Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

STOP IRS ACTION

Stop IRS Action help in Mesa AZ

This phase can mean many things for different IRS problems.  If your wages are being levied, you want the IRS to stop taking your money from you wages.  If your bank account is being levied, you want that to stop or the money to be returned.  If you have a tax lien filed by the IRS you want your credit to be restored by having the lien removed.  If you have assets that under threat of being seized, you want to be able to sleep tonight knowing that the IRS has stopped seizure action.

The list could go on and on and a blog on this subject can only give you some general guidelines to follow.  If you want a specific course of action, schedule a free one hour consultation to find out exactly what needs to be done to Stop IRS Action.   This is more involved than it appears.  For instance if you own more than $25,000 to the IRS, there is much more work needed to get a monthly installment arrangement than if you owe less than $25,000.  And if you owe more than $100,000, the IRS will expect a few more hoops to jump through before giving you an agreement.

Here are some actions that will be necessary to Stop IRS action in Mesa AZ regardless of your problem:

First, make sure that all tax returns have been filed.  The IRS will require you to be in compliance before action can be stopped.  If the IRS filed a tax return for you, have a professional review it to see if filing a correct return would bring the balance owed down.  This first step is to first reduce the liability before trying to reach a settlement with the IRS.

Second, compliance also means that you are currently having the right amount taken out of your pay check if you are an employee or you are current on payment of your estimated taxes if you are self employed.

Third, make sure you have a representative who understands how to posture your finances before providing financial information to the IRS.  This may mean getting medical insurance or an automobile before negotiations begin.  Afterwards, the amount of money left over after your settlement might now allow for these type of purchases to be made once you are locked in with the IRS.

Fourth, know all of your options to settle with the IRS.  That means understanding the pros and cons of each option.  Make sure you evaluate all the options at the same time.  If you are married, whether your spouse is responsible for the tax debt or not, be a part of the decision process.  What ever affects you affects your spouse indirectly.  Especially if it pertains to money and finances.

Finally, get some professional help to stop IRS action in Mesa AZ.  The IRS personnel are not bad people.  But they are trained bill collectors and are not there to make you knowledgeable of your options that can make your settlement easier for you.

Scott Allen E. A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc. – Since 1977

www.stopIRSaction.com

 

BACK TAX RETURNS, IRS Problems
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1
Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

IRS PROBLEMS “I CANT PAY MY BACK TAXES”

What if you have an IRS Problem in Mesa AZ

Owing the IRS money sometimes cannot be avoided but avoiding a crisis because you owe the IRS is always possible.  Just making the decision to face the IRS problem and take the first step is literally half the battle.  I have heard many times, “If I knew it was going to be this easy, I could have avoided a lot of stress and sleepless nights.”

Even the IRS knows that they may never collect all the back taxes you owe, and are willing to agree to a settlement that acknowledges that fact, conditioned upon your commitment and willingness to stay current on taxes in the future.  Keep in mind though that if you have the ability to pay your back taxes in full, the IRS will not let you off the “hook.”

The psychological challenge with paying back taxes is that we trick ourselves into thinking that we are paying for something without getting something in return.  In a very real sense that is true.  When you finish paying your car loan or mortgage you have a car or home to show for your efforts.  Paying taxes is the price we pay for living in a relatively benevolent democracy.  It is easy to take for granted the roads and military benefits we receive but still we have nothing tangible in our hands.  We all have disagreements politically with how our tax dollars are spent and that can sometimes be the mental block we all have to overcome—even those who are current and pay their fair share of taxes each year.

The simple fact remains that death and taxes are something we just can’t escape.  The financial, emotional, physical costs of having an IRS debt always hanging over our heads is simply just not worth it.  Carrying this burden around with us 24/7 is like having a 50 or a 100 pound weight always on our back.  The true benefits of having your tax matter behind you cannot be fully appreciated until it is gone.  Food will taste better, your ability to move forward financially is greatly improved, family relationships become more meaningful, your ability to enjoy activities that use to be fun returns, and best of all you can think more clearly.

Take a moment to consider the psychological benefits of getting your IRS problems behind you.  Make the decision today to call for a consultation to see exactly what you need to do to make this a reality in your life.

Scott Allen E. A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

www.arizonairsproblems.com

 

BACK TAX RETURNS, IRS Problems
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0
Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

IRS TAX RELIEF

IRS Tax Relief

You know how easy it is to have an IRS tax debt or you wouldn’t be reading this blog.  But in the opposite direction, it is also “easy” to get restored back to your original situation if you are willing to make the effort and put in the time to get your matter straightened out.  Everyone deserves IRS tax relief, whatever option it may be.

