IRS Law Blog

The time I spend helping my clients results in relationships that allows me to get to know them better.  I enjoy learning about my clients – many are small business owners, including everything from restaurateurs...

“How long does the IRS usually take to investigate an offer in compromise?” is a great question, and one I am often asked by clients. The answer is six to twelve months, on average, although...

Before jumping in with an offer in compromise, it is important to understand how the standardized IRS expense allowances apply to you, and how they can benefit you. Here is a valuable offer in compromise...

The offer in compromise program is the best known way to solve an IRS problem.  The compromise program is so popular that I often see clients who have submitted multiple offers, each one having been...

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...

I received a great question from a reader about whether Veteran’s disability benefits should be included in the value of an IRS installment agreement or offer in compromise. Although the question is directed to Veterans’ disability...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

The IRS is generally known to be prompt in processing offers in compromise. But the IRS is also known for losing files and not processing claims. Sometimes, things get washed into the big bureacracy. So,...

If you have had trouble paying taxes to the IRS in the past and would like to settle up, the first step is to ensure that you are paying your taxes now.  The IRS will...