Read Me First

                                        What to Expect When Resolving Your Tax Debt

Clients who retain my tax relief services are interested in knowing two things: 1) Can you settle this for less than I owe, and 2) How long will it take? Upon retaining my firm to resolve your tax issue, some relief will be immediate, and some will occur over time. It is important to remember that your IRS problems didn't come about overnight, so they will also take time to resolve. The good news is that you generally won't need to meet or speak with the IRS while I represent you. For example, an average Offer in Compromise (OIC) case can take anywhere from 6-12 months (or longer) depending on the amount of tax liability owed, the complexity of the case, and your facts and circumstances.

                                                      Road Map to Resolution

Free consultation: If you have never been my client, the first step is to call or come in for your confidential, no-obligation free consultation. At this meeting, as your CPA, Enrolled Agent, and Certified Tax Resolution Specialist, I will review your situation to discuss available options for

resolving your matter. The evaluation generally takes about 30-45 minutes; however, there are times when the information provided at this meeting is insufficient to determine a course of action. Therefore, I need all recent notices and correspondence from the IRS available during our

first in-person or telephone consultation.

                                                          Retain My Services

We will file a power of attorney (POA) with the IRS. A power of attorney will provide you with immediate relief because, from now on, the IRS must contact me instead of you. If an IRS representative should happen to contact you, all you need to do is provide my contact information, including my phone number, and politely request that he or she contact my firm directly. I will require a separate POA for any state tax problem you have retained me for. I will obtain your IRS transcripts and Record of Account to ensure that we discussed all pertinent issues. With all the necessary facts, I can best evaluate your alternative settlement options.

1. Beginning the Tax Resolution Process: I will oversee your case. You will never speak with a salesperson. I am a certified public accountant and an enrolled agent. I achieved the advanced designation as a CTRS (Certified Tax Resolution Specialist). Together, we will develop a phased strategy for resolving your case and discuss what steps to take for the most effective resolution. I will be available to you by direct dial phone, individual email, or in person.

2. IRS Compliance: Generally, before the IRS will accept any negotiation/settlement, you must become a compliant taxpayer. Compliance means that all past-due income tax returns must be prepared and filed. Compliance also means you must be "current" on your quarterly estimated income tax payments and withholding tax at the correct rate (if you are a wage earner). I am experienced in what it takes to achieve compliance and will advise you accordingly. Suppose you cannot furnish the records necessary to prepare your taxes. In that case, I have developed methods, per IRS regulations, for completing the preparation of your tax returns to get them filed immediately.

3. You (the Client's) Responsibilities: Clients who successfully resolve their matters have the following traits in common: They view the relationship with me as collaborative. They view this as a "project" that requires cooperation. They follow through, on a TIMELY basis, with my requests for

information and documentation. Clients who achieve stated resolution goals return my phone calls and emails promptly and stay in contact with me throughout their cases.

4. Tax Settlement Negotiation: We will propose a plan of resolution to the IRS that you can live with and see through to acceptance. I pride myself on obtaining your best (lowest) settlement under the law. It is rare, however, that a proposal is accepted right away. Through diligence, persistence, and follow-up, I will monitor, provide additional information to the IRS as needed, and negotiate your proposed settlement until we achieve the desired resolution.

5. Tax Resolution: I will review the final resolution of your case by the IRS to ensure it is as agreed upon. If not, I will insist it be changed to reflect the agreement. If the IRS is unwilling to do this, I will advise you on your options for the next step. Finally, I will advise you on what you must do to

succeed with your resolution and avoid future tax problems.