Tax Attorney and Tax Resolution Services: IRS Help Blog » Free Tax Consultation

Ask the Certified Tax Specialist – Small Business Back Taxes

TRS — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:09:05 +0000

Question:

I have several years of unfiled tax returns and owe around $25 thousand dollars in back taxes to the IRS for my small business. I know I need to take care of this huge burden but I’m overwhelmed, what help is out there get me out of this mess?

Answer:

First, addressing your IRS tax issues right now is the first step towards finding the tax relief you need. There is a solution to your problem, and it may not be your first choice, but it will get you out from under the tax debt and back into tax compliance and help relieve some of the stress.

You don’t have to tackle the IRS alone. Consider hiring a certified tax resolution specialist or a tax attorney to increase your chances of settling back tax debt for the lowest possible amount. Your certified tax resolution specialist will then be able to advise you of your options – and you do have options such as IRS payment plans that you can live with. However, keep in mind not all tax resolution specialists are created equal.

Certified Tax Resolution Specialists (CTRS) are licensed and credentialed professionals (including tax attorneys, CPA’s and enrolled agents) who must meet educational, experience and examination requirements prescribed by the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS). They work directly with the IRS on a client’s behalf to achieve the best possible outcome for your IRS tax settlement.

Entrusting your financial matters to a total stranger should not be taken lightly. You are strongly encouraged do a quick check online of each business to make sure you are hiring the most credible tax resolution firm on your list. Here is a checklist to follow:

Google the name of the company, then use scam, rip-off next to the company name.
Check online BBB rating, accreditation and TrustLink reviews for consumer satisfaction.
Check company credentials of affiliations for current status. Check state bar association if the firms have tax attorney’s to check status and if there are any complaints.
Check the company’s social media efforts such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Review all posts and comments, both good and bad.

After this review, you should get a good idea of business who is about to represent you. This extra work will be worth the effort when the expert tax attorney or certified tax resolution specialist you chose resolves your IRS tax issues for good.

For a free, no-risk consultation, please call our office – Tax Resolution Services – at (888) 699-7630.

Tax Resolution Services BBB Rating

TRS — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:13:08 +0000

With tax season fast approaching, those who need IRS tax relief are encouraged to examine the qualifications of tax resolution specialists before they hire help. Searching the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) TrustLink Reviews is a great resource for such an investigation. Every year, the BBB receives feedback from people suffering from IRS debt.

TrustLink reviews include comments from consumers acknowledging their experiences, good and bad. Tax Resolution Services, Co. (TRS) holds TrustLink reviews in high esteem and are proud to be one of the tax resolution firms with the MOST reviews and one of the highest ratings. Over the years, we have secured the the most credible firm with the most credible results reputation. See our rating: http://bit.ly/xmiwq2

What helps to distinguish TRS from other firms are the following:

An accredited member of the Better Business Bureau since 1998.
A National Certified Tax Relief Firm with one of the Highest BBB Ratings in our field.
Certified Tax Resolution Specialists as certified by the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS).
Hundreds of reviews

Because the IRS holds you personally responsible for all the information you provide them, it is imperative you do your homework and make sure the person or firm you are entrusting your finances with is credible – don’t be fooled by slick ads that seem too good to be true, because they usually are.

Below are two websites that are easy to use and help you make an informed choice: BBB and Google.

BBB TrustLink Reviews

Check out a potential tax attorney or tax resolution specialist/firm on the Better Business Bureau’s website: bbb.org. Typically, the BBB only tracks complaints and not resolutions but company responses to the complaint are often posted so you can see how disputes are handled.
Make sure to note the grade rating (example: B+), read all the BBB analysis and then read the Trust Link reviews for this company.

Trust Link reviews will give helpful feedback from previous client experiences and after reading them, you should get an idea of the service and satisfaction the company provides.

Google Search

Google the founder’s name and check his/her credentials. You need to know who’s running the business you are about to employ.
Google the company name with the words “complaint,” “rip-off” and “scam.”
Google your state’s bar (if there are tax attorneys) and check for complaints.
Google all their professional trade affiliations and associations including ASTPS and check current status.
Google Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to examine their social media posting activity. The more reputable the company, the more timely information is posted. The benefit is that you will be able to see both the good and bad comments.

Now that you have more information, you can feel confident about contacting the tax resolution firm worthy of your business and make an appointment for a free consultation. You will be able to articulate details, ask relevant questions and be relieved to know your IRS tax issues are in the hands of certified tax resolution specialists giving expert guidance and beneficial results.

