Michael, Author at IRS Away

March 16, 2018 By Michael

Steer Clear of These IRS Audit Red Flags!

A while back, we discussed some IRS audit triggers called the IRS Dirty Dozen list. This is a collection of filing no-no’s to avoid when you, or a tax preparer, is filing your tax return. They say the two most serious IRS audit red flags are falsifying income and using fake forms. And the bottom line is that ignorance is no defense – whoever dreamed up the scheme, YOU are on the hook when the IRS discovers the problem.

Now, let’s look at some other IRS audit triggers on the list.

Fraudulent Charities

The biggest offender here are those charities whose names sound like ones that are legitimate – but aren’t. These fake charities actually pull a double scam – they steal your well-intentioned gifts, and keep them away from the actual legitimate charities. So, steer clear of IRS audit trouble by doing your homework. The internet can help; in fact, the IRS has a helpful list to identify the known offenders.

Inflating Your Refund

If a tax preparer “guarantees” you a bigger tax refund before he even takes a look at your records – beware. Also be wary if your guy bases his fees on the size of your tax refund. And if he asks you to sign a blank return before he gets started – walk away.

Frivolous Tax Arguments

Got a beef with the Federal government? Save it for your blog, and NOT your tax return. If you want tax audit trouble, use your tax return as a forum for protest to avoid tax responsibility. Trust us, the IRS has heard it all, and they aren’t amused. Check out this IRS rundown of frivolous tax arguments.

Improperly Padding Your Deductions

In the midst of a tax panic, Homer Simpson once declared that “Lisa is now a clergyman, Maggie is seven people and Bart was wounded in Vietnam.” Avoid IRS tax problems – don’t be like Homer! Also, check out these IRS FAQs on proper Earned Income Tax Credits and child tax credits.

IRS Audit? Contact IRS Away Today

We’ll say it again: if you commit tax fraud knowingly, or an unscrupulous tax preparer leads you astray, YOU are ultimately responsible. The time to address your IRS tax problems is NOW. But you don’t have to go it alone. The IRS Away team offers you the peace of mind knowing that your tax problems are being dealt with effectively and professionally. Contact tax attorney Joseph M. Arndt III at (803) 771-4037 for a free consultation.

March 12, 2018 By Michael

Hiring a Tax Attorney? Questions to Consider

Previously, we noted that someday you may need to hire a tax attorney. When that day comes, you will want a tax attorney with the skills and experience to help you deal successfully with your specific IRS problem. How will you know if this is the right tax attorney for you? Here are a few questions you can ask.

Does Your Tax Attorney have Proper IRS Credentials?

Is this tax lawyer an IRS Licensed Practitioner? Are they authorized to represent you in IRS tax matters like audits, payment/collection issues, and appeals? Check the official IRS Directory of properly credentialed tax lawyers and other tax professionals in your area.

Also, look for professional societies that your tax lawyer belongs to. Many professional societies, such as the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers, have rigorous ethical standards and ongoing educational requirements for their tax lawyers.

How Much Experience does Your Tax Attorney Have?

How many years has this tax lawyer been in practice? What kind of experience do they have dealing with YOUR specific tax problem? How successfully has this tax lawyer represented clients with income tax problems like yours?

Does Your Tax Attorney Concentrate on Tax Law?

Professional focus should be a major consideration in selecting a tax lawyer. There is a difference between a Tax Attorney, and a lawyer who does tax law in addition to family law, real estate law, etc. Whatever your IRS tax problem, hire a lawyer who:

Works in income tax law consistently
Negotiates with the IRS on a regular basis, and
Has a firm command of the tax code, tax law changes, loopholes, and legal tools and remedies.

Contact a Tax Attorney at IRS Away Today

IRS Away is here to answer questions like these, and others. We have the credentials, the experience, and the track record of success to handle IRS tax problems like yours, AND give you peace of mind! If you live in or around Columbia SC and are experiencing income tax problems, help is nearby. Contact tax lawyer Joseph M. Arndt III at (803) 771-4037 for a free consultation.

August 19, 2017 By Michael

IRS Tax Audit Questions: During the Audit

In our last post on IRS Tax Audits, we talked you through the initial shock of learning you are the subject of an audit. And we answered some questions, courtesy of the IRS, about how to prepare for the IRS tax audit process.

Today, the lead-up is over, and the audit begins; what can you expect? Tax attorney Joseph M. Arndt and the IRS Away team considers some of these questions, including the most important of all: Who can I turn to for IRS tax audit help?

IRS Tax Audit Question #5: How Long will the Audit Take?

There are a lot of variables. One might be how far the IRS is going back in your records. Generally, that’s is up to 3 years. They might go further if the situation warrants it, but they generally don’t go past 6 years.

Otherwise, there are a lot of logistics to consider: how complex is your case? Did the IRS receive all the info they need? Was everyone able to gather together in a timely manner? Will you agree with the IRS’ judgement, or will you contest it?

IRS Tax Audit Question #6: Do I Have any Rights Here?

You do have rights during an IRS Tax audit. These include the right to:

Professional, courteous treatment
Privacy and confidentiality
Know what the IRS wants, why they want it, and what they will do if they don’t get it
Appeal the IRS decision, even in a court of law

And, one of your most important rights:

The right to qualified representation (and that’s why your first call should be to Tax attorney Joseph M. Arndt and IRS Away team!)

IRS Tax Audit Question #7: What are the Possible Outcomes?

When your IRS tax audit concludes, it can go one of 3 ways:

No change: you have answered all their questions and provided sufficient documentation, and they are happy
Agreed: they have determined that your return needs to be changed, they have determined what you owe (if anything), and you agree with them
Disagreed: they have made their findings, and you DO NOT agree with them

IRS Tax Audit Question #8: Final Steps?

If you Agree, and you owe, you must sign off on the finding. Then you can look into payment plans. If you Disagree, you can request a meeting with a higher-up in the IRS structure. The IRS offers mediation, and also an appeals process if certain conditions apply.

IRS Tax Audit: Don’t Go it Alone!

As we said, during an IRS tax audit you have a right for courteous, professional treatment. This doesn’t mean friendly and stress-free. And don’t expect them to hold your hand and thoroughly educate you while you respond to their queries and decide your course of action. In short, you must go into the process confident and well-prepared. That’s why you need professional representation by Tax attorney Joseph M. Arndt and the IRS Away team. Contact us today!

Put Your IRS Tax Problems Behind you - NOW!