Case Studies

Confused Client gets Relief through Placement on CNC Status

Posted 10/20/2008 4:07:37 PM

Mr. Fusco of Mountainside, NJ owed the IRS close to $1 million when he called our law firm for help. Mr. Fusco had not worked during 2004 and 2005, and therefore, did not file tax returns for those years. In 2006, Mr. Fusco accumulated an unpaid tax liability. He then began to receive letters from the IRS, but was confused and did not know what to do. After calling our law firm, we were able to help Ms. Fusco by getting him placed on the IRS’s currently not collectible status.

“Mr. Fusco’s case required patience, expertise, and persistence given the large liability owed to the IRS and the assignment of his case to its various collection branches,” recalls Christian Montgomery, the attorney who worked on Mr. Fusco’s case. “Because of the assignment of Mr. Fusco’s liabilities among several collection branches, many negotiations were required to successfully resolve his outstanding liabilities. But we were able to get it done.”

“Thank you for your hard work, allowing me the status of having a non-collectable status,” notes Mr. Fusco.

Taxpayers Call Roni Deutch After Unsuccessfully Trying to Negotiate a Settlement Directly with the IRS

Posted 10/20/2008 4:06:24 PM

Mr. and Mrs. Resse of Wichita, KS called our law firm after seeing one of Roni Deutch’s television commercials. They had been dealing with IRS collections since 2005 and were desperate to get their tax problem solved.

“Our tax liability dated back a few years,” recalls Mrs. Reese. “We had tried to negotiate a settlement with the IRS on our own, but it was disastrous. I wasted hours on the phone with IRS agents, only to find no success. Thankfully, I had the exact opposite experience when I called Roni Deutch’s law firm. Life feels so much better now that our tax problems are settled. And the amount we pay each month is what we can afford so we do not have to worry as much anymore. As long as we get our payment in on time we will be fine!”

“Working on Mr. and Mrs. Reese’s case was fairly simple,” notes the Reese’s attorney Sean Chi. “They had the foresight to file all their tax returns, so we knew exactly how much they owed and were able to inform them well ahead of time of an accurate approximation of how much they would need to pay the IRS on their Streamlined Installment Agreement. They were so responsive that the only issue holding up their case from being resolved earlier was simply waiting for the IRS to process the Power of Attorney.”

Once the Power of Attorney was processed, attorney Chi was able to contact the IRS and set up a payment plan that was $20 lower than the $220 per month they had already agreed to pay. “Once the SIA was set up for $200 and the payment arrangements were set according to the Reese’s preferences, I contacted the Reese’s and informed them of the good news,” stated attorney Chi. “They were ideal clients and I was happy to help them alleviate the tax burdens that had been weighing on their shoulders.”

“Working with Roni Lynn Deutch was a great experience,” notes Mr. Reese. “The law firm kept us informed with every step that they were doing. They were able to set us up with a payment plan with the IRS that I could afford to pay back. I would recommend Ms. Deutch’s law firm to anyone that is having problems with the IRS.”

Law Firm Negotiates Monthly Payment Plan for Chicago Taxpayer

Posted 10/20/2008 4:05:38 PM

Ms. Davis of Chicago, IL originally hired our law firm to prepare and file an Offer in Compromise on her behalf. But after months of effort, it was rejected. Undaunted, Ms. Davis worked closely with our legal staff a second time to negotiate an Installment Agreement with the IRS that lets her repay her tax debt through manageable monthly payments.

“We represented this client on two separate occasions,” notes Ms. Davis’ attorney John Wetenkamp. “She initially hired us for an Offer in Compromise, which took several months to prepare and file. This client was diligent in responding to the IRS requests during our representation. It is not always easy for clients to stay on top of things because the IRS typically demands various documents and substantiation, and allows very little time to respond. Unfortunately, Ms. Davis’ offer was rejected because the IRS valued her business assets at an amount higher than the client claimed and the client could not disprove the valuation. Thus, the IRS believed that her collection potential was higher than what she was offering and declined to accept her submitted Offer in Compromise.”

