Tax Relief Blog

2011 year-end tax planning strategies for individual and business taxpayers.

Mike Habib, EA Introduces Tax Planning & Tax Coaching Service

Whittier, CA, November 04, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Mike Habib, EA is pleased to announce he has added tax planning and tax coaching to his firm's services. The new service gives individual and business taxpayers a plain-English plan for beating the IRS - legally by taking advantage to every tax break they deserve.

"Other traditional tax planning firms' crunches numbers to illustrate 'what-if' scenarios based on future assumptions," said Mr. Habib. It gives clients dry numbers, in more detail than they need or want. But clients don't want numbers. Clients want savings.

The following is a summary of the most important tax developments that have occurred in the past three months that may affect you, your family, your investments, and your livelihood. Please contact us for more information about any of these tax relief developments and what steps you should implement to take advantage of favorable developments and to minimize the impact of those that are unfavorable.

Standard mileage rates increase for last half of 2011. The IRS has announced that the optional mileage allowance for owned or leased autos (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) is increased 4.5¢ from 51¢ to 55.5¢ per mile for business travel from July 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2011 to better reflect the real cost of operating an auto in this period of rapidly rising gas prices. This rate can also be used by employers to reimburse tax-free under an accountable plan employees who supply their own autos for business use, and to value personal use of certain low-cost employer-provided vehicles. The rate for using a car to get medical care or in connection with a move that qualifies for the moving expense also increases 4.5¢ for the last half of 2011 from 19¢ to 23.5¢ per mile.

We provide IRS tax help, IRS audit representation and tax problem resolution in Orange County, CA serving cities such as Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, and Santa Ana, CA.

If you have a tax problem such as unpaid back taxes, you should know that you have a number of options to resolve your tax matters and get your life back in order. If you cannot pay your tax debt, he IRS accepts alternatives such as installment agreements, tax settlements through OIC offer in compromise, partial pay installment agreements, penalty abatement and reduction for reasonable cause.

Charitable contribution has always been a hot IRS tax audit item.

Recently, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published a report entitled "Options for Changing the Tax Treatment of Charitable Giving." While the deduction of charitable donations has historically been a feature of the U.S. individual income tax system, the cost, equity and efficiency of the deduction are now the focus of increased scrutiny.

For anyone not familiar with the inner workings of tax administration, the array of IRS guidance may seem, well, a little puzzling at first glance. To take a little of the mystery away, here's a brief look at seven of the most common forms of guidance.

In its role in administering the tax laws enacted by the Congress, the IRS must take the specifics of these laws and translate them into detailed regulations, rules and procedures. The Office of Chief Counsel fills this crucial role by producing several different kinds of documents and publications that provide guidance to taxpayers, firms and charitable groups.

Tax controversy matter? Get expert tax help at 877-788-2937.

The following is a summary of the most important tax developments that have occurred in the past three months that may affect you, your family, your investments, and your livelihood. Please contact us for more information about any of these developments and what steps you should implement to take advantage of favorable developments and to minimize the impact of those that are unfavorable.

IRS has issued detailed guidance on the 2010 Tax Relief Act's 100% bonus depreciation rules for qualifying new property generally acquired and placed in service after Sept. 8, 2010 and before Jan. 1, 2012. Overall, the rules are quite generous. For example, they permit 100% bonus depreciation for components where work on a larger self-constructed property began before Sept. 9, 2010, allow a taxpayer to elect to "step down" from 100% to 50% bonus depreciation for property placed in service in a tax year that includes Sept. 9, 2010, permit 100% bonus depreciation for qualified restaurant property or qualified retail improvement property that also meets the definition of qualified leasehold improvement property, and provide an escape hatch for some business car owners who would otherwise be subject to a draconian depreciation result.

Under the 2010 Tax Relief Act, a taxpayer that buys and places in service a new heavy SUV after Sept. 8, 2010 and before Jan. 1, 2012, and uses it 100% for business, may write off its entire cost in the placed-in-service year. A heavy SUV is one with a GVW rating of more than 6,000 pounds.

The new health reform legislation generally requires employers to report the cost of health insurance they provide to employees on their W-2 forms. Last fall, the IRS made this new reporting requirement optional for all employers for the 2011 Forms W-2. More recently, the IRS announced that the reporting requirement will continue to be voluntary for small employers at least through 2012.

The IRS has announced a second voluntary disclosure initiative designed to bring offshore money back into the U.S. tax system and help people with undisclosed income from hidden offshore accounts get current with their taxes. It will be available through Aug. 31, 2011. The IRS released details of the new voluntary offer, called the 2011 Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI), in the form of 53 frequently asked questions (FAQs). As with the first offer, participants have to pay back taxes and penalties but will avoid criminal prosecution. The offshore penalty is different under the new offer. The general rule is that the penalty is 25% based on amounts in foreign bank accounts, but can be as low as 12.5% or 5% for some taxpayers.

