This just in–The “Tax Lady” Roni Deutch has just been sued by the California attorney general for misrepresentation of her tax relief firm’s success rate and cheating distressed taxpayers out of thousands of dollars for upfront retainer fees that did not lead to actual tax resolutions.
According to ABC news, “Deutch entices clients with television ads that make false claims.” Roni Deutch is looking at more than $34 million in damages.
We have cautioned our readers in the past about the importance of staying wary of tax relief firms who misrepresent their ability to actually solve IRS problems. Many tax resolution firms will sell you tax relief stories that seem too good to be true–and they are.
Usually, these tax resolution firms will demand a large sum of payment upfront before any work is completed. If you are dealing with a tax resolution firm that is more concerned about when and how quickly you can pay them instead of how to best provide you with tax help, you need to walk out now.
One good way to check to see if you’re working with the right tax resolution firm for you is to familiarize yourself with the Better Business Bureau’s TrustLink Community. TrustLink is the online rating community for the Better Business Bureau, so you can check to see how your potential tax relief firm is rated on this site before committing to work with them. Just be careful–BBB’s scores can be skewed by the amount of people a firm serves. If a tax relief firm has served 5,000 clients over 3 years and has 20 complaints, that’s a 0.4% failure rate, or a 99.6% satisfaction rate. This can be misleading as the BBB only tracks complaints, not resolutions. Stay informed about how to read internet reviews and use it as a tool to determine the quality of your tax relief firm, but keep in mind there are other important pieces to the puzzle.
Don’t make yourself a victim in these difficult and confusing economic times. There are many more options for tax-burdened taxpayers than ever before, but the key is in choosing a tax relief company that is ethical in its approach. This includes clearly stating the service you will be receiving as well as guidance throughout the process. It is essential to choose a tax relief professional that will be there throughout the tax relief process and be responsible and responsive to your needs, otherwise you could find yourself with extra fees for services not rendered in addition to your original tax debt, additional interest and penalties. Before choosing to seek out professional tax help, do your research. Here are some questions to ask before hiring a tax attorney or Certified Tax Resolution Specialist.
At Tax Resolution Services, we conduct a thorough in-depth interview to see if the clients qualify for an IRS tax settlement. We offer transparency and offer realistic expectations for our clients in solving their individual tax problems. This ethical and honest approach to tax resolution has helped our team achieve a 99.7% client satisfaction rate in over 9,000 tax relief cases and an IRS tax settlement rate of $0.11 on the dollar. We have a success rate that’s second to none – having saved 52 million dollars in back taxes and IRS penalties since 1998.
Tax Resolution Services, Co. is dedicated to providing affordable solutions to businesses and individuals alike who find themselves in trouble with the IRS. Our expert team of tax attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists has a success rate of 90% – second to none in the industry – and an Offer in Compromise Settlement Rate of $0.11 on the dollar. For more information or to receive a FREE tax relief consultation, visit www.TaxResolution.com or call (888) 699-7630.
With the economy being low, tax scams are abundant these days. When I came across this question from a taxpayer, I thought it was important to address this. Many people are confused about why the IRS Offer in Compromise program was created and my answer below should satisfy you.
Question: I’ve read some of what you’ve said about the Offer in Compromise program. To be honest, I find it hard to believe. There are so many scams out there. I owe a good deal of money in back taxes, and I don’t know how I’ll pay it off. But why would the IRS agree to accept less than I owe?
Answer: Your skepticism is healthy. Indeed, there are a lot of scams out there today — many of them preying on people in tax trouble — and so you are wise to take a skeptical approach at first.
But I — and every other qualified tax professional out there — can assure you that the Offer in Compromise is not a scam. To understand why the IRS might be willing to accept less than you owe as part of a compromise offer, it’s important to understand the IRS’s position and mentality: Prior to use of the Offer in Compromise, the IRS often took a tough-as-nails approach with indebted taxpayers — knocking on doors, chasing taxpayers across the country, trying everything to collect what was owed.
