Part of the ACCOUNTING industry, tax resolution work requires keeping up with what is going on. I try to limit my work to fixing the problems businesses and individuals in general have with the Internal Revenue Service. It is hard not to provide a lot of accounting, bookkeeping, and tax return preparation.
To keep up I read other blogs, news sources, and of course the IRS.gov web site, among others. I also have signed up with the IRS news and procedures updates that are received in my inbox almost daily. There is also a requirement to take classes each year in several subjects and ethics. I still try and learn more.
There is more to tax relief and problem resolution work than installment agreements, currently not collectibles, and offers in compromise. Any Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Attorney can represent a taxpayer before the IRS by virtue of their license. CPAs focus is being responsible for keeping and interpreting financial records. They make sure that records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants and auditors perform overviews of the financial operations of a business to help it run efficiently. They also provide the same services to individuals, helping them create plans of action for improved financial well-being. Attorneys focus more on the law. Some specialize in tax law. They can also earn the Enrolled Agent designation. Enrolled Agents focus is taxes and the resolution of a taxpayer’s problems with the IRS. Some will do bookkeeping and prepare tax returns. You do not need to be a CPA or Attorney for most problems.
Knowledge is necessary to perform the job of a bookkeeper, accountant, CPA, or an Attorney. Being an enrolled agent performing tax resolution is no different and requires proficiency in a multitude of areas. You must be familiar with the IRC and IRM; interpret a taxpayer’s entire situation; apply their needs to a resolution that fits; recognize when a taxing agency has over stepped and proper procedure was ignored.
The knowledge of how go from one resolution strategy to another without exposing the taxpayer to enforced collection actions and motivate taxpayers remain compliant are paramount. You need to establish systems to prevent the issue that caused a need for resolution from recurring. This knowledge and the confidence to implement it cannot be gained by simply accessing software that assists with completion of forms and documents required for a specific resolution option.
Although I use some software to assist, being employed by the largest collection agency in the world for a little over 16 years has given me an inside look. I know the customer service side. Taxpayer Assistance Centers are local offices that can assist with some resolutions. The work and authority to make independent decisions has changed from when I worked there. However, they have the ability to get things done on a lower level. Being familiar with their IRM procedures allows me to assist taxpayers by helping the customer service representative be faster with their contact time.
As a Revenue Officer (RO) for over 14 years during that 16 year employment, I was responsible for collecting balances owed and delinquent (missing) tax returns. Seizure of assets, levies on wages, levies on bank accounts, and others were tools I had to complete my job. I know what they are thinking and the pressure they are under to close cases. Being able to write their case histories and more importantly the closing history so management will approve it, gives me a unique advantage.
Do you know someone that might need help? Contact me via email, Phone: 712-274-3469, or message me using the link at the bottom of the page (anonymous is ok).