The IRS has announced new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens. Its goal is to help individuals and small businesses meet their tax obligations, without adding an unnecessary burden to taxpayers.

Specifically, the IRS is:
• Significantly increasing the dollar threshold when liens are generally issued, resulting in fewer tax liens.
• Making it easier for taxpayers to obtain lien withdrawals after paying a tax bill.
• Withdrawing liens in most cases where a taxpayer enters into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
• Creating easier access to Installment Agreements for more struggling small businesses; and
• Expanding a streamlined Offer in Compromise program to cover more taxpayers.

Reversing its prior position, the IRS has announced that expenses paid for breast pumps and supplies that assist lactation qualify as deductible medical expenses.
Amounts reimbursed for these expenses under FSAs (flexible spending accounts), Archer MSAs (medical savings accounts), HRAs (health reimbursement arrangements), or HSAs (health savings accounts) are accordingly not income to the taxpayer.

The IRS has explained the income tax and information return consequences of payments made to or on behalf of homeowners under various government programs designed to prevent avoidable foreclosures of homeowners' homes and stabilize housing markets. In general, homeowners may exclude the payments from income, and may deduct all payments they actually make during 2010-2012 to the mortgage servicer, HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development), or the State HFA (housing finance agency) on the home mortgage. The aid payments aren't subject to information reporting, and there are transition rules for payments that are incorrectly reported.

Late last year, the IRS issued final regulations under which an understated amount of gross income reported on a return resulting from an overstatement of unrecovered cost or other basis is an omission of gross income for purposes of the 6-year period for assessing tax and the minimum period for assessment of tax attributable to partnership items. The 6-year limitations period applies when a taxpayer omits from gross income an amount that's greater than 25% of the amount of gross income stated in the return. Several courts had held that a basis overstatement is not an omission of gross income for this purpose. In response to these decisions, the IRS issued the new regulations to clarify that an omission can arise in that fashion. Now, some Courts have addressed the regulations. The Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Tax Court have rejected the regulations. On the other hand, the Federal Circuit has upheld them and the Seventh Circuit has viewed them favorably. As a result, it looks like the Supreme Court will ultimately have to resolve the issue.

Estates of decedents dying in 2010 can choose zero estate tax, but at the price of beneficiaries being limited to the decedents' basis plus certain increases. The IRS has announced that Form 8939, Allocation of Increase in Basis for Property Acquired From a Decedent, is not due Apr. 18, 2011 and should not be filed with the final Form 1040 of persons who died in 2010. The IRS says the due date will be set in forthcoming guidance but does not indicate when that guidance may be issued. The forthcoming guidance will also explain the manner in which an executor of an estate may elect to have the estate tax not apply for a decedent dying in 2010.

Married joint return filers are jointly and severally liable for the tax arising from their returns. Innocent spouses may request relief from this liability in certain circumstances. An IRS regulation states that a request for equitable innocent spouse relief must be no later than two years from the first collection activity against the spouse. The Tax Court had found this regulation invalidly imposed a time limit. However, the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has reversed the Tax Court and upheld the regulation (so has the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit).

Gambling losses may be deducted only to the extent of gambling winnings, even in the case of an individual engaged in the trade or business of gambling. Previously, the Tax Court had held that losses for purposes of the limitation included both the cost of wagers and business expenses. Earlier this year, the Court overruled its prior position and now says that a professional gambler's business expenses are not subject to the loss limitation.

In general, a taxpayer must file a claim for credit or refund of tax within three years after filing the return or two years after paying the tax, whichever period expires later. (Code Sec. 6511(a)) However, the statute of limitations is suspended for certain taxpayers who are unable to manage their financial affairs because of a medically determinable mental or physical impairment. A physician's statement must be submitted to claim this relief, but a Court has made clear that the statement alone doesn't establish that the taxpayer was financially disabled. Thus, it allowed the IRS to seek additional proof of the taxpayer's condition.

Call us for tax relief and tax resolution services to resolve any tax problem and get back taxes help by calling 1-877-78-TAXES [1-877-788-2937].

