Tax Relief Blog

Taxpayer Receives Favorable Counter Offer From The IRS

Posted 4/23/2010 9:06:59 AM

DeAnne hired Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation to help with her back tax debts. Fortunately, DeAnne was an ideal candidate for an IRS Offer in Compromise, and after going back and forth with the IRS her settlement was finally accepted.

According to Jin Kim, the attorney who negotiated with the IRS on DeAnne’s behalf, our firm initially proposed an Offer in Compromise in the amount of $230. However, the IRS offer examiner performed his own analysis and increased the offer to around $660, based upon a revaluation of some of DeAnne’s assets. Although an increased amount, it still represented a substantial savings for DeAnne, who owed the IRS approximately $19,000 in IRS back taxes. So, Deanne accepted the increased offer.

“In my experience,” recalls Kim, “I have noticed that the IRS has been active in proposing counter offers based upon updated financial and asset information. There are clients who cannot accept the increased offers but DeAnne agreed to the increased offer and worked with the IRS to timely submit an increased offer according to the IRS’s review. The IRS due dates were very strict and tight, but we were able to push through and DeAnne saved a lot of money as a result.”

“I am very pleased with the service you provided to me by Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation,” explains DeAnne. “I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out how I would pay my back taxes. The interest and penalties were still adding up as I tried to pay it off, and I was not getting ahead. Roni Deutch’s law