When we represented Ms. Davis a second time, it was to set up an Installment Agreement. Again, Ms. Davis was cooperative and diligent in responding to our request letters. She was also quick to respond to the analysis letter we sent to her wherein we explained to her how the IRS would be viewing her income, expense, and asset situation. She was willing for us to negotiate with the IRS for a monthly payment of $627.

“Her break came when I contacted the IRS to negotiate the IA,” stated Mr. Wetenkamp. “We got an IRS representative that really knew what she was doing. She agreed to $500 per month based on the assessed balance. The case was resolved in less than seven months. This client was very patient and persistent, especially given all the time we spent on the Offer in Compromise the first go-around.”

Ms. Davis could not have agreed more. “Well it has been a long process and the experience was good for one reason: Roni Deutch’s law firm kept the IRS off me until we came to an agreement,” claimed Ms. Davis. “I now realize I could have handled things differently, and could have slowed down a little on my spending. But thank you for your help and making a breakthrough with the IRS. I will continue to do the right thing with my taxes, and will tell everyone how helpful Ms. Deutch’s staff was.”

As long as Ms. Davis continues to make her monthly payments she will not have any more problems with IRS collection agents.

Client Hires Law Firm After Bad Experiences with a Competitor

Posted 9/17/2008 2:41:52 PM

Mr. Flohr of Falling Waters, WV had been working with another tax settlement company for months before he hired our law firm. While the other company was able to reduce his total liability, the settlement proposed was not one that Mr. Flohr could afford. No other options were given.

Shortly thereafter, he contacted and then retained our law firm for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. CNC status protects a taxpayer from Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collections. It demonstrates to the IRS that a taxpayer cannot afford a monthly payment to the IRS, let alone to full pay their back tax liability.

“Mr. Flohr hired us for CNC,” notes attorney John Wetenkamp. “When we needed information from him he provided it right away without the need for multiple requests. Once we had all the financial information we needed to move forward, I was concerned because it looked like he was not going to qualify for the service he hired us to perform. We sent him an analysis letter in which we explained how the IRS would view his financial situation based on the information he provided to us. Mr. Flohr obviously took the time to go through the letter carefully, and he responded to all the pertinent questions.”

In the time that passed since Mr. Flohr had last communicated with the IRS, his financial information had dramatically changed. His business income had significantly decreased and he had sold one of his automobiles.

“He identified some changes that needed to be made based on financial changes that occurred in his life,” continued Wetenkamp. “We incorporated the changes in his financial statement based on his response to the analysis letter. Once more it looked like he would qualify for CNC status. I called the IRS and disclosed the financials. The case was forwarded on to an IRS manager and approved some time later. Mr. Flohr was patient throughout the entire process. We resolved his case without any major problems.

I think the key to success on this case was that Mr. Flohr was persistent and willing to really read the analysis letter and give a thoughtful response. Sometimes clients get an analysis letter [which examines their financial situation and may inform them that they currently do not qualify for the service they retained the firm for because their finances had changed] and they throw their hands up in the air and just give up. They fail to realize that the analysis letter is not the end of the road, it is just a request for updated/different/additional information and a request to make a decision as to how the client wants to proceed.”

“Everyone at Roni’s law office was nice and helpful,” claimed Mr. Flohr. “I am so relieved to have finally settled my tax problems.”

We could not have done it without you.

IRS Errors Cause Arkansas Clients to Lose Sleep

Posted 9/17/2008 2:39:35 PM

Mr. and Mrs. Marts of Altus, AR were approved for placement on the IRS’ Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status last month. Unfortunately, the IRS had determined that the Marts were not compliant with their tax returns. However, they actually were already compliant. Fortunately our law firm was able to help get things sorted out, and was able to successfully get them placed on CNC status.