Tax services offered in areas such as: Los Angeles, Whittier, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Orange County, Riverside, Palm Springs, San Bernardino, Palmdale, Bakersfield, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Detroit, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Columbus, Austin, Memphis, Fort Worth, Baltimore, Charlotte, El Paso, Boston, Seattle, Washington DC, Milwaukee, Denver, Louisville, Jefferson, Las Vegas, Reno, Hempstead, Tucson, Nashville, Davidson, Portland, Tucson, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Anchorage, Atlanta, Long Beach, Fresno, Sacramento, Mesa, Kansas City, Cleveland, Virginia Beach, Omaha, Miami, Oakland, Tulsa, Honolulu, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Colorado Springs, Arlington, Wichita, Birmingham, Montgomery, Tampa, Orlando

You recently asked what will happen and what you should do in the event that you cannot pay your taxes on time. First and most importantly, don't let your inability to pay your tax liability in full keep you from filing your tax return properly and on time. It is also important to remember that an extension of time to file your tax return doesn't also extend the time to pay your tax bill. Get tax resolution services at 1-877-788-2937.

Even if you can't make full payment of your liabilities, timely filing your return and making the largest partial payment you can will save you substantial amounts in interest and penalties. Additionally, there are procedures for requesting payment extensions and installment payment arrangements which will keep the IRS from instituting its collection process (liens, property seizures, etc.) against you. Get tax resolution services at 1-877-788-2937.

Overview of the most common penalties. The "failure to file" penalty accrues at the rate of 5% per month or part of a month (to a maximum of 25%, reached after five months) on the amount of tax your return should show you owe. The "failure to pay" penalty is gentler, accruing at the rate of only 0.5% per month or part of a month (to a maximum of 25% reached after fifty months) on the amount actually shown as due on the return. If both apply, the failure to file penalty drops to 4.5% per month, so the total combined penalty remains at 5%--thus, the maximum combined penalty for the first five months is 25%. Thereafter, the failure to pay penalty can continue at 0.5% per month for 45 more months, yielding an additional 22.5%. In total, these combined penalties can reach 47.5% of your unpaid liability in less than five years.

Both of these penalties are in addition to interest you will be charged for your late payment. If you also missed estimated tax payments, an additional penalty is tacked on for the period running from each payment's due date until the tax return due date, normally April 15th. This penalty is computed at 3% above the fluctuating federal short-term interest rate for the period. Get tax resolution services at 1-877-788-2937.

Borrowing money to pay taxes. Given the rate at which the above-mentioned penalties and interest accrues, it might be a good idea to borrow money to pay the taxes. In many situations, the rate of interest that you would pay to a family member, or even to a bank, is less overall than that which you would have to pay the IRS.

Loans from relatives or friends are often the simplest method to pay the bill. One advantage of such loans is that the interest rate will probably be low, but you must also consider that loans over $10,000 at below-market interest rates may trigger tax consequences. When loans from individuals are not available, a loan from a bank or other commercial source could be sought, but such loans are not likely to be made on favorable terms to a hard-pressed taxpayer. Moreover, interest on a loan to pay taxes is nondeductible personal interest. In contrast, if you can take out a home equity loan and use the proceeds to pay off your tax debts, you will probably be paying at a lower rate than with other types of loans, and the interest payments will be deductible even if the loan proceeds aren't used in connection with the house. Get tax resolution services at 1-877-788-2937.

Credit cards. It is relatively quick and easy to use credit cards to pay the income tax bill, whether you file your income tax return by mailing a paper copy or by computer. In addition, three companies (Official Payments Corporation at 888-872-9829, Link2Gov Corporation at 888-729-1040, and RBS WorldPay, Inc. at 888-972-9829) are authorized service providers for purposes of accepting credit card charges from both electronic and paper filers. However, credit card loans are likely to be at relatively high interest rates and the interest is not deductible. Moreover, the service providers typically charge an additional fee based on the amount you are paying.

Installment agreement request. If you cannot or prefer not to take out a loan, you might be able to defer your tax payments by requesting that the IRS enter into an installment payment agreement with you. This request is made on Form 9465 or by applying for a payment agreement online. There are various options for making your monthly installment agreement payments, including the direct debit and payroll deduction methods, both of which are made automatically and thus reduce the risk of default. Get tax resolution services at 1-877-788-2937.

If you file and request a payment agreement online, there are three available payment options: (1) payment in full within 10 days (which saves on interest and penalties); (2) short-term extension of up to 120 days (for which no fee is charged, but additional penalties and interest accrue); or (3) monthly payment plan (which carries an additional user fee, and interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance).
You can also request an installment agreement on Form 9465, which can be filed along with either an e-filed or paper return. Form 9465 requires less information than the hardship extension application (described below). If the liability is under $25,000, you will not be required to submit financial statements. Even if your request to pay in installments is granted, you will be charged interest on any tax not paid by its due date. However, the late payment penalty will be half the usual rate (0.25% instead of 0.5%) if you file your return by the due date (including extensions).