IRS Compliance Could Cost Big Banks Big Money

TRS — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:30:09 +0000

As a certified tax resolution specialist, I have said it many times before; it never pays to hide from the IRS. Nowhere is that more apparent than with the government crackdown on off-shore tax evaders. The creation in 2010 of Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) set into motion serious U.S. efforts to combat tax evasion by U.S. taxpayers with investments in offshore accounts. Not only do FATCA regulations have worldwide financial institutions disclosing the secret names of wealthy US investors, it also has them paying a pretty penny to ensure compliance with US tax laws.

A recent article by Reuters, Tax Evasion Law Could Cost Big Banks $100 million, reveals the reality multinational banks are facing in order to comply with aggressive IRS laws aimed at tackling tax evasion outside US borders. At a recent conference organized by Italy’s asset management association, Assogestioni, a top asset manager and a tax lawyer told the conference the perceived costs of FATCA to multinational institutions was estimated at $100 million apiece to implement in one-off systems costs.

Under the terms of FATCA, the IRS mandates all U.S. taxpayers with financial assets outside the United States report those assets to the IRS. In addition, FATCA requires foreign financial institutions to report directly to the IRS information regarding financial accounts held by U.S. taxpayers, or held by foreign entities in which U.S. taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest. Some aspects of FATCA have been labeled “draconian” partly because they place compliance cost burdens largely on European financial institutions and that they only benefit the IRS. Detractors complain that the new law changes them from bankers and business professionals into agents for the IRS.

However, analysts believe that in spite of the initial expense to large banks, the estimated collection of $8.5 billion USD over the next 10 years is just too large for the IRS to ignore and would be hard to dispute. James Broderick, head of Europe, Middle East and Africa for JP Morgan Asset Management, believes banks and wealth managers will need to accept that FATCA will go into effect starting June 2013, and once implemented, will most likely change their business models. This news shows worldwide tax shelters caving to IRS pressure to pay up. It also demonstrates the power the most aggressive collection agency has on a global scale.

Don’t want to wait for the IRS to knock on your door; resolve IRS tax issues now! For those individuals who missed the deadline to report off-shore account income, it is imperative you do so now with the help of a tax attorney, tax resolution specialist or CPA expert in off-shore tax evasion. By being timely, proactive, and with an off-shore tax professional on your side to resolve your case, you can improve your chances for a negotiated IRS offshore tax settlement and reduction of severe penalties placed on these cases.

Filing False Tax Return Gets New Mexico Man Maximum Penalty

TRS — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:34:15 +0000

A 60-year-old general contractor in Tijeras, N.M., received the harshest sentence possible for filing a false tax return — three years in prison.

Robert A. Fout admitted that he concealed from the IRS income he made from his contracting work. Fout admitted he did not report $16,754 in income in 2005, $66,961 in 2006, $32,604 in 2007, and $322,195 in 2008.

As part of his plea agreement, Fout agreed to pay $153,416 in restitution to the IRS and $33,999.84 to the State of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.

At Tax Resolution Services we always say that it doesn’t pay to cheat on your taxes! If you’ve got tax problems, like owing back taxes, one of our Certified Tax Resolution Specialists can help you. For a free, tax relief consultation call us at (888) 699-7630 today.

Tax Problems Affect 1 out of 6 Americans

TRS — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:55:51 +0000

Tax Problems Affect 1 out of 6 Americans – If You Need Tax Help, You’re Not Alone!

1 in 6 Americans has a tax problem; that’s approximately 26 million people! In this video, shot at Tax Resolution Services headquarters, I talk about how terrifying IRS tax stress can be and how scared people are with their overwhelming tax problems. I see this happening in my practice every day. The IRS is a very intimidating tax collector and with their collection efforts on the rise, Americans need to know how their options for tax relief.

Tax-stressed Americans who fail to take action should worry as not resolving tax debt is not a sustainable approach. Like receiving a serious medical diagnosis that requires treatment, doing nothing with tax problems only makes matters worse.

The first step to recovery is to quickly get sound professional advice from a highly qualified tax relief professional, especially if you owe $25,000 or more, have multiple years of unfiled returns or the IRS wants to audit you. A reputable tax resolution specialist will step in and help you understand your options and provide much needed relief. However, it is important to research the firms specializing in tax relief on your list as not all are what they claim to be. Below are suggestions that can help you devise a plan that goes from sad statistic to tax problem recovery.