During this period, the IRS began to realize that a gentler approach could actually be more effective. The irony is that the Offer in Compromise in many ways allows the IRS to collect more tax revenue than the more aggressive tactics netted. That’s exactly why the tax-collecting agency might be willing to accept less than you owe as part of a compromise offer.
Now, if you’re interested in filing an Offer in Compromise, the first thing you should do is consult a qualified tax professional. He or she will analyze your previous returns, establish the exact amount of your tax debt, and chart a course of action. Of course, you need to make sure you qualify for the Offer in Compromise program, and this is where you’re qualified tax professional can help. However, if you do not qualify, you may have other good options, such as the Installment Agreement.
Consumer Reviews and Negative Comments
At Tax Resolution Services, Co., we take the reputation of our company very seriously and we appreciate your feedback including both positive reviews and your suggestions for helping us in our continuous efforts to improve our services. And as a national tax relief firm that serves thousands of clients annually, we know that a company our size will never be without complaints.
While you may come across anonymous Internet complaints against Tax Resolution Services, Co., on opinion boards and ripoff reports, our proven track record demonstrates our commitment to serving our clients and achieving the best possible outcome for them. Our ethical and honest approach to tax resolution has helped us achieve a 99.7% client satisfaction rate in over 10,000 tax relief cases, while saving clients over 55 million dollars in back taxes and IRS penalties since 1998. We are so confident in the services we provide that we actually post our offer in compromise results on our web site (www.taxresolution.com) under “Tax Relief Success Rate.”
However, with some tax relief firms making headlines for misrepresenting their ability to resolve IRS problems, we know it’s important for us to expressly state that Tax Resolution Services, Co., is not a scam. We don’t make misleading and unrealistic guarantees for the outcome of our clients’ cases. We’re not out to defraud taxpayers of their hard-earned money. We know that IRS problems can cause an immense amount of fear and anxiety, and our mission and passion is to provide tax help to those who feel hopeless against the IRS. Therefore we are invested in more than just getting your business – our main focus is customer service and understanding your precise needs to achieve the best possible outcome for your specific case.
Tax Resolution Services Success Rate
Tax Resolution Services has a 99.7% customer satisfaction rating. That’s based on the inverse of our complaint ratio. While even a few complaints amongst thousands of satisfied customers are more than we’d like, we are proud that that only about 0.3% of our thousands of customers have filed a complaint. We work hard to achieve this level of satisfaction and as a qualified and ethical tax relief firm, we make a commitment to out clients that we will do everything in their best interest to resolve their case and make it a priority to be responsible and responsive throughout the tax resolution process.
But You Don’t Have to Take Our Word For It
Our customers depend on us to provide reliable and expert tax relief services and an exceptional customer experience. We do our best to meet and exceed their high standards. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Check out the Better Business Bureau’s TrustLink message board to see over 80 positive reviews from our satisfied clients! As the nation’s leading tax mediation and negotiation firm, we have been an accredited Better Business Bureau member for 12 years and continue to maintain the highest BBB rating in the tax relief industry.
We are also endorsed by well-respected public figures such asBill HandelandGlenn Beck. These guys know us and the quality of work we produce, and as national personalities with their own credibility on the line, they would never endorse a company they didn’t feel is stellar. They’ve turned down other tax relief firms in our industry, but have been proudly endorsing Tax Resolution Services for years.
Over the years we’ve also won numerous awards and recognitions. As CEO and founder of Tax Resolution Services, I recently earned CPA Magazine’s national recognition of Top Tax Advisor to Know During Recession and was also named an Executive of the Year Finalist in the 2009 American Business Awards.