The IRS charges a fee for installment agreements, which will be deducted from your first payment after your request is approved. The fee for entering into an installment agreement is regularly $105, but it is reduced to $52 when the taxpayer pays by way of a direct debit from the taxpayer's bank account. Notwithstanding the method of payment, the fee is $43 if the taxpayer is a low-income taxpayer--i.e., an individual who falls at or below 250% of the dollar criteria established by the poverty guidelines updated annually in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There is a $45 fee to restructure or reinstate an established installment agreement that applies regardless of income levels or method of payment.

Note that an installment agreement request can be made after the expiration of a hardship extension period (described below). Additionally, the IRS has the authority to enter into an installment agreement calling for less than full payment of the tax liability over the term of the agreement. It may do so if it determines such an agreement will facilitate partial collection of the liability.

The installment agreement may terminate, and all your taxes become due immediately, under certain circumstances (for example, if you stop making payments).

The IRS is required to enter into an installment agreement at your request (a "guaranteed installment agreement") if the following apply:
• the tax liability is $10,000 or less (not counting interest and penalties);
• within the prior 5 years you have not (i) failed to file returns or pay taxes, or (ii) entered into a previous installment agreement;
• the IRS determines the tax liability cannot be paid in full;
• the installment agreement provides for full payment within 3 years; and
• you agree to comply with the tax laws during the agreement period.
As a matter of policy, the IRS often grants guaranteed installment agreements even if taxpayers are able to fully pay their accounts.

Undue hardship extensions. You may also qualify for an extension of time to pay if you can show that payment would cause "undue hardship." Form 1127 is used to apply for an undue hardship extension, and you must attach a statement of assets and liabilities as well as an itemized list of receipts and disbursements for the 3 months preceding the tax due date. Get tax resolution services at 1-877-788-2937.

If you qualify for an undue hardship extension, you will be given an extra six months to pay the tax shown as due on your tax return. You will avoid the failure to pay penalty, but you will still be charged interest. If the IRS determines a "deficiency," i.e., that you owe taxes in excess of the amount shown on your return, the undue hardship extension can be as long as 18 months and, in exceptional cases, another 12 months can be tacked on. However, no extension will be granted if the deficiency was the result of negligence, intentional disregard of the tax rules, or fraud.

To establish undue hardship, it is not enough to show that it would just be inconvenient to pay your tax when due. For example, if you would have to sell property at a "sacrifice" price, you may qualify for an undue hardship extension. However, if a market exists, having to sell property at the current market price is not viewed as resulting in an undue hardship.

To qualify for an extension, you would have to: (i) show that you do not have enough cash and assets convertible into cash in excess of current working capital to meet your tax obligations; (ii) show you cannot borrow the amount needed except on terms that would inflict serious loss and hardship; and (iii) provide security for the tax debt. The determination of the kind of security--such as a bond, filing a notice of lien, mortgage, pledge, deed of trust, personal surety, or other form of security--will depend on the particular circumstances involved. However, no collateral is required if you have no assets.

Offer-in-compromise. Another potential way to deal with unpaid taxes is by using an offer in compromise, which is a technique that may allow you to settle your tax debt for a fraction of its face value. This option is available only if you have already filed your return but are unable to pay your taxes--in other words, it can't be requested prospectively. Get tax resolution services at 1-877-788-2937.

Like any creditor, the IRS prefers a partial payment to no payment at all. Thus, the IRS might be willing to settle your liability for less than the full amount if: (a) you aren't able to pay the full amount, (b) there is doubt as to how much the tax liability is, (c) collection of the liability would create economic hardship for you (for instance, if you are out of work due to health problems, or if sale of your assets to pay the tax would leave you without enough money to meet basic living expenses), or (d) compelling public policy or equity considerations exist, and due to the exceptional circumstances (such as a medical condition that prevents proper management of financial affairs, or reliance on erroneous advice from the IRS), the IRS's collection of the full liability would undermine public confidence in the fair and equitable administration of tax laws. Learn more about Tax Relief Options HERE.

The process is started by actually making an offer-in-compromise. If the offer is based on any reason other than doubt as to how much the tax liability is, you must submit your financial information along with the offer. If it is grounded on doubt as to the liability, the IRS is not permitted to request a financial statement. Partial payments must be made to the IRS while a periodic payment offer is being considered. For lump-sum offers, or offers involving five or fewer installments, a 20% down payment (of the total offer amount) must be made with the application.

In order to obtain an offer-in-compromise based on any of the above-mentioned grounds except doubt as to liability, you must agree to comply with all tax law rules on filing returns and paying taxes for the longer of five years or until the offered amount is paid. If you don't comply with these rules, the compromise will terminate and the IRS can seek collection of the original liability amount.

