3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Talk To The IRS Yourself If You Owe Back Taxes
If you owe money to the IRS, it might sound like common sense to try to tackle your tax problem on your own. However, one of the worst things you could do is talk to the IRS directly without proper representation.
As an expert Tax Resolution Firm, we encourage all readers facing a tax problem to contact us for a free consultation.
The IRS is not on your side and their primary goal is to collect the taxes they believe you owe. In this article, we give you 3 reasons why talking to the IRS directly could get you into deeper trouble.
1. You Have Rights
Contrary to popular belief, you DO have rights as a taxpayer you probably don’t even know exists. One of those rights is the right to representation. If an IRS revenue officer or revenue agent calls or “visits” you, did you know you are under no obligation to answer any of their (very intrusive and condescending) questions? You politely respond by asking for their contact information and telling them you are in the process of hiring a professional to represent you and that this person will contact them directly. A CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) that deals with IRS problems for a living knows the “ins” and “outs” and how to deal with the IRS so that your rights are protected. A tax resolution specialist also knows how to get you the lowest possible settlement allowed by law. Generally, our clients never meet or speak with the IRS once we’re on the scene!
2. Answering Questions Can Dig You Into A Deeper Hole
If you are being audited or about to be - The IRS will ask you about 50 very intrusive questions in the initial interview with them. How you answer these questions will dictate the fate of your case. Having a tax resolution specialist conduct these meetings, WITHOUT you is the best course of action I can recommend. Half of the referrals to the IRS’s criminal investigation division (CID) come from that “nice” auditorl you’re sitting across the table from at the audit.
3. They won’t tell you about all the settlement programs and options you have. The just want their money.
If you owe between $10,000 and $25,000 plus, the IRS has many NEW flexible programs, under their Fresh Start Initiative, available to taxpayers such as Offer in Compromise, Partial Pay Installment Agreements, Payment Plans, Penalty Reduction, and Currently Not Collectible Status to name a few. Each carries with it its own unique process, procedures and qualifications. Having an experienced Tax Pro in your corner ensures you are taking advantage of the best options available to you.
One last thing….
Ask yourself this question: Would you go to court without a lawyer?
If you answered “yes” hopefully you know the law inside and out concerning your case, but if representing yourself doesn’t seem like a great idea it’s best to hire somebody who is well versed in the subject matter. Well, it’s the same thing with the IRS. Having someone who knows how to negotiate the IRS’s maze of rules, regulations and the 74,000 pages of the Tax Code and deal with the IRS may be the best money you’ve ever spent!
If you want the help of an expert tax resolution professional who navigates the IRS maze for a living, reach out to our firm and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.