We Welcome Your Feedback and Thoughts
We look forward to your feedback – both positive and negative – in our continuous endeavors to better serve our clients. We know there may be times during the tax resolution process that your case may appear to not be moving forward – however, this is never the case. There is much that goes on behind the scenes that involves a tremendous amount of communication between your team and the IRS and/or state agencies. Some cases can be completed quicker than others, depending on the IRS workload and how quickly you respond to providing necessary information when requested to do so. Your dedicated Case Specialist will keep you updated and do their best to respond to all forms of communication with you in a timely manner.
We Are Here For You
We have a Quality Assurance Division in place that most companies don’t. The Quality Assurance team works tirelessly to ensure that all lines of communication are open and that nothing goes unaddressed throughout the tax resolution process. If you have a complaint, know that our goal is 100% client satisfaction. If you are an existing client and you have a legitimate complaint or concern, please do not hesitate to contact your Case Specialist or Supervisor. If this does not resolve the problem, please ask to speak with a representative of our Quality Assurance team. They are in place to ensure we provide the highest level of IRS tax help, service and support to our customers.
Why We Don’t Respond To Anonymous Internet Complaints
We do not publicly respond to anonymous comments for several reasons. While we abide by federal privacy laws, we are also bound by our high standard of confidentiality to our clients. Since we are not able to discuss the specifics of a client’s case without his/her express permission, we would not be able to supply an informed rebuttal or response to Internet complaints that would provide value to either the complainer or other reader. So while you may choose to make the decision to post your complaint to the Internet, know that this will not help you get assistance with your concerns or help you resolve your IRS problems in any way. The best thing to do is contact us directly so we can help you with your situation.
Successfully Reaching a Resolution for Your IRS Problems
I founded Tax Resolution Services to help taxpayers struggling with IRS problems and it’s the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life! Since founding TRS in 1998, I have helped save clients well in excess of $55 million and settled thousands of cases for an average of $.11 on the dollar. We look at each individual’s circumstances and our tax attorneys and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists fight on their behalf to ensure the best possible outcome to their specific IRS tax problem.
For the past 13 plus years I’ve helped saved people from financial crisis, enabling and empowering them to turn their lives around so they can sleep at night and plan for a home and retirement for themselves and a future for their kids. That’s why people in crisis seek us out. We are an emergency room for people for who have tax problems and need a tax expert in their corner. We know how scary it can be when the government contacts you and they are going to look through your files. We take that fear away by knowing the Internal Revenue Service inside and out. We help people who have collection-related matters, bank levies, tax liens, or garnished wages. Additionally, we provide audit representation as well as negotiate tax settlements on the behalf of taxpayers. Our average client has four to eleven years of unfiled tax returns. It’s daunting, but fixable. There’s a solution to every problem.
We’ve helped thousands of taxpayers just like you by immediately taking their IRS problems off their dining room tables and directly into our office where we take over all communication with the IRS. We will work with you to provide the best solution for your individual circumstances while acting as your advocate during the tax resolution process to protect your rights and ensure that you are not obligating yourself to pay a penny more than what you have to. I encourage you to contact us today to begin the process of solving your IRS/STATE tax problems once and for all.
Are you a victim of investment fraud? Do you want to see those people who schemed you punished? Do you want to know how a US tax code can help you recover some of your losses? If you answered “yes” to any of these, this is your lucky day! Many people who fall victim to investment fraud (“Ponzi” schemes and the like), where you have lost all or most of your investment, may be eligible to recoup 30% to 40% of your losses under Internal Revenue Code 165. At Tax Resolution Services, we call this “Section 165 Representation” and it is a time consuming and complex process that you would not want to attempt on your own. The Tax Resolution Services team - comprised of tax attorneys and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists – will help you recover your investment fraud losses! In the meantime, enjoy the article below about a couple who scammed others and will pay dearly – both in fines and prison time:
A married couple in Portland, Ore., was convicted of nine counts of criminal tax violations spanning 10 years for their sale and promotion of abusive tax shelters.