Innocent spouse relief. If you are unable to pay liabilities that are attributable to your spouse, it might be worth exploring whether you are eligible for relief under the "innocent spouse" provisions. Under limited circumstances, a taxpayer can be relieved from liabilities shown on a joint return filed with a spouse. In general, relief is potentially available for: erroneous items attributable to the other spouse of which you had no knowledge or reason to know; the separate liabilities of a spouse to whom you are no longer married or with whom you no longer reside (including deceased spouses); and liabilities for which it would otherwise be inequitable to hold you liable. This is a very specialized type of relief that carries many procedural and substantive requirements that are beyond the scope of this letter, but it's important that you're aware of it because there are strict time restrictions associated with claiming innocent spouse relief. Get tax resolution services at 1-877-788-2937.

Avoiding more serious consequences. Many taxpayers ignore their tax liabilities when they run into financial difficulties--for example, by failing to file their tax returns. However, tax liabilities do not go away if left unaddressed, and failing to deal with the problem often exacerbates it. It is very important that you timely file a properly prepared return, even if full payment cannot be made. Include as large a partial payment as you can with the return, and start working with the IRS on one (or more) of the options discussed above as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may face escalating penalties, the risk of having liens assessed against your assets and income, or even seizure and sale of your property. In many cases, these tax nightmares can be avoided by taking advantage of the arrangements offered by the IRS. Get tax resolution services at 1-877-788-2937.

Of course, I am available to discuss all of these matters with you on a strictly confidential basis and to offer advice and assistance. Please don't hesitate to call me at 1-877-788-2937.

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We offer reliable tax relief and tax resolution services in all 50 states including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Internet has literally made life serene. Now, you can do almost anything, from sending/receiving emails to getting treatment for various diseases, while sitting at home. Taxpayers, encountering IRS tax issues, can also benefit from this prodigious utility by rummaging for tax help online. These days, nobody has the time to personally go out in the market and find tax help. Let us see how you can find reliable tax help online.

How to find reliable tax help online

Just like you search anything else, you can also find hundreds of tax help online companies on the internet through various search engines. To find website of such companies, you can enter main keywords regarding your tax problem or simply enter tax help online or tax debt help. You will find more an endless list of tax resolution companies who handle all kinds of IRS tax problems.

Some companies have a basic contact form on their webpage where you can specify your problem and they will contact you. Some others have provided their contact info i.e. phone numbers so that you can directly call and discuss your problem.

Some considerations when opting for tax help online

Internet world is somewhat enigmatic as you cannot see the other person you are dealing with. Many scammers make use of this feature and try to rip-off their clients, but fortunately most of the tax resolution companies are honest. You should bear in mind following points when choosing tax help online:

• Most of the tax resolution companies offer a free and confidential analysis of your case. Such companies should be your top priority. In this discussion they will put forward what course of action would they select to solve their problem, which will elucidate their intentions. If you have any doubt, you can ask them more questions until you are satisfied. If you are still not convinced, you should move on.
• If a company demands and insists for full fee upfront, you should immediately shun them.
• Many fake companies have hired verbose staff to answer phone calls/emails from the customers. The first thing you need to make sure when you call them is that you are talking to an expert who will personally resolve your case.
• Consult several companies and before choosing one, compare their qualifications, experiences, skills, services and fees.

Plastic money with all its benefits has put the American economy under fire. Even top lending institutions are facing drastic fiscal conditions. Likewise, individual taxpayers are also facing problems paying their taxes on time. To maintain the equilibrium in the struggling economy, the Obama administration has introduced several tax debt relief help options for individuals as well as organizations. If you owe delinquent taxes to the IRS, you may qualify for certain tax help and tax relief programs.

However, either when we talk about government tax debt relief help or IRS tax debt relief help, it does not necessarily mean that they are affectionate enough to waive your 100% outstanding dues. But the relief will be sufficient to help you pay your back taxes without putting much burden on your bank account.

This is a great opportunity for those seeking reliable tax help and a resolution for their tax problem. The IRS is accepting more requests for Offer in Compromise and Installment agreement. Offer in Compromise is the best solution to eliminate you IRS tax debt. If you convince the IRS that due to poor financial conditions you cannot pay them, they will clear your debt for a fairly reduced percentage of the actual amount.

However, if you do not qualify for the Offer in Compromise, you can opt for Installment Agreement. This option is most feasible for those who do not have enough money to pay their tax debt lump sum, but earn enough every month to pay their tax debt in affordable payments. To learn the most feasible option for tax debt relief help according to your specific circumstances, call our tax help line at 877-78-TAXES [877-788-2937].

On the other hand, the IRS is more lethal than ever for those who try to evade taxes. Even your PayPal accounts, offshore accounts and cash hidden under the mattress are not out of the IRS's sight. Sooner or later, your secret will be discovered. You may hear about a lot of people in the news, who tried to evade taxes but ended up paying many times the actual amount or even went to jail.