No one has a goal in life to get in trouble with the IRS.  All it takes is a death, divorce, substance abuse problem, a business failure or bad tax advice to start the process and once the tax problem starts rolling down the mountain, it is hard to stop.

There are five options to consider in settling with the IRS other than to just write them a check.  It is important to have all five of them, with the pros and cons of each one, being considered at the same time.  Those options are:

  • Installment arrangement
  • Non collectible status
  • Offer in compromise
  • Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

In most cases there is really very little negotiation involved.  All the “negotiation work” is done with Scott Allen EA and the taxpayer in properly evaluating their options. The challenge is to pick the right option and to support that option so well that the IRS has no choice but to agree to our settlement proposal.  Success is in the preparation, support, and endurance to keep the matter in front of the IRS personnel you are assigned until the matter is settled.  The IRS knows very well how to chase after taxpayers and punish them.  They are very poor at being pursued to settle a matter according to the laws that Congress  has given them charge to enforce.

Just like every team has a coach, you need a coach to keep you motivated, moving in the right direction and challenging you to get the IRS tax relief victory.  Anyone can get a settlement with the IRS, the challenge is to get one that is a victory.  A victory is a settlement that you can do and will get you restored back to your former situation in the quickest possible way.

Scott Allen E. A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

   aztaxguy84

 

IRS Problems, Offer In Compromise
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Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

INNOCENT SPOUSE RELIEF

Innocent Spouse Relief: IRS

On occasion, one spouse is totally unaware or responsible for the improper actions of their marriage partner on tax matters.  If this unfortunate situation occurs to you, innocent spouse relief is possible.  To qualify: (1) You must have filed a joint return which has tax errors caused by your spouse, (2) You did not know when you signed the return that there was an understatement of tax and (3) It would be unfair to hold you liable for taxes taking into consideration all the facts and circumstances.

Innocent spouse relief can reduce all of the tax, interest and penalties of the items reported incorrectly.  You will be held responsible for joint liabilities that were reported correctly that generated a tax debt owed.  On these debts the IRS can collect from either spouse in whole or in part.

To file a claim for innocent spouse relief, you must submit IRS form 8857.  Professional assistance will help you to provide the facts and circumstances of your case in the most favorable light.  Claims submitted can take several months for the IRS to make a decision.

Scott Allen E.A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

 

IRS Problems, Tax Advisor, Tax Debt
0
Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

I GOT A LETTER FROM THE IRS

I got a letter from the IRS – HELP !

When clients come into their initial appointment and I ask them if they have received any correspondence from the IRS, they usually hand me a stack of letters that have never been opened.  I call this the “Pandora” letter syndrome—“If I don’t open it then the bad stuff inside can’t hurt me.”

The reality is that  unopened IRS letters can and will hurt you.  When you receive a letter from the IRS, there is adequate time to deal with the problem in most cases.  Requests for extension of time to deal with the matter are relatively easy to obtain as long as deadlines have not been missed or past promises for action not kept.

Most letters are requesting some action or information on your part.  There is a deadline involved.  If you provide the information requested within the deadline period, you will have developed a rapport with the IRS that will greatly improve your ability to move on to the next step in the process with more latitude.

The important thing is to not make promises you know you can’t keep.  Promise a little less that what you know you can do and then over perform.  IRS agents rarely get more from taxpayers than what they expect.  When they do, it is almost like you get forgotten.  Agents have so many people making every effort to avoid them that those who are following through are given much better treatment.  Don’t get me wrong, they will still expect you to pay back the taxes owed if you have the ability to do so, but the process to get to an agreed upon settlement that you can live with are much better.

So gather up those letters and come in.  I have the best damn letter opener in Arizona.  Together we can come up with a plan that will resolve your IRS matter.  You have nothing to lose if you come in and have almost everything to lose if you don’t open those letters.  Take the leap of faith and schedule your free one hour consultation today.

Scott Allen E. A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

3155 E Southern Ave #101 Mesa AZ 85204

 

IRS Levy, IRS Problems
0
Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

WHAT CAUSED MY IRS PAYMENT PLAN TO DEFAULT?