Micaela Renee Dutson, 48, and Tony Dutson, 53, were convicted of conspiring to defraud the IRS, obstructing the IRS, causing clients to use bogus financial instruments in an attempt to pay their taxes, failing to file tax returns, and aiding and advising a client to file a false tax return. In all, according to the government, the Dutsons helped to defraud the IRS of approximately $7 million.
Micaela Dutson was a lawyer, and the couple used her law office in Tigard, Ore., to promote and sell abusive tax trusts for several years before moving to Arizona in 2003. The couple made more than $1 million dollars from the scheme and paid no income tax. The Dutsons also filed approximately 30 bogus tax returns, attempting to claim fraudulent refunds from the IRS totaling more than $185 million.
Tax Relief Tip: When shopping around for professional IRS tax relief, taxpayers must look beyond the fees quoted for tax resolution and also consider a company’s track record for achieving exceptional results for clients.
With the IRS knocking at the door for payment of back taxes, financially strapped taxpayers in desperate need of tax relief must be careful to avoid an increasing number of scams and schemers who may promise a quick solution but fail to deliver any real tax help.
Since 1998, the dedicated team of tax attorneys and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists at Tax Resolution Services (TRS) has built our reputation and we’ve achieved a 99.7% client satisfaction rate in over 9,000 tax relief cases – we pride in our ethical and transparent approach when serving our clients.
While we are definitely not the ‘cheapest’ firm out there, we are the most credible firm with incredible results. And we think this is pretty important! Unfortunately, there are some less-than-honest tax relief firms out there who have been making headlines for misleading taxpayers with questionably low fees that are later increased during the IRS negotiation process.
At TRS, we quote an upfront fixed fee for tax relief services based on a thorough client interview that allows our expert team of tax attorneys, CPAs and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists to evaluate a client’s potential to qualify for tax relief.
But don’t take our word for it. Here is what one of our clients, Brian S. from Burbank, CA had to say about us:
“After struggling for some time to get a complex situation resolved, I sought help from another provider with a lower rate, even though I knew how professional the TRS staff was. This was a big mistake, and before long I recognized that the other provider was completely missing several major points in my tax situation. At this point, I went to TRS and the situation got immediately back on track. Now I can sleep at night.”
There are many other firms that are rated ‘F’ by the Better Business Bureau who will be happy to take your money. However, the result you will receive, if you receive any result at all, will be far less than what we can achieve. When it comes to achieving your tax resolution, you get what you pay for.
Tax Resolution Services, Co. is dedicated to providing affordable solutions to businesses and individuals alike who find themselves in trouble with the IRS. Our expert team of tax attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists has a success rate of 90% – second to none in the industry – and an Offer in Compromise Settlement Rate of $0.11 on the dollar. For more information or to receive a FREE tax relief consultation, visit www.TaxResolution.com or call 866-IRS-PROBLEMS.
The tax resolution industry has become fierce in light of the wobbly current economic conditions – this means that the number of ‘scam’ tax resolution firms has grown exponentially! Numerous tax firms are representing themselves as #1 in tax resolution and making extreme claims of solving all your IRS tax problems and eliminating your tax debts.
We regularly come across tax resolution horror stories of individuals seeking tax help and signing up for tax assistance only to be left with unreturned phone calls and un-addressed letters forwarded from the IRS, causing the taxpayer to be burdened with further levies and penalties. We take these stories of tax resolution scams to heart; we are dedicated in being the most ethical tax resolution firm and are driven in our commitment to providing the highest level of service and support to taxpayers. We don’t make misleading and idealistic promises of clearing you of all of your tax troubles and we’re invested in more than just getting business – instead we focus on customer service.
We look at each individual’s circumstances and our tax attorneys and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists fight on their behalf to ensure the best possible outcome to their specific IRS tax problem.