If you are genuinely seeking tax help, you should contact Mike Habib; he is a tax professional and will analyze your tax situation and offer solutions to your tax problem. Call now 877-788-2937.

We offer tax help in in areas such as: Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Whittier, Orange County, Riverside, Palm Springs, San Bernardino, Palmdale, Bakersfield, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Detroit, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Columbus, Austin, Memphis, Fort Worth, Baltimore, Charlotte, El Paso, Boston, Seattle, Washington DC, Milwaukee, Denver, Louisville, Jefferson, Las Vegas, Reno, Hempstead, Tucson, Nashville, Davidson, Portland, Tucson, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Anchorage, Atlanta, Long Beach, Fresno, Sacramento, Mesa, Kansas City, Cleveland, Virginia Beach, Omaha, Miami, Oakland, Tulsa, Honolulu, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Colorado Springs, Arlington, Wichita, Birmingham, Montgomery, Tampa, Orlando

Do you owe back Taxes? Did you receive an audit letter from the IRS?

First, do not to panic. The IRS uses various letters to communicate with taxpayers about IRS back taxes and IRS tax audits. As with most IRS communications, there are strict deadlines associated with these letters that you have to meet. You should seriously review the items that are being challenged and prepare your factual response in a clear way to the IRS. As taxpayer, you can represent yourself, or hire a professional tax representative as a power of attorney to resolve your tax matters. Selecting a tax return for audit does not always suggest that the taxpayer has either made an error or been dishonest. In fact, some audits result in a refund to the taxpayer or acceptance of the return without change.

We represent clients before the IRS to resolve their tax controversies. The tax law is complicated and a professional will be better able to guide you through the audit experience, or to effectively resolve your back tax matter.

Call our reliable tax helpline at 1-877-78-TAXES [1-877-788-2937].

Tax relief services offered such as: wage garnishment release, offer in compromise, negotiated installment agreements, IRS audit representations, 941 payroll tax help, tax resolution service

Tax relief experts have a job pretty similar in nature to specialists of any other field. For example, if you are traveling on the road and suddenly your car breaks down due to a mechanical fault, you cannot fix it without the service of an expert mechanic, unless you possess such proficiencies. Likewise, when your IRS taxes get out of control due to financial problems, carelessness or any other reason, you need the help of a tax relief expert to carry on with your smoother journey of life. But there are many so-called experts you need to beware of, who are there only to take your money. Let us try to expose these scammers!

The American economic system relies heavily on the taxation system and this is why the IRS handles the individuals vehemently who try to evade taxes. However, in current cloudy financial circumstances paying taxes is not an easy job. If you have become a tax defaulter, need not worry because there are several legal ways out.

If you try to solve your IRS tax problems without the technical know-how expertise, it is just like trying to fix your broken car without the help of a mechanic and you will end up nowhere. If you do not want to waste your time and money, contact a reliable tax relief expert, as soon as you realize the tax problem. Procrastination will result in nothing but penalties and higher interest and you will be paying much more than the actual back taxes owed.

Is there a worse scenario than being haunted by the hostile IRS officers and you do not have enough money to pay back the taxes? Yes, if you fall a victim to fake tax relief experts. These scammers have interest in your money not in solving your problems. At the end of the day you will pay their huge fee, the whole tax amount plus penalties and interest.

The trustworthy tax relief experts usually offer free consultation before they take up your case. In this session you should ask them as many questions as you can, to assess their capabilities. If they are paying more attention to your money rather than your tax problem, go somewhere else to seek help.

On the other hand, there are honest and helpful experts who try to be as fair as possible as they know their client is in financial problems. These experts bear all the burden of representing you before the IRS, formulating the best solution for you and in the end, get you favorable results for a reasonable fee.

Mike Habib is an IRS licensed Enrolled Agent who focuses his tax practice on helping his clients resolve their tax controversy matters. His tax relief firm is rated "A" by the better business bureau, which is quite rare for this industry as many are rated "F" or already ceased business operations like American Tax Relief and Nationwide Tax Relief and possibly many more to come.

Do you have IRS tax problems?

Don't procrastinate anymore; call Mike Habib at 1-877-788-2937 for a free analysis of your tax situation. There are solutions to your tax problems.

Tax relief services provided are:

 Stopping wage garnishments and tax levies,
 Stopping and releasing bank levies,
 IRS tax audit representation
 Filing delinquent and past due tax returns,
 Resolving back tax debts,
 Negotiated settlement agreements,
 Installment agreements you can afford,
 Offer in compromise settlements,
 Sales tax audit representation and sales tax debt settlements,
 941 payroll tax resolution,
 Penalty abatement services,
 IRS Revenue Officer matters

Don't let the IRS ruin your life! Hire the reliable tax firm of Mike Habib; he has earned an "A" rating from the better business bureau.