“Mr and Mrs. Marts retained the law firm to negotiate CNC,” notes attorney Ryan Carrere. “Our law firm collected the taxpayer’s financial information and attempted to negotiate CNC. However, at the initial attempt a compliance issue arose. The IRS indicated the taxpayers had missing tax returns that must be filed. After communicating with the client, it was determined that the IRS was incorrect. The taxpayer’s had no filing requirement for the years the IRS was requesting tax returns. Our law firm contacted the IRS against and informed them that the taxpayer had no filing requirement for the years in question and was therefore compliant. Upon further review, the IRS agreed the taxpayer was compliant. With the compliance issue resolved, our law firm proceeded to provide a financial statement and requested CNC for the taxpayers. Shortly thereafter the IRS granted the request for CNC due to a financial hardship alleviating our clients from the stress and worry of enforced collections.”

“Only the freedom of a debt hanging over your head,” claimed Mrs. Marts. “It is such a relief to bed at night and sleep instead of laying awake all night and worrying about the IRS.”

We are happy to get you and your family the relief you deserved.

Colorado Taxpayer Struggled to Afford Basic Living Expenses

Posted 9/17/2008 2:36:43 PM

Mr. Hopkins of Aurora, CO found himself with a hefty tax liability and was struggling to afford basic living expenses when he called our law firm. Fortunately, he was a good candidate for an Offer in Compromise (OIC), which lets taxpayers settle with the IRS by making an affordable one-time payment.

“After his Offer in Compromise was filed, Mr. Hopkins became the ideal client. This was key to his offer being accepted because an offer is not typically accepted on its face. Rather, Mr. Hopkins had to really stay on his feet and respond promptly to our letters [so we could, in turn, respond promptly to the IRS requests]. Without Mr. Hopkins’ diligent effort, his offer would not have been accepted.”

“I felt like there was no help for me and that I was going to be paying the IRS for the rest of my life,” notes Mr. Hopkins. “I couldn’t sleep at night. I was stressed out and depressed all the time and then I saw a Roni Deutch commercial and decided to give it a try. They took a lot of pressure off me by handling everything. I want to thank everyone at Roni Deutch’s law firm, you did a marvelous job!”

No – thank you, Mr. Hopkins.

GA Client Converts Service and Gets Better Resolution than Expected

Posted 8/14/2008 1:48:21 PM

Mr. Braddy of Arabi, Georgia originally hired Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation to pursue an Offer in Compromise. However, shortly thereafter, the IRS changed the rules concerning Offers in Compromise, which negatively affected Mr. Braddy’s potential offer. Consequently, Mr. Braddy became a perfect example of a situation that arises occasionally in the course of our representation of our clients: service conversion.

“When we first spoke to Mr. Braddy, we thought he would be an excellent candidate for an Offer in Compromise,” notes Ryan Carrere, the attorney that worked on Mr. Braddy’s case. “However, once our legal staff reviewed more detailed financial information and documentation provided by Mr. Braddy, it became apparent that he was better qualified for placement on the IRS’ Currently Not Collectible status. This would immediately stop IRS collection activity and could lead to his liability expiring completely.”

Based upon all of the information Mr. Braddy provided during the initial telephone interview, it appeared that he could qualify for an Offer in Compromise because between his business expenses and his vehicle payment and insurance, Mr. Braddy barely had sufficient funds to meet his necessary living expenses. However, shortly after Mr. Braddy retained our law firm, the IRS updated some of its maximum allowable standard expense guidelines. Because of this update, Mr. Braddy had a net available income that would be calculated as part of his minimum Offer in Compromise. This, coupled with some available equity in assets, made the minimum Offer in Compromise an amount Mr. Braddy could not afford.

“As a result, Mr. Braddy first elected to pursue an Installment Agreement rather than submit an Offer,” continued Carrere. “However, when I contacted the IRS, I also conducted a review of the account and found that the Client’s account could be placed into Currently Not Collectible status. Once the resolution took effect, it virtually ended all collection activity against Mr. Braddy.”

“All my questions were answered in timely manner,” notes Mr. Braddy. “The attorneys were able to give me correct information on my tax problem. If my financial status changes and I need to hire another tax firm I will not hesitate to contact Roni Deutch.”

