A CPA and Tax Attorney Is Vital To Solve Tax Problems and Controversy
Nothing can get you into a panic faster than a notice from the IRS saying that you are the chosen one. If the amount you owe is large or there is an upcoming IRS audit, it is time to consult a CPA and tax attorney – preferably one person who is both.
The IRS rules are complex and confusing. There is no real handbook that teaches the lay person or tax preparer exactly what to do. Do not try to solve tax problems on your own; you will need to work with someone who understands all the ins and outs and the fine print of exactly how the IRS works.
Each case is unique. John Spurgeon, CPA and tax attorney will get all the facts about your case directly from the IRS, evaluate them, speak directly with the taxing authority, develop a strategy, and walk you through everything, step by step. Our success rate for minimizing tax liabilities is outstanding.
He will also attend audits and deal directly with the IRS on your behalf. You should stay away from the mass marketers who promise the moon and are staffed by “retired IRS agents.” IRS agents are trained to take your money, not lower your income tax.
Sometimes it is possible to avoid litigation through appeals: we can settle the matter without going to court.
However, your best chance at avoiding litigation is acting fast. Often you are only given a period of 90 days after receiving a notice about the tax controversy. If that period expires without the matter at least in the process of resolution, you may have to pay the outstanding amount the IRS says you owe and then try to get them to reimburse you later. Trying to get the money back can be expensive and time consuming.
If you have a tax controversy or need to solve tax problems, do not hesitate to contact us.
Free Initial Consultation with John Spurgeon
Taxpayers looking to solve tax problems would be wise to engage an experienced CPA and tax attorney. John Spurgeon is both a CPA and tax attorney in Pasadena, California servicing clients in the San Gabriel Valley and the greater Los Angeles area. John Spurgeon & Associates have the proven knowledge and skill to effectively represent taxpayers when dealing with the IRS tax or the Franchise Tax Board. Please call John at 626-440-9518 for a complimentary initial consultation.
Solve Tax Problems: 7 Tax Tips on How to Deal With the IRS
If you have to solve tax problems regarding overdue taxes, here are some tax tips that should help for dealing with the IRS for federal taxes or the Franchise Tax Board for California taxes:
Correct Amount. The very first action to take is to determine if the taxes due are correct. As tax laws are unbelievably complex, it is best to use the services of a CPA or tax attorney. The IRS does make mistakes!
Payment Now. This is the easiest way to deal with the tax collector. Once you have determined that the tax liability is correct, paying them off is clean and simple. Of course if you don’t have the funds on hand this won’t work. However, if you can pay it off right now then you will be done with them.
Quarterly Installments. If you are self employed or otherwise required to make installment payments, be sure to make these in a timely manner. That way you won’t have a huge tax bill at the end of the year and you will avoid penalties and interest.
Installment Agreement. An installment agreement is a negotiated arrangement to pay the tax bill over a period of time. It is similar to paying off a car loan – monthly installments until it is fully paid. You will be charged interest and penalties until the balance is fully paid. For balances under $25,000, the time period for repayment can be up to five years. For balances over $25,000, much more financial disclosure is needed.
Tax Settlement Agreement. A tax settlement agreement, called an Offer-In-Compromise, can be obtain if certain very specific qualifications are made. With this option, the payment (one time or installments) is for less that the taxes owed. The taxpayer must document that the full tax liability is inequitable or a severe economic hardship.
Bankruptcy. A bankruptcy can eliminate an income tax liability but not necessarily employer payroll tax liabilities. This option should be carefully considered with the help of an attorney.
Time Limit. There is a statute of limitations of 10 years for the IRS to collect the taxes due. For unreported taxable income, the statute stays open forever.
Free Initial Consultation with John Spurgeon
Taxpayers looking to solve tax problems would be wise to engage an experienced tax attorney and/or CPA. John Spurgeon is both a CPA and tax attorney in Pasadena, California servicing clients in the San Gabriel Valley and the greater Los Angeles area. John Spurgeon & Associates have the proven knowledge and skill to effectively represent taxpayers when dealing with the IRS tax or the Franchise Tax Board. Please call 626-440-9518 for a complimentary initial consultation.