IRS Payment Plan Default

When you default on an installment arrangement there is no explanation.  The most common reasons are:

  • You didn’t send in your payment or your payment was late.  If you call immediately upon receiving the notice, you can usually be reinstated as soon as your payments are current.  Don’t depend on the IRS vouchers as a reminder to make your payment.  Vouchers can come to you after the due date or not at all.  Have a note on your calendar to make your payment whether or not the voucher shows up.  If you send in a payment without a voucher, include your social security number, the tax year to apply the payment (2020-1040) and have your phone number on the check.
  • You filed your return late or did not pay your taxes in full when you filed your return.  One of the conditions of having a payment plan with the IRS is that you don’t get behind on filing or paying in the future.  Again, the IRS will likely reinstate the agreement if you can bring your payments current and you contact them immediately after receiving the notice of default.  To prevent this from happening in the future make sure your estimated taxes are paid timely if you are self employed or that your withholdings are sufficient if you are an employee.

If you default and you have to renegotiate your payment plan with the IRS it is unlikely you will get the same payment amount.   If your financial situation has worsened, your payment amount will be reduced.  Likewise, if your financial situation has improved, your payment amount will go up.  Rather than just go back into another installment arrangement, I advise our clients to reevaluate to see if there is another settlement option that would be better now that their situation has changed.

There are legitimate situations where I advise clients to strategically default on purpose so that a better settlement can be reached with the IRS.  This should only be done with the help of a professional representative who can guide you through the renegotiation process. Our company has over 45 years of tax preparation and IRS negotiation experience.

Scott Allen E. A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

IRS Problems, IRS Tax Payment Plan
2
Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

WHAT DO I DO WHEN AN IRS AGENT CONTACTS ME?

An IRS Agent has contacted me

What should you do if an IRS agent shows up at your business, place of employment or your home.  The best thing to do is to tell the IRS Agent that you wish to consult a representative before proceeding any further.  If you ask this, the IRS must stop the interview immediately.  If the IRS agent does not allow you to have representation they are violating Internal Revenue Cope Section 7521 (b) (2) which says.

“If the taxpayer clearly states to an officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service at any time during any interview (other than an interview initiated by an administrative summons issued under subchapter A of chapter 78) that the taxpayer wishes to consult with an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or any other person permitted to represent the taxpayer before the Internal Revenue Service, such officer or employee shall suspend such interview regardless of whether the taxpayer may have answered one or more questions.”

Requesting representation does not make you look guilty.  In most cases the IRS representative will feel that you know your rights and that you are serious about following through.  In a nice way, it notifies the agent that you are not frightened by their efforts to catch with your guard down.  The agent will give you a card and a deadline to get back to them with your representative, who will need to file an IRS form 2848.

Your representation needs to contact the IRS as soon as possible to find out specifically what the IRS is seeking—filing back tax returns, pay back taxes, etc.  I can represent you before the IRS without you being present and in most cases that is the best way to work with the IRS.  In certain cases the IRS can issue a summons that requires you to be present whether or not you have a representative.

One final suggestion.  Never get mad or argumentative or issue any threats.  This is a signal to the Agent that you are not going to be cooperative and will make things harder for your representative and perhaps increase the extent of the work needed to get a settlement with the IRS. Schedule a free consultation to visit with Scott Allen EA so he can discuss your matter and give you good reliable advice. If you see fit, he can be your IRS power of attorney and represent you from start to finish.

Scott Allen E. A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

 

IRS Problems, IRS Tax Attorney
0
Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

WAGE GARNISHMENT AND IRS LEVY

Ways to stop Wage Garnishment and IRS Levy

When clients contact us about a garnishment or levy by the IRS on their wages they want it removed as quickly as possible. I understand that, but it is also prudent to make sure that any “posturing” that will help the situation long term is done first.

The IRS will allow reasonable amounts for living expenses before considering what amount is available for one’s historical tax debt. Before agreeing to a monthly payment plan to get the levy released, there are a number of posturing items to resolve as quickly as possible.

First, make sure your withholdings on your pay check is correct. If you are claiming too many exemptions, correct you W-4 form immediately so that you will not owe any taxes when you file the current year return. Every additional dollar you have withheld will reduce your monthly payment by exactly the same amount.

Second, if you have a car that needs to be replaced or one that you own free and clear, you may want to consider getting a new or newer vehicle. Once you are locked in on a monthly payment amount, the IRS will file a tax lien and the lien will make it next to impossible to get a car loan. If you have an old vehicle that you own free and clear and you turn it in for a newer car, the payments you make will reduce the amount you have to pay on your historical tax debt dollar for dollar up to a certain amount. Right now that amount is $588.

Thirdly, if you don’t have health insurance consider getting a policy. Again, you reduce your monthly payment to the IRS on your past tax debt dollar for dollar on the cost of your insurance premiums. If you want health insurance instead of making a higher monthly payment to the IRS you will need to do this before the installment arrangement is entered into.