Here are three key considerations (highlighted below the video) to making your plan:

1. Get a consultation from a certified tax resolution specialist
Tax resolution professionals offering IRS help are typically more expert than most accountants at tax resolution and employ highly trained tax accountants and attorneys on staff to deal with a litany of difficult tax problems. Reputable tax resolution specialists do business nationally often corresponding over the phone and electronically (so a local office is not needed).

Important note: Check the credentials of each and every firm you are considering, your financial life is in their trust. Conducting simple research will give you piece of mind, and save you time and money in the long run. Here are some points to consider when you search the web:

Google – the company name and owner’s name – know their credentials. Also check social media efforts such as Facebook or LinkedIn for reviews. If the firm has tax attorneys, check that state’s bar for any complaints.
BBB + Trust Link reviews – will give you a good sense of the firm’s practices and sense of client satisfaction from the tone of the reviews.
Check the success rate for cases like yours. Can’t find the information online? Call the company and inquire. If you do not receive and answer right away, take this firm off your list and move on to one who can answer right away.

2. Determine the nature of your tax problems
Understanding the nature of your tax debt will help you locate the best firm with the best results for your specific needs. Ask yourself the following:

What type of tax problems are they? Personal income tax, business tax problems including payroll tax issues, estate taxes, charity or foundation tax issues? Are these issues both federal and state? It will be important to relay this important information to your tax resolution specialist so they can build a strong case.

Have you been approached by the IRS, or have you just discovered the problem? For example, do new FBAR requirements (Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) apply to your situation? If so, make sure the firms on your list have the staff on hand to help resolve this specific issue?

3. Get your records in order
Are your records legible and can you attempt a true reckoning of what happened? You will eventually need to in order to resolve this matter, so there’s no time like the present to get organized and begin gathering the pieces together. By taking this proactive approach, you will be better able to articulate your situation to a tax resolution specialist and ultimately feel better about getting your tax problems behind you.

By reviewing these three steps, you won’t fear looking over your shoulder and the mailbox any longer. Placing this matter into the hands of a certified tax resolution specialist to determine the best tax resolution strategies, will go a long way to improving your overall well-being and result in a long-term healthy diagnosis.

There is comfort in knowing that you are not alone with your tax problems, but having a firm like Tax Resolution Services, Co. on your side is even more comforting as that puts a foot in the right direction. You can call us at 866-IRS Problems today or 888-699-7630. Put Your IRS Problems Behind You – NOW!

Need Tax Relief? Do Your Homework Before Hiring A Specialist

TRS — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:35:43 +0000

The reason I got into this business was to help people with their tax issues. Our clients found that dealing with the IRS directly often made their situation harder to resolve and more difficult to understand. The nature of tax problems is inherently complicated and we sought to simplify that process by providing expert guidance that resulted in getting the best possible tax settlement on behalf of our clients.

Tax Resolution Services is a pioneer in the tax problem resolution industry – when we first started, there weren’t any firms helping individuals to resolve these issues. Now, there are so many claiming to offer tax relief services, that you don’t know who to choose. The video (below) filmed in our corporate offices; serves as an advisory to tax stressed individuals who may need to hire a tax resolution expert. Not all “specialists” who claim to deal with tax resolution are equal. Do your homework and research the firms who have proven success with your particular issue.

The video highlights important points when researching a tax resolution specialist listed below:

Certification and education show credibility

Look for someone who is a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS). These licensed professionals (including tax attorneys, CPA’s and enrolled agents) must meet educational, experience and examination requirements prescribed by the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS). There are only about 200 Certified Tax Resolution Specialist in the country.

Determine the nature of your tax issue

What type of tax issues are they? Personal income tax, business tax problems?

Does the IRS know about the issue yet or have you just discovered it? If so, will the firm have the staff on hand to help resolve this particular issue?

Are your records organized and can you attempt a true reckoning of what happened?

Google it! – Check the firm’s credentials

Google the company name with the words “complaint,” “rip-off” and “scam.” If the firm has a tax attorney (or several), check with your state’s bar to see if there are complaints rendered against them. If they are not ASTPS Certified, consider the following: How many years is the firm in practice? Does he or she have references? Is he or she licensed? Google their professional trade affiliations and associations and check up-to-date status.

Google the founder’s name and check his/her credentials. Find out whose trust you are employing.

Check their social media efforts (hopefully, they have them) like Facebook and LinkedIn. Check the posting activity. The more reputable the company the more content and information will be posted. You will be able to see all comments both good and bad.

Better Business Bureau: a measure of good business practice

Check out a potential tax attorney or tax resolution specialist/firm with the Better Business Bureau’s website: bbb.org. Make sure to note the grade rating (example: B-) and read all the BBB analysis and Trust Link reviews for this company. These reviews will give helpful feedback from previous client experiences and give you an idea of the satisfaction and service this company provides.