Streamlined Installment Agreement for Client in California

Posted 8/14/2008 1:47:21 PM

Mr. and Mrs. Pangelinan were living off of very limited means when they became victims of aggressive IRS collections. Within a few weeks, the IRS had placed a levy on the Pangelinans’ retirement benefits, which was their only source of income. The IRS was taking so much from their accounts that they could barely afford basic living expenses.

“After the Pangelinans hired our law firm, it was clear that they would be great candidates for a Streamlined Installment Agreement,” noted Ryan Carrere, the attorney that worked on the Pangelinans’ case. “While a Streamlined Installment Agreement can be processed much faster then a standard Installment Agreement, it still requires some documentation. Fortunately, the Pangelinans were very cooperative and responsive to our legal staff, and supplied all the necessary documents so that we could begin work on their case.”

Because the Pangelinans were fully compliant with all of their tax return filing obligations and owed the IRS less than $25,000, Mr. Carrere was able to negotiate a Streamlined Installment Agreement that established an affordable payment plan for them to repay their tax debt.

“We were able to negotiate a release of all levies and establish a monthly payment plan of only $105 for the Pangelinans,” concludes Mr. Carrere. “The payment amount left our clients with ample flexibility to pay their living expenses and address their tax liability. Most importantly, we were able to conclude their case in less than 6 weeks, getting the IRS out of their life in the process.”

“I myself want to thank Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation for their help in solving this past due problem,” notes Mr. Pangelinan. “If anyone needs help with tax problems I would urge them to call you. Since the first day I contacted the law firm they have been very understanding and helpful with letters and phone calls. Again, thank you.”

First, Get into Compliance; Second, Use Strong Argument for Client with Equity Issues

Posted 8/13/2008 11:44:17 AM

When Mr. Datray contacted Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation, he did not know anything about the severity of his and his wife’s IRS tax predicament. They had just received a Notice of Intent to Levy from the IRS, but did not know why. That is because they had not filed taxes since 1993.

“Luckily, by working with our office, Mr. Datray was instructed to immediately file all past due tax returns to come into compliance,” notes Christian Montgomery, the attorney who worked on their case. “That is because before the IRS will resolve a tax debt, the taxpayer must be fully compliant.”

After getting the Datrays into compliance, Mr. Montgomery began to address the unique equity issues that their case presented. Without a knowledgeable tax attorney, these issues may have resulted in the IRS demanding full payment of the IRS tax liability as opposed to being placed into Currently Not Collectible status.

“The Datrays’ case required detailed preparation and a strong argument to be made regarding their specific financial condition,” continued Mr. Montgomery. “Their case was unique because of the specific equity issues presented in his case. Although it appeared that they had equity they could use to pay down the IRS tax liability, in reality, the equity was already being used by them to supplement their income. The Datrays were living solely off Mr. Datray’s social security and pension that, standing alone, could not pay for all of their family’s basic living expenses.”

“Resolving the Datrays’ debts required precise knowledge of the collection techniques and procedures utilized by the IRS,” concluded Mr. Montgomery. “In the end, we were able to protect the Datrays and resolve their tax liability.”

“I have to say that I am more than pleased with the service we received from Roni Lynn Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation,” claims Mr. Datray. “I was worried we were going to lose everything we owned but thanks to Roni Deutch our debt with the IRS was resolved.”

“Thank you for helping us with our tax problems,” continued Mr. Datray. “I have told a lot of people about this law firm. Words cannot express the appreciation we feel for you. All I can say is thank you and God bless you.”

Confused Client Forced To Fight Aggressive Collection Agent

Posted 8/13/2008 11:33:44 AM

Mr. Ryan of Pembrooke Pines, FL is a classic example of a taxpayer that thought he was doing everything correctly, but ended up getting stung by the IRS because of a corrupt accountant.

“Years ago I had a crooked account that said he was doing things that he didn’t,” Mr. Ryan said. “And I did not find out about it for six years. I was in good shape and thought everything was fine, then I got a letter informing me that the IRS was investigating me. I found out my accountant had never filed my returns. Even though I had even signed them.”

