penalty waiver. Generally, the IRS does not revoke interest charges, but some established interest suspension provisions do apply–especially where the IRS has made an error. We understand if you are overwhelmed by penalties and interest. They often appear arbitrary and unfair. We will carefully scrutinize your tax situation to see where penalties and/or interest may be waived.
Payroll Taxes Owed
Falling out of compliance with IRS payroll regulations can destroy your business, primarily if your business owes employment taxes. Not only that, but it can also ruin your finances. Perhaps you’ve gotten behind on payroll taxes through an oversight or a temporary lack of funds. Whatever the reason, it is essential to note that the IRS pays particular attention to small businesses that fall behind on their employees’ federal withholdings. If the IRS decides that your business has violated payroll tax rules, it may come after your personal bank accounts and assets–even if your business files for bankruptcy protection. If you have received correspondence from the IRS about payroll issues, you need experienced representation now. Let us help you resolve your payroll tax issues so you can get back to running your business.
Seizures
A Seizure is a levy on your property. The IRS can take your car, boat, jewelry, etc.–sometimes even your home–and then auction off your possessions to pay your taxes, interest, and penalties. If the IRS has notified you that they will seize your assets, you still have some legal rights concerning your property. You may qualify for an Offer in Compromise, Innocent Spouse Relief, or, if you are under severe financial duress, Not Collectable status. If the IRS has already taken your property, we can request an Asset Levy Release–it may be possible to get your possessions back.
Statute of Limitations
The Statute of Limitations dictates the time allocated for specific tax-related actions. For example, the IRS has three years to audit your tax return or send you a refund, but they have ten years to collect after a tax has been assessed. There are some exceptions to the ten-year collection rule. Knowing when the Statute of Limitations expires is essential, but knowing what to do with that information is just as important. The comprehensive report we provide as part of our Analysis Stage work shows the Collection Statute Expiration Date(s) (CSED).
Tax Representation and Resolution
Many issues can arise between taxpayers and the IRS. If you are facing an audit, lien, or wage garnishment, your future and reputation are at stake, and you should take immediate action. But going it alone can be a time-consuming nightmare and sometimes results in a worse outcome. We are qualified to resolve your tax problems and represent your best interests before the IRS.
Unfiled Returns
If you are behind on filing tax returns, you should do so immediately–even if you think you can’t pay. The penalties and interest you may face for not filing a return are often much worse than if you file but do not pay in full. You have nothing to gain by not filing tax returns except hefty fines and possible jail time. We can help. Once we have filed your missing return(s), we can help you work out a payment plan or an Offer in Compromise. The IRS will not accept any payment arrangement or revoke a lien or levy until all delinquent tax returns are filed.
Wage Levy (Wage Garnishment)
A Wage Levy occurs when the IRS sends a Notice of Levy to your employer demanding that he or she send a portion of your paycheck to the IRS. If your employer fails to comply, they could be held responsible for your tax debt. The IRS usually gets the bulk of your paycheck until your taxes are paid off and your relationship with your employer is put under a great deal of stress. If your wages are being garnished and you need help now, we can work with you to arrange a payment plan with the IRS that is far more tolerable than having your regular paycheck docked.
Why an Enrolled Agent?
An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by either passing an IRS test or through experience as a former IRS employee. Individuals with this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. Enrolled agents are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent and what types of tax matters they can handle. Don’t go before the IRS alone.