Don’t be penny-wise and dollar-foolish with your taxes

Look for value and the number of services you get from a firm. Don’t just lock onto a tax attorney or tax resolution firm’s low price. Instead, determine what their success rate is for situations similar to yours and how much they saved their clients.

After conducting your research, and narrowing down your list, pick up the phone and contact the company(s) directly to make an appointment for a consultation. Armed with your research information, you will be able to articulate details and ask relevant questions. Endeavor to put your tax issues in the hands of a tax resolution specialist with the most incredible results who will confidently help to put your IRS problems behind you.

Tax Relief News: Michael Rozbruch Named a Finalist for Executive of the Year by Stevie Awards

TRS — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:52:46 +0000

I am very excited to announce that the Stevie Awards has named me as a finalist for the Executive of the Year in 2011!

Started in 2002, the Stevie Awards has been honoring and generating public recognition of the accomplishments and positive contributions of the companies and business people worldwide each year.

Other finalists for Executive of the Year include Maryann Von Seggern of Cisco, Talbott Roche from Blackhawk Network, and Michael G. Kessler of Kessler International. I am honored to be in such great company and to be publicly recognized along with such stellar leaders of the nation’s top companies!

When I found out the news, I felt a positive reinforcement of just how much people value genuine dedication to client needs. I’m a firm believer in educating the American consumer so that they know how to: (1) stay out of IRS trouble; and (2) how to get good-quality help if they owe unpaid back taxes.

I am so proud to share this accomplishment with you and urge you to stay tuned for the exciting results!

Stevie Award winners will be determined in final judging, to take place May 16-27, and will be announced at the ninth annual awards banquet in New York City on June 20.

Michael Shares IRS Dirty Dozen 2011 on Big Biz Show For Consumers Struggling With Paying Taxes

TRS — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:06:12 +0000

Happy post-Tax Day everybody! I hope for most of you, this means a big sigh of relief and a weight off your shoulders. However, if you didn’t have enough money to pay your taxes or have not yet filed, do not despair just yet. There’s still plenty ways you can get tax help to stay out of IRS trouble and keep those penalties low.

Last week I sat down with Russ & Sully of the Big Biz Show to talk about the Dirty Dozen of 2011. So if you haven’t seen this yet, check it out:

1) Filing a Tax Return Is Voluntary: It isn’t. You have a legal obligation to file your taxes and pay them every year. If you’re not doing this because you “don’t feel like it,” that will surely invite IRS trouble.

2) The Zero Return: I’ve seen some of these when I work with my clients. This is basically a scam that has become increasingly common over the years. Taxpayers list zero for wages earned on tax returns, and if questioned, claim their income is not taxable. When questioned, the consumer will claim that they’re not a “person” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

3) The IRS Is Not an Agency of the United States: This conspiracy theory claims the IRS is a private company.

4) The IRS Must File Your Return: If you don’t file your return, the IRS is obligated to file one for you. At least, that’s the claim. It’s untrue. The IRS will file a return based on all your 1099s and W-2s and file you as married filing separate even if you’re married with 6 kids. They will file you without any considerations for expenses—such as if you have a business or if you have stock trades. They tax you based on your 1099B without the basis. And that’s what they do to grab your attention for failure to file. So don’t make the mistake of thinking that the IRS is doing your homework for your benefit–they’re not.

5) Wages for Services Are Not Taxable: Some claim that a service has a market value that is equal to the compensation received. So if the service provided has a market value of $100, and payment received is $100, then there’s no taxable income since the transaction is a wash. A good logic trick, right? Trouble is, it’s a frivolous argument.

6) Only Foreign Income Is Taxable: Others will claim income earned in the United States isn’t taxable.

7) Federal Reserve Notes Are Not Income: A common argument claims U.S. currency is not taxable. This is a common argument that US currency is not taxable. Now, today it is. But hopefully they won’t drop the US dollar as the world currency reserve and change that.

8 ) Citizenship Claim: To avoid income taxes, some claim they have rejected U.S. citizenship in favor of state citizenship and are therefore not subject to U.S. income taxes. No matter how you tweak it, being a citizen of California also means you’re a citizen of the United States, which means: you need to pay your taxes.

9) The Person Argument: Related to the citizenship claim, the person argument maintains that the taxpayer is not a person, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. The claim is that the “person” is an entity and that an entity per the Internal Revenue Code are the only ones that are supposed to pay tax (also wrong).