But don’t take our word for it. Check out BBB’s TrustLink to see over 80 positive reviews from satisfied clients! TrustLink is the online rating community for the Better Business Bureau. As the nation’s leading tax mediation and negotiation firm, we have been an accredited Better Business Bureau member for 11 years and continue to maintain the highest BBB rating in the tax relief industry.
Ensure your decision in seeking tax help is a wise one! Be sure to check out your potential tax resolution firm or tax attorney’s BBB Report rating. TRS has saved taxpayers an excess of $52 million dollars in back taxes and IRS penalties and is committed to providing the highest level of IRS tax help, service and support to taxpayers since 1998. We have a B+ rating, which is outstanding compared to other firms in our industry (F ratings are uncomfortably high!).
Also keep in mind that BBB ratings can be skewed by the volume of people a company serves. If a tax relief firm has served 5,000 clients over 3 years and has 20 complaints, that’s a 0.4% failure rate, or a 99.6% satisfaction rate. This can be misleading as the BBB only tracks complaints, not resolutions. Clients cannot withdraw a complaint once it is filed with the BBB – even if they received a full refund from the tax attorney and 100% satisfaction. Google-ing the words “complaint”, “rip-off” or “scam” with the tax resolution firm’s name or individual tax attorney’s name is another useful way to make sure you’re making an informed decision. You can also check the state’s bar to see if the tax attorney you’re considering has any complaints made against them.
Tax Resolution Services, Co. is dedicated to providing affordable solutions to businesses and individuals alike who find themselves in trouble with the IRS. Our expert team of tax attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists has a success rate of 90% – second to none in the industry – and an Offer in Compromise Settlement Rate of $0.11 on the dollar. For more information or to receive a FREE tax relief consultation, visit www.TaxResolution.com or call 866-IRS-PROBLEMS.
I am delighted Tax Resolution Services, Co., has received the industry’s highest Better Business Bureau rating and our distinctive Quality Assurance Division is recognized, acknowledging our commitment to providing the highest level of service and support to taxpayers!
In the current climate of heightened IRS enforcement and increasing consumer complaints about tax relief scams, Tax Resolution Services, Co., maintains the highest Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating in the industry. As the nation’s leading tax negotiation and mediation firm, we have been an accredited Better Business Bureau member for 11 years and have saved taxpayers an excess of $52 million dollars in back taxes and IRS penalties since 1998.
We have over 80 positive reviews that taxpayers can read on the BBB web site. Our tax relief firm also has a Quality Assurance Division in place that most companies don’t, which further demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest level of IRS tax help, service and support to taxpayers.
Here are some kind words from Brian S., one of our clients from Chandler, Az. “My case specialist was Dmitry who was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and comforting as well. I am so busy so when I need to get in touch with someone I hope to be able to do so right away. Dmitry was always available and very easy to get in touch with. He did a fantastic job of keeping me in the loop.”
With some tax relief firms making headlines for misrepresenting their ability to resolve IRS problems, it is more important than ever for taxpayers to check the reputation of prospective tax relief providers, such as their BBB rating. A qualified and ethical tax relief firm will be responsible and responsive throughout the tax resolution process for those seeking IRS tax relief. We make a commitment to our clients that we will do everything in their best interest to resolve their case. We’re invested in more than just getting their business; our focus is on customer service and we are very invested in the client and the outcome.
Tax Resolution Services, Co. is dedicated to providing affordable solutions to businesses and individuals alike who find themselves in trouble with the IRS. Our expert team of tax attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists has a success rate of 90% – second to none in the industry – and an Offer in Compromise Settlement Rate of $0.11 on the dollar. For more information or to receive a FREE tax relief consultation, visit www.TaxResolution.com or call 866-IRS-PROBLEMS.
Question: A friend told me I should be concerned about doing an Offer in Compromise. He said there are a lot of tax scams out there. How can I know if an Offer in Compromise is for me, and how can I know I’m not being scammed?
