IRS problems? 3 things to know before you jump in.

The best way to get relief from an IRS collection problem is to consider the complete picture before jumping in.  A quick way out may be desired, but it is important to look carefully before you leap.
Here are three things that I recommend that you carefully consider before taking on an IRS problem:
(1)     [...]

Offer in compromise: Here’s how to value your income in negotiating with the IRS

If you are considering an offer in compromise with the IRS, the amount of money you make can play a crucial role in your settlement.
In an offer in compromise, the IRS will take what you earn, subtract what you spend (provided it is within government allowances) and arrive out how much money you have every month to repay [...]

Collection due process appeals: Stop the IRS collection machinery, negotiate one on one

If you owe the IRS back taxes, it is not always enough to just be “right” when negotiating with the government.
You need to be right, but you also need to be in the right place and working with the right IRS person.  This increases the likelihood of a fair and impartial review of your case.
Getting to the [...]

IRS allowances: Expenses you may not need to verify in settling your tax debt

When negotiating a resolution to a tax problem, expect the IRS to ask for verification of your living expenses.  After verification, the IRS will likely match the amount you spend to their tables of allowances.
The IRS wants to know how much you can repay them – and the government relies on their standard expense allowances [...]

5 Things You Should Know About the IRS

As a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, it was exciting to see my article about solutions to today’s IRS collection problems as the cover story in March’s monthly bar journal.   
Here is a brief overview of the article - 5 Things You Should Know About the IRS:
(1)     The offer in compromise program is not as advertised on television.
(2)     IRS seizures of houses, personal [...]

IRS statute of limitations on collection: Be careful, these actions will extend it.

Tax problems do come to an end – the IRS has 10 years to collect a tax debt.  
But be careful:  The time the IRS has to collect can be unknowingly extended by you. 
The decisions you make in attempting to resolve your tax problem can impact when it ends.  As your collection statute gets closer to expiring, carefully think through the [...]

Five ways to lower the value of your offer in compromise

Being successful in an offer in compromise can depend on how much you know about IRS settlement guidelines.  An offer in compromise is a negotiation – you may have points to make with the IRS that only you can raise. 
Here are five pointers to lower the value of your offer in compromise: 
(1)      Make sure you claim property the IRS cannot take [...]

Offer in compromise: Avoiding an unseen IRS settlement cost

In today’s difficult economic times, every dollar counts.  An offer in compromise may help, but for many there is a hidden cost – lost tax refunds.  
Tax refunds increase the amount you pay to the IRS in an offer in compromise.   
Here’s why:  The terms of an offer in compromise requires the IRS to keep your tax refund for [...]

Ads for IRS problems: Be informed, get the facts

Pennies on the dollar!  Act now before its too late! The laws may change!
During first consultations, my clients often have questions about advertisements they have seen on television or heard on the radio about the IRS offer in compromise process.  Here is my response:
The IRS offer in compromise rejection rate is 75%. The IRS accepted only 11,000 offers [...]

IRS collections in troubled times

Everyday, I see how the IRS is responding to people hurt by the economy. The Journal of Tax Practice and Procedure asked me to write an article about it  - ”IRS Collections in Troubled Times.”
Current IRS enforcement is centered on recovering government money that was spent to stabilize the economy.  As a result, the IRS is [...]

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