IRS Tax Liens Archives

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.

July 21, 2017 By Michael

IRS Tax Audit Questions: Before the Audit

When you hear the words IRS Audit, in any context, a chill goes up your spine. When you see those words and your name in the same sentence, that chill becomes a panic. And once you are done hyperventilating, you will have a BUNCH of questions.

Tax attorney Joseph M. Arndt and the IRS Away team would like to take a look at some of these IRS audit questions, courtesy of the IRS itself. And we would also like to remind you that, if these questions apply to you, you have somebody on your side!

IRS Tax Audit Question #1: Why Me?

Did you do something on your IRS tax return to draw their attention? Maybe, maybe not. Sometimes it’s a matter of random computer selection. The computer compares you to other people like you – they call this the Norm. If your IRS tax return differs from the Norm too much, that can be a trigger.

Other times, someone else out there in the Norm – somebody with income or deductions similar to yours – has been audited. Since you are somewhat like them, you get caught in the net. When the computer flags you, it goes to a real live person who reviews your IRS tax return and then decides whether or not to move the audit process forward.

IRS Tax Audit Question #2: What is the Process?

First of all, if the IRS goes forward with the audit process, they will notify you by mail. In this era of online and telephone phishing scams, that’s important to remember.

As we have said previously, the location of the audit is a good indication of how serious your IRS problems may be. A “by mail” audit may simply request for missing documents. A “come into the IRS office” audit may be looking for unreported income or improper deductions. An “in your home” audit is the most serious, and includes a thorough investigation of your home and belongings.

Regardless of the severity, you should take any audit seriously, and seek the professional help of Tax attorney Joseph M. Arndt and IRS Away!

IRS Tax Audit Question #3: What do I Need?

The IRS will tell you exactly which documents they require. Here is a potential list. This might include hardcopies of documents, or electronic ones. Be sure to ask the tax auditor what is acceptable. Hopefully you have kept all of your documents for (at least) the past three years, though many people prefer seven years.

IRS Audit Tax Question #4: How do I Respond?

The IRS will tell you how much time you have to respond. If you send your records by mail or other delivery service, ALWAYS request confirmation that they received it. If you need more time to pull your records together, you can send a written request for a 30-day extension (for a by-mail audit) or contact the auditor personally (for an in-person audit.) There are certain conditions that determine whether or not they will grant the extension.

IRS Tax Audit? Call IRS Away!

By now, you are staring to wade into the process. It typically will only get more complex from here. If you haven’t already done so, contact Tax attorney Joseph M. Arndt and IRS Away!

Next time: What happens now? And how will IRS Away help me navigate the tax audit process? Stay tuned!

Put Your IRS Tax Problems Behind you - NOW!