Answer: Your friend isn’t wrong about tax scams. Of course, scams are everywhere, in every industry. Every year around this time, right after people have filed their tax returns and begin to realize they’re in significant tax debt, the number of scams reported begins to rise. I’ll answer your question in two parts:
First, determining whether the Offer in Compromise is for you is something you should do with the help and consultation of a qualified tax professional. Among your initial steps should be to determine whether you even qualify for the program. If you owe a substantial amount to the IRS and you now lack the means to pay that amount, you may qualify for the program.
A qualified tax professional will analyze your previous returns, assess your current situation, and provide you with a determination of whether an Offer in Compromise would be good for you. If you are among those who qualify, an Offer in Compromise can reduce your tax debt significantly.
Now, the second part: Scam artists often prey on those with tax troubles, particularly at this time of year. Some will even claim they have experience negotiating Offers in Compromise with the IRS. But most of these scam artists are fly-by-night operations using questionable marketing tactics.
If you are indeed in need of tax advice, you should research the background of your tax professional: How many years in practice? Does he or she have references? Is he or she licensed? A member of professional associations? If you need tax help, make sure you find a qualified tax professional.
This latest news goes to show how no one is safe from IRS scrutiny-not even its own employees.
One IRS employee was found guilty of deliberately under-reporting her actual income by neglecting to disclose the money she made from selling her used clothing and other merchandise on eBay.
According to WebCPA, “She had unreported income of $15,320 in 2004 and $21,062 in 2005. Between 2000 and 2005, she was involved in over 7,000 eBay transactions.”
I’ve always cautioned taxpayers that it is erroneous to believe that the IRS won’t come after you because of “A, B, or C.” While it is true that taxpayers who make over $100,000 a year are twice as likely to get audited, it does not mean that you are safe if you make less and are cheating on your taxes.
With the current struggling economy and the government desperate for revenue, the IRS is more relentless than ever to catch and penalize tax cheats. Don’t risk your financial future–the money you “save” by cheating on your taxes is not worth what you will end up owing in back taxes and interest–not to mention possible jail time.
If you have unfiled tax returns and owe the IRS money, you can get expert tax help from a tax attorney, CPA, or Certified Tax Resolution Specialist. You are giving yourself a better chance at settling your tax debt by proactively resolving your IRS problems today.
Tax Resolution Services is a team of expert tax attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists who are here to help you with your tax problems. Call our office today at 1-866-IRS-PROBLEMS for a free tax resolution consultation or visit www.taxresolution.com.
Pradeep Bali, 56, of Fresno, Calif., was sentenced to six months in prison for tax evasion. According to prosecutors, Bali is a self-employed real estate agent and co-owner of Realty World Starr and First Continental Mortgage Starr, both in Fresno. Bali pleaded guilty on August 17, 2009, and admitted that he submitted a false tax return for the year 2000. He falsely inflated losses or did not report income to one of his businesses, resulting in a tax loss of $79,000.
April 15th has come and gone–if you’re one of many struggling taxpayers who either did not have enough money to pay your taxes in full or have not yet filed your return, there’s still hope!
The key is to file any tax returns that are due as soon as possible to avoid additional interest, penalties and potential IRS collection tactics, such as a levy on your bank account.
Even if you were to send in a $10 check along with your tax return, it’s better than not filing at all. So if you’re a late filer, strap down and get your taxes done to avoid any more IRS trouble.
For those who have years of unfiled taxes or unpaid IRS back taxes, I urge you to learn how to find a well-qualified Certified Tax Resolution Specialist versus falling for tax relief “quick fixes” that are oftentimes scams. Lately, tax resolution scams are on the rise as unethical tax relief companies are taking advantage of the increased number of taxpayers under threat of IRS audits and back taxes. Learn how to protect yourself and how to choose a qualified Certified Tax Resolution Specialist.