Unfortunately this happens to thousands of taxpayers every year. Unscrupulous accountants and tax preparers are frequently the cause of IRS back taxes and headaches. However, Mr. Ryan’s situation was even worse since he had lost all his records in a move and could not prove his case to the IRS.

“Dealing with the IRS on my own was lousy,” Mr. Ryan claims. “I tried to not let it get to me. When you’re 83 years old you do not care. Then a friend told me about your law firm and the services that you provide. Overall, everyone was helpful and soon I was placed on currently not collectible status. I am very satisfied with the results your law firm achieved for me. I have already recommended you to two other people. I am truly happy with the end result.”

According to Bret Adams, the attorney who primarily worked Mr. Ryan’s case, “Mr. Ryan also had the misfortune of dealing with an overly aggressive IRS Revenue Officer. Though Mr. Ryan suffered a serious heart attack not too long ago, he was able to work part time to supplement his social security income. This allowed his family to make ends meet. Mr. Ryan was also able to build up an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to about $110,000, which would provide his family the ability to continue to meet their monthly expenses when he stopped working. However, Mr. Ryan also had about the same dollar amount in IRS liabilities. The IRS levied his social security benefits and demanded Mr. Ryan liquidate his ESOP.”

“Fortunately our law firm was able to negotiate with the IRS and get them to reduce their demands. We were able to get the IRS to accept a 20% liquidation of his ESOP in exchange for protected status and a release of the levy on his social security benefits.”

“Roni Deutch and her associates were outstanding in solving my tax problem,” Mr. Ryan continued. “I will admit there were times I didn’t understand the negotiating system, but the people were great in helping me understand the process.”

Roni Deutch Helps Client Owing Thousands At A Discounted Rate

Posted 8/13/2008 11:33:10 AM

Mr. Sullivan of Burnsville, MN is a perfect example of someone who qualified for placement into Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. He was in financial hardship when he contacted our law firm. His only income was from social security disability, and he could barely pay for basic living expenses, let alone huge tax payments.

“Back in 1995 I had several health problems along with a divorce and I just was not able to pay my taxes,” claimed Mr. Sullivan. “I am now living on Social Security disability and I got a feeling that I should file taxes last year. That must have sent up a red flag because I was soon under IRS collections. They said they were going to pursue collections but before I could do anything, the IRS had already taken $1,100 from my checking. Then I saw one of Roni’s commercials and decided to make the call. It was the best decision I could have made.”

After hiring our law firm, Mr. Sullivan was quick to provide all of his information and documentation so that our attorneys would begin work on his case. After an initial review of his case, it was clear that he would be an excellent candidate for CNC status, which ceases all collection activity by the IRS. But just qualifying for a resolution is not enough – the IRS needs information and documentation to support the request. Fortunately, Mr. Sullivan was quick, responsive, and cooperative throughout the process.

“I had a very positive experience with your law offices,” Mr. Sullivan stated. “Working with your legal staff was great. They went way out of their way to help me.”

“Even with their legal fees,” continued Mr. Sullivan. “Originally, I setup a payment plan, but it turned out I couldn’t even afford that. When I called in to ask to reduce my payments by 50%, the representative said he would see what he could do and call me back. [When he called me back,] he told me that they would continue to represent me free of charge.”

Fortunately by that time, most of the work on Mr. Sullivan’s case had already been completed. The office had already made the negotiation attempt and provided the documentation. Essentially, we were just waiting to hear a response from the IRS. This allowed us to reduce his fees to fit into his budget. Our law firm is dedicated to our clients. We want to help them any way we can. If it is finding fee structures that are affordable, so be it.

“I don’t even know how many thousands of dollars Roni Deutch saved me. I came to her owing several thousands to the IRS with no way to pay it back. You guys took on my case and when I realized that I couldn’t pay your fee you finished my case anyway, free of charge. Never in my life have I heard of a law firm doing that. Even my friends and family were surprised. You have no idea how good it feels to have this problem finally settled. I don’t know anyway to say thank you except to just say it.”