It is not possible in a short blog to list all of the items one needs to consider. Posturing can lower the amount the IRS will consider for an Offer in Compromise. It can qualify you for non-collectible status, and it can make it possible for you to discharge your taxes in bankruptcy and make no payment at all to the IRS on your past debt. Remember that these suggestions are not universal and need to be reviewed with a professional after making your representative knowledgeable of your financial affairs. Call and speak with Scott today do discuss the best settlement option for you.

Scott Allen E.A. – President

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc. – Since 1977

Mesa AZ IRS Installment Payment Plan

IRS Problems, IRS Tax Payment Plan
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0
Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

IRS AUDITS

IRS Audits represented by Scott Allen EA

Receiving a letter from the IRS notifying that one or more tax years are being audited is unsettling to say the least.  I find that most clients fall into two categories with IRS audits.  Those that properly filed their returns with support for their deductions and those that knowingly took deductions that they knew were questionable or they lack support for deductions on the tax return.

Let’s look at the first group.  No problem here.  If one contacts the IRS as soon as possible after receiving the notice, the IRS is very agreeable to work around your schedule.  Calling right before the appointment to reschedule is considered a red flag by auditors.

Keep your appointment and being prepared will be appreciated by the IRS auditor.  Being prepared means having the support for your deductions in a format that is easy to verify.  For example if you are being audited for office rent, have all of the invoices and checks attached to one another with a machine tape of the total.  If this is done for each item under audit, your audit will be over in minutes and the auditor will have less time to ask probing questions into other areas not under review.  If the auditor sees that you are organized and that deductions on the return are supported properly, the review process will be minimized and the chances of the audit expanding into other years will be avoided.

If one is in the second group, where you either took inappropriate deductions or do not have the documents to support you deduction can be a problem.  These situations require the use of a professional to advise or represent you.  Let me share one example to illustrate.  A former client in the trucking business was being audited for his truck expenses.  He lost all of his records when the contents of his storage unit were confiscated for not paying his storage fees.  The auditor denied all of his fuel expenses amounting to an audit assessment of over $250,000 for the three years being audited.  Much of that being interest and penalties.  The auditor denied the expenses because there were no fuel receipts.

Fortunately, the client came to us for help at this point.  We requested a meeting with the IRS Appeals office.  We secured mileage logs from the companies that paid his for deliveries.  Our client was paid so much per mile.  We established support for the average miles per gallon his truck used and the average cost of fuel though out the year.  We then calculated the total cost of the fuel by backing into the number with these “other support” documents.  The figure was very close to the amount taken on the return.  Our client was given the deduction and the assessment eliminated.

Each case should be reviewed on its own facts and circumstances.  I do not charge for this initial review and recommendation.  In most cases it is obvious whether professional assistance should be considered.

Scott Allen E. A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

 

IRS Problems, IRS Tax Audits
0
Regular Post
Written by Scott Allen

IRS SETTLEMENTS

IRS SETTLEMENTS BY SCOTT ALLEN EA

I often hear clients say, “if you can just get me out of this mess with the IRS, I will never get back in trouble again.”  The truth is that 100% of our clients will be given a settlement with the IRS that in most cases exceeds their expectations.  Many say, “If I knew it was going to be that easy, I would have done this years ago.”

Getting the IRS settlement is not the hard part.  The hard part is breaking the habit that caused the problem in the first place.  In most cases that requires adjusting one’s life style to adjust to a new expense in one’s life–income taxes–Federal, State and payroll.  This amount varies, especially between individuals who are employees vs. self-employed.  But let’s use a round number of 30%.  If one is making $100,000, adding $30,000 in additional expenses means cutting out something else that they were used to spending money on.

The IRS estimates that about 70% of the individuals put on an installment arrangement default within one year.  Experience has shown us that when clients see the reality of paying taxes, it is too easy not to pay in the “voluntary” estimated taxes, or to adjust their withholdings when “emergencies” arise.  Then when it comes time to file and full pay by April 15, to keep their settlement valid–they default when funds are not available to stay current on their tax liability.

Successful resolution with the IRS is not just getting the settlement; it means that one must break habits pertaining to spending, living within a budget and making the tax payments as important as other monthly expenses.  One must avoid seeing the IRS as a credit card, in the sense that you pay other expenses by not paying the IRS.  Unfortunately the easiest expense not to pay is the IRS.  However, it is also the hardest one to catch on as well.

Scott Allen E.A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.

 

IRS Problems, Unfiled Tax Returns
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