At Tax Resolution Services, we know that IRS tax problems can cause an immense amount of fear and anxiety. Our mission and passion is to provide tax help to those who feel hopeless against the IRS. Our ethical and honest approach to tax resolution has helped our team achieve a 99.7% client satisfaction rate in over 9,000 tax relief cases.
Our dedication to helping our clients has been nationally recognized and endorsed by Glenn Beck, one of America’s leading radio and television personalities, as a recommended provider of solutions for taxpayers with IRS problems. Watch the video below to learn more:
You can learn more tax help tips and advice by checking out our previous IRS tax debt relief newsletters.
If you owe the IRS over $15,000 in back taxes, have unfiled returns, or are under audit, our team is here to help you negotiate a settlement of up to 85% off the original amount owed, including penalties and interest if you qualify. Call our office today at 1-866-IRS-PROBLEMS or visit www.taxresolution.com.
With April 15th’s tax filing deadline come and gone, taxpayers still need to stay alert about their IRS tax relief options, what common filing mistakes to watch out for, and how to avoid tax relief scams.
Recently, Brian Compton–president of Tax Resolution Services and tax relief expert, was interviewed for the Loop21 to share some top tax help tips with taxpayers who have been busy this tax season.
Read on for expert tax help tips you should not miss:
Common Tax Filing Mistakes
Not signing and dating your tax return. Even if you send in your tax return on time, it is not considered filed unless you sign and date your forms. If you’re filing jointly, both you and your spouse must sign the forms for it to be complete. Submitting an incomplete tax return will result in IRS penalties and interest.
Writing in the incorrect social security number or forgetting to write your social security number. This may seem easy but it makes a big difference–double-check your data entry before you submit your forms.
Failing to report all of your income. This is common during a tough economy where people are in-between jobs or working multiple jobs. Make sure you report everything you earned in order to avoid IRS penalties.
Common Tax Relief Scams
Phishing (a tactic used by Internet-based thieves to steal financial informaiton, including bank accounts, etc.) reports the IRS. Remember: the only official IRS Web site is located at www.irs.gov.
Some people are calling taxpayers to get their financial information by referring to stimulus rebates. The government will not email or call you to get this information–please do not reveal personal information over unreliable networks.
Taxpayers who earn more than $100,000 a year are twice as likely to get audited than taxpayers who make less–if you’re in this category, make sure you only claim legitimate expenses and deductions that you can substantiate with documents
It’s a good idea to get expert tax help to get your taxes filed; the more complex your taxes get, the better it is to get expert tax help to avoid IRS problems
Tax Resolution Services is a team of expert tax attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists. We’re here to help you with your tax problems–call our office today at 1-866-IRS-PROBLEMS for a free, no-risk tax resolution consultation or visit www.taxresolution.com.
As the April 15th tax filing deadline fast approaches, taxpayers who owe the IRS back taxes may be desperately searching for “quick fix” tax settlements to resolve their IRS debt.
I strongly urge to not fall for these “fast and easy” tax relief settlements–especially if you have not done extensive research on the tax relief company.
A recent MSNBC article cautioned taxpayers against falling for tax resolution promises that sound too good to be true. According to the article, “Instead of describing the long odds [of winning a tax settlement], many tax debt settlement companies sweet talk clients. Then they take large up-front payments — prices start at $3,000 and climb fast from there – but do little or nothing to help with the tax problem.”
Many tax relief companies promise taxpayers the world in order to retain them for a large fee. Once they retain these clients, they move on to sell to the next potential client without working to help the retained ones. If you’re already in IRS debt, you do not need to add wood to the fire by paying a tax resolution firm thousands of dollars if they do not do anything to help resolve your tax debts.
The article also quotes our friend Larry Lawler, executive director of the nonprofit American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, which advocates for tax experts that help consumers with debt.
While freely admitting some firms that aggressively advertise are trying to dupe consumers, he says a few bad apples have given his industry “a black eye that is underserved.”
