FAQ

Q:  What should I look for in a tax representative? 

A:  Track Record, Experience, Integrity. We have been in the tax problem resolution field since 1987.  Our company depends greatly on referrals from happy clients.  We do not have a sales force who will contact you to “sell” you on our company. You will get honest answers and will not be told something you want to hear just to make a “sale.”  You are encouraged to check with the local Better Business Bureau as a demonstration of our dedication to customer service. 

Q:  Why shouldn’t I handle my issues myself and use the money that I would pay a representative to pay my taxes? 
A:  Most people do not know how to deal with the IRS.  The Tax Code and IRS procedures are not widely known, understood and applied properly without specializing in the arena on a daily basis.  That factor of “unknowns” causes the formation of fear.  When you are afraid or have uncertainties about what the IRS can and can’t do, you become vulnerable and are not the most effective negotiator on your behalf.  We know your rights.  It is well worth the money spent to level the playing field, remove the fear factor and be assured you are utilizing every rule to your advantage.  

Q:  How much do your services cost?
A:  We offer a FREE Initial Consultation (in person or by telephone) to determine what services you require and give you a quote.  Our fees range from $500 on up, depending on how involved we will be and what your issues are.  You are under no obligation to hire us for having an initial consultation, but you will definitely know more about your rights and options.  Our goal is to make the decision to hire us financially sound.  In many cases our fee is insignificant when compared to the savings realized in taxes, penalties and interest.

 

IRS NOTICES/ AUDITS:

Q:  Will I go to jail?
A:  Not for simply owing taxes.  There must be an element of evasion, fraud or criminality which consists of intent to hide something in an effort to avoid paying taxes.  Because of this it IS critical that you get into compliance.  File the required returns and change what has caused you to owe in the past to avoid adding to any pattern of non-filing or non-payment. 

Q:  I received a notice that the IRS is going to take my car/ house.  Can they do that?
A:  Yes they can, but they usually won’t.   More often they do seize money such as bank accounts and paychecks.   The notice is to get your attention and call you to action.  If you make alternative arrangements, the IRS will not seize your assets.  You have certain time constraints and must act quickly to preserve your rights. 

Q:  I have heard of pennies on the dollar settlements.  Is this real?
A:  The IRS has an Offer in Compromise program whereby they agree to accept less than full payment to settle your tax debt.  In most cases, the settlement amount is based upon what you can afford.  It is not based on a certain percentage, and it is not automatic.  We can evaluate the likelihood of settling for less than is owed to give you a fresh start. 

Q:  I haven’t filed for several years.  Do I have to file now?
A:  If you have earned income in the United States or are a citizen of the United States you are obligated to file an annual income tax return.  Your duty is to prepare the most accurate return possible.  We can help you determine which years need to be filed and can obtain income and other third party information from the IRS to assist in the preparation of an accurate return. 

Q:  The IRS says I have to file or they will file for me.  I don’t have any records.  How can I file?
A:  You are required to file the most accurate return possible.  We can obtain all of the information the IRS has on your account and obtain other reliable statistical data to ensure the preparation of the most accurate return possible. 

Q:  I am being audited and I don’t have my records, am I going to lose my deductions?
A:  If you don’t have records in an audit, you are starting from a weaker position than if you have all of your records.  Don’t panic.  We are former IRS agents and this is a quite common occurrence.  Records get lost, damaged, etc.  There are alternative methods for determining reasonable allowances based on your circumstances.

Q:  The IRS is going to hold me personally accountable for a business I was involved with.  Can they do that?
A:  Even if you were an employee for a corporation or a volunteer for a non-profit organization, the IRS can assess the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty against you.  However, just because the IRS is proposing assessment / or may have already assessed you, does not mean that it is correct.  There are defenses and opportunities to protest this successfully.  

Q:  Do you handle State/ City issues?
A:   In most cases, the Federal resolution will affect a natural resolution with the State.  If the federal resolution does not automatically correct the state tax problem, we will give you advice on how to best resolve it.  We can represent you with the State and will offer to do so only when we know our expertise will be of benefit to you.  In other words, if we can tell you what to do and save you money, we will do just that.