10) Federal Employees: Only federal employees are subject to federal income taxes, or so this argument claims. It’s untrue.

11) Plead the Fifth: Some taxpayers will not file returns by claiming Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. This has no basis in law.

12) Sixteenth Amendment Loophole: This argument is based on the premise that all federal income tax laws are unconstitutional because the Sixteenth Amendment was not officially ratified or because the State of Ohio was not properly a state at the time of ratification. It is, of course, a frivolous argument.

There’s a difference between people who cannot afford to pay their taxes but want to stay out of IRS trouble and those who just flat out refuses to pay taxes on principle. If you’re a struggling law-abiding citizen who just happen to come across rough economic times, we’re here to help you.

Even if you don’t have any money to pay, just send in your return with a check for $5. This will save you large failure-to-file penalty right off the bat. Then come in and talk to our tax relief experts and tax attorneys, who can help get you set up with an IRS payment plan.

Tax Resolution Services is a team of expert tax attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Tax Resolution Specialists. We’re here to help you with your IRS tax problems. Give us a call today at (888) 699-7630 for a free tax relief consultation or visit www.TaxResolution.com.

IRS Offer in Compromise Program Saves Tax Client $26,000

TRS — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 22:50:41 +0000

Every month at Tax Resolution Services we choose a very special Tax Client Of The Month. It’s our way of acknowledging good friends and saying “thanks” to those who support Tax Resolution Services with referrals, word of mouth and repeat business.

This month’s Tax Client Of The Month is Mr. Markos G.

Mr. Markos G. owed the IRS over $27,000 in back taxes when he sought our help. After several months of negotiations, our team of tax professionals was able to settle his tax debt for just $500.00 through the IRS’s Offer in Compromise program. An amazing settlement! Please note that not everyone will qualify for the IRS’s Offer in Compromise program. Tax Resolution Services offers an array of tax help services and if you do not qualify for this program, there are other options available for consumer’s to find tax relief.

You might be our next Tax Client Of The Month too! Watch for your name on our tax blog in an upcoming month.

Thanks for the Kind Words…

“I would like to tell you that we really enjoyed working with your company. Thank you for your help. You and your staff were very professional and helpful. I couldn’t have done it without you!”

- Markos G.

Contact Tax Resolution Services at (888) 699-7630 for a free, tax relief consultation.

IRS Offer in Compromise Program Saves Tax Client $26,000

Tax Resolution News: TRS Offers Last Minute Tips for Filing 2010 Returns

TRS — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:37:58 +0000

There are only a few days left before the tax filing deadline (April 18th), and struggling consumers will need to equip themselves with tax tips on how to reduce their tax bill. Are there tax deductions and tax credits you can take advantage of? If you can’t afford to pay your taxes in full, the last thing you should do is “ignore” your problem. You need to get effective tax help to minimize your IRS penalties.

The IRS is operating at a record budget of $5.5 billion. This makes it one of the most aggressive collection agencies on the planet. My tips for preparing tax returns this year? File a complete and accurate tax return to reduce the chances of an audit.

Even if you don’t have enough money to pay your taxes in full, you should send in what you can afford–even if it’s only a $10 check with your tax returns. This makes it possible for you to file on time and avoid penalties, while creating a computerized record at the IRS showing that you made a good faith effort to pay some of the money you owe. This will significantly lessen your IRS penalties and may make your negotiations for a tax debt settlement easier later on.

However, if you owe the IRS $25,000 or more, you need to seek professional tax representation from a credible expert tax attorney or Certified Tax Resolution Specialist who can help you explore potential tax relief options.

If you’re simply looking to lower your tax liabilities and to avoid IRS penalties this year, check out these great tips:

E-filing is mandatory this year, so if you don’t want to e-file be sure to sign a form opting out of e-filing.
Deducting charitable donations to Haiti can help you save on your tax bill.
Self-Employed – don’t forget that your first installment for estimated taxes for 2011 is due April 15, 2011.

For more 2010 Tax Return Filing Tips, visit:

http://www.taxresolution.com/blog/top-tax-help-tips-for-2010-returns-from-big-biz-show-tax-day-countdown/

Tax Resolution Services, Co.^®is dedicated to providing affordable solutions to businesses and individuals alike who find themselves in trouble with the IRS. Our tax attorneys, CPAs, and tax relief professionals have successfully resolved thousands of cases since 1998 and are committed to making sure our clients’ experiences exceed their expectations. For more information or to receive a FREE tax relief consultation, visit www.TaxResolution.com or call (888) 699-7630.