Lawler said that despite the mine field of tax settlement firms, consumers often do need professional help to address their tax debt — and ignoring it simply makes things worse. In an attempt to help consumers find honest help, his agency offers a certification program, though so far only about 100 professionals around the country have completed it.
Check out our tax help article on how to avoid IRS tax relief scams to learn more about how to protect yourself and your financial well-being.
Tax Resolution Services will qualify our potential clients before taking them on. Our expert team of tax attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists are here to help you resolve your IRS tax problems for good. Call our office today at 1-866-IRS-PROBLEMS for a free tax resolution consultation or visit www.taxresolution.com.
The IRS has released its annual ‘Dirty Dozen’ list, and it offers 12 reasons why you should only take tax advice from a respected tax professional.
One of the worst days in the American calendar nears: Tax Day.
Many Americans simply dread this day in mid-April, and if you’re one of the thousands of taxpayers behind on taxes or owing a tidy sum to the IRS, then you are no doubt among those not looking forward to April 15.
But be warned: As a result of your tax troubles, you may be at an even higher risk of falling victim to one of the many tax scams on the market today.
The IRS released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list to spread the word about some of today’s prevalent tax scams.
They are:
Return Preparer Fraud
U.S. taxpayers more often than not find themselves in tax troubles after employing the services of a shady return preparer. Many of these preparers charge inflated fees or skim a portion of each refund. Ask around about your tax preparer before choosing to do business with him or her.
Hiding Income Offshore
In recent years, the IRS has become incredibly aggressive in finding taxpayers who hide their money overseas.
Phishing
Have you received a weird e-mail claiming to be from the IRS? Chances are, it’s a scam.
False or Misleading Forms
Some scam artists use false information in order to procure tax refunds.
Nontaxable Social Security Benefits
Falsely exaggerating a Social Security withholding — thereby reducing taxable income — is a common scam that can result in a $5,000 fine.
Abuse of Deductions
Be wary of anyone who advises you to use a charity to shield income or claim excessive deductions. The IRS often opens investigations into such claims.
Frivolous Arguments
Heard from a guy who says the government has no right to collect taxes from you? Walk away. That’s a frivolous tax argument, and using it will only get you in trouble.
Abusive Retirement Plans
Be cautious about following advice to shift assets into IRAs in order to avoid tax obligations. These moves are usually not allowed.
Disguised Corporate Ownership
Don’t use corporate entities to hide income or inflate deductions. This will only trigger flags when the IRS reviews your return.
Zero Wages
Reporting $0 in income, even when an employer has provided evidence of income to the IRS, is an increasingly common tax-avoidance scheme. It does not work.
Misuse of Trusts
It’s a bad idea to use private annuity trusts and foreign trusts to shift income into or to deduct personal expenses from. The IRS is accustomed to investigating these claims.
Fuel Tax Credit
While farmers may be eligible for large fuel tax credits, the average taxpayer is not. Don’t follow any advice to file a large fuel tax credit.
Scam artists are out in force just before Tax Day. If you need tax advice this month, seek out a professional with a solid reputation.
If you or someone you know needs tax help, don’t hesitate to hire a tax attorney, CPA, or Certified Tax Resolution Specialist to fight on your side. Tax Resolution Services is a team of tax experts who resolve tax problems every day. Call our office at 1-866-IRS-PROBLEMS for a free, no-risk tax resolution consultation or visit www.taxresolution.com for more tax help advice.
News, commentary, insight, tips and humor from tax expert Michael Rozbruch
Michael Rozbruch is a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist, a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and a Maryland CPA.
IRS PROBLEMS?
If you find yourself in trouble with the IRS and need professional tax attorney and tax resolution services, call (888) 699-7630. Effective tax negotiation and representation means that your tax attorney, Certified Tax Resolution Specialist or CPA will take over all communications with the IRS, filing any delinquent tax returns to bring you to full IRS compliance while vigorously defending your rights as a taxpayer to permanently resolve your back taxes and IRS problems.