Don't fall for scams.

Get a confidential consultation today by calling 1-877-788-2937.

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IRS Announces New Effort to Help Struggling Taxpayers Get a Fresh Start; Major Changes Made to IRS Tax Lien Process

IR-2011-20

IRS WASHINGTON -- In its latest effort to help struggling taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service today announced a series of new steps to help people get a fresh start with their tax liabilities.

The goal is to help individuals and small businesses meet their tax obligations, without adding unnecessary burden to taxpayers. Specifically, the IRS is announcing new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens.

"We are making fundamental changes to our lien system and other collection tools that will help taxpayers and give them a fresh start," IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. "These steps are good for people facing tough times, and they reflect a responsible approach for the tax system."

Today's announcement centers on the IRS making important changes to its lien filing practices that will lessen the negative impact on taxpayers. The changes include:

• Significantly increasing the dollar threshold when liens are generally issued, resulting in fewer tax liens.
• Making it easier for taxpayers to obtain lien withdrawals after paying a tax bill.
• Withdrawing liens in most cases where a taxpayer enters into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
• Creating easier access to Installment Agreements for more struggling small businesses.
• Expanding a streamlined Offer in Compromise program to cover more taxpayers.
"These steps are in the best interest of both taxpayers and the tax system," Shulman said. "People will have a better chance to stay current on their taxes and keep their financial house in order. We all benefit if that happens."

This is another in a series of steps to help struggling taxpayers. In 2008, the IRS announced lien relief for people trying to refinance or sell a home. In 2009, the IRS added new flexibility for taxpayers facing payment or collection problems. And last year, the IRS held about 1,000 special open houses to help small businesses and individuals resolve tax issues with the Agency.

Today's announcement comes after a review of collection operations which Shulman launched last year, as well as input from the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council and the National Taxpayer Advocate.

Tax Lien Thresholds
The IRS will significantly increase the dollar thresholds when liens are generally filed. The new dollar amount is in keeping with inflationary changes since the number was last revised. Currently, liens are automatically filed at certain dollar levels for people with past-due balances.

The IRS plans to review the results and impact of the lien threshold change in about a year.

A federal tax lien gives the IRS a legal claim to a taxpayer's property for the amount of an unpaid tax debt. Filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien is necessary to establish priority rights against certain other creditors. Usually the government is not the only creditor to whom the taxpayer owes money.

A lien informs the public that the U.S. government has a claim against all property, and any rights to property, of the taxpayer. This includes property owned at the time the notice of lien is filed and any acquired thereafter. A lien can affect a taxpayer's credit rating, so it is critical to arrange the payment of taxes as quickly as possible.

"Raising the lien threshold keeps pace with inflation and makes sense for the tax system," Shulman said. "These changes mean tens of thousands of people won't be burdened by liens, and this step will take place without significantly increasing the financial risk to the government."

Tax Lien Withdrawals
The IRS will also modify procedures that will make it easier for taxpayers to obtain lien withdrawals.

Liens will now be withdrawn once full payment of taxes is made if the taxpayer requests it. The IRS has determined that this approach is in the best interest of the government.
In order to speed the withdrawal process, the IRS will also streamline its internal procedures to allow collection personnel to withdraw the liens.

Direct Debit Installment Agreements and Liens
The IRS is making other fundamental changes to liens in cases where taxpayers enter into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA). For taxpayers with unpaid assessments of $25,000 or less, the IRS will now allow lien withdrawals under several scenarios:
• Lien withdrawals for taxpayers entering into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
• The IRS will withdraw a lien if a taxpayer on a regular Installment Agreement converts to a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
• The IRS will also withdraw liens on existing Direct Debit Installment greements upon taxpayer request.

Liens will be withdrawn after a probationary period demonstrating that direct debit payments will be honored.

In addition, this lowers user fees and saves the government money from mailing monthly payment notices. Taxpayers can use the Online Payment Agreement application on IRS.gov to set-up with Direct Debit Installment Agreements.

"We are trying to minimize burden on taxpayers while collecting the proper amount of tax," Shulman said. "We believe taking away taxpayer burden makes sense when a taxpayer has taken the proactive step of entering a direct debit agreement."

Installment Agreements and Small Businesses
The IRS will also make streamlined Installment Agreements available to more small businesses. The payment program will raise the dollar limit to allow additional small businesses to participate.

Small businesses with $25,000 or less in unpaid tax can participate. Currently, only small businesses with under $10,000 in liabilities can participate. Small businesses will have 24 months to pay.

The streamlined Installment Agreements will be available for small businesses that file either as an individual or as a business. Small businesses with an unpaid assessment balance greater than $25,000 would qualify for the streamlined Installment Agreement if they pay down the balance to $25,000 or less.

Small businesses will need to enroll in a Direct Debit Installment Agreement to participate.

"Small businesses are an important part of the nation's economy, and the IRS should help them when we can," Shulman said. "By expanding payment options, we can help small businesses pay their tax bill while freeing up cash flow to keep funding their operations."

Offers in Compromise
The IRS is also expanding a new streamlined Offer in Compromise (OIC) program to cover a larger group of struggling taxpayers.

This streamlined OIC is being expanded to allow taxpayers with annual incomes up to $100,000 to participate. In addition, participants must have tax liability of less than $50,000, doubling the current limit of $25,000 or less.

OICs are subject to acceptance based on legal requirements. An offer-in-compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles the taxpayer's tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. Generally, an offer will not be accepted if the IRS believes that the liability can be paid in full as a lump sum or through a payment agreement. The IRS looks at the taxpayer's income and assets to make a determination regarding the taxpayer's ability to pay.

Our firm specializes in tax problem resolution and could be of help. Call for a free confidential analysis of your tax situation at 1-877-788-2937.

Good news for American taxpayers who have an outstanding IRS Tax Debt: IRS is still accepting a large number of requests for settlements of delinquent back taxes from taxpayers who are in financial distress and cannot pay their back taxes in full. However, it is a pity that even a huge number of American citizens are possibly qualified for IRS tax relief programs, yet only a small percentage has managed to settle and benefit from these programs. This article not only explores the mistakes made by the individuals who owe IRS back taxes but also explains the best line of attack to resolve your IRS problems.

Although the Internal Revenue Service is offering the taxpayers having back tax problems a solitary opportunity to say goodbye to their tax debt for good, it neither advertises nor suggests that taxpayers should make the use of their offerings. This clearly depicts that the IRS is more eager to recover its full amount instead of providing you the relief. Therefore, most of the taxpayers in financial hardship are not aware of this golden opportunity.

On the other hand, the major reason for taxpayers not being able to enjoy the tax debt settlement offer by IRS is not awareness. In fact majority of taxpayers shamble their case themselves by taking wrong steps, incorrect paperwork and various other mistakes. At the end of the day, these taxpayers have to pay much more than the actual amount owed or end up doing nothing at all.

Offer in Compromise (OIC) is obviously the best way out of IRS back taxes as you have to pay a reduced percentage of the total tax debt. In the current prevalent gloomy fiscal conditions, most of the taxpayers with unpaid back taxes and who are in financial distress and special circumstances due to different hardships, could qualify for an OIC. But as said earlier, many individuals try to negotiate with the IRS on their own and due to lack of tax knowledge and specialized skill set, their OIC request is rejected.

If you want to end your IRS back tax nightmare, you should contact a qualified and reliable tax relief expert. Mike Habib focuses his tax practice on representing his clients before all administrative levels of the IRS. Hire a reliable tax relief professional today, start a tax debt-free life tomorrow!

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Tax relief USA is for the American citizens who are dwelling in the foreign countries. The taxation phenomenon becomes multifaceted and complex as you become taxable under the laws of two different countries. Most of the US expats do not know their rights and obligations as there is not much awareness among the commoners regarding the Tax Relief USA. This article describes the key points related to this relief program.

Let us suppose, if an American citizen is residing and working in Canada, he is obliged to pay the IRS taxes just like other citizens inside the United States. The taxpayer needs to learn the filing requirements the way they are based on American laws. However, this does not mean that he is not bound to pay the taxes under Canadian laws. Fortunately, IRS offers tax relief USA to such individuals which can lessen considerable financial burden.

So what is tax relief USA actually? Though the taxpayer must pay the taxes in both the countries but if the IRS believes that he is eligible for tax relief USA, he will either be given credit for the taxes paid in the foreign country or he will be entitled to exclude a part or the whole income earned outside the US.

There a few benefits including Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security scheme etc. which are not taxable in the United States. Actually, this tax relief program is based on a tax treaty between the governments of the United States and Canada, which offers that such benefits would be taxed utterly on the base of current residence. In the same way, the above mentioned benefits come to be taxable if the taxpayer obtains them while residing in the USA.

Therefore, these Canadian social security benefits are preceded just like their American counterparts because of the United States tax. However, in case any of such benefits is not subject to taxation in the hands of a Canadian resident, the same benefit is not taxable in the United States.

Obviously this is not a straightforward procedure and having different taxation laws for different countries, legal tax expertise are required to understand it thoroughly. It is sensible to contact a tax relief expert to understand your rights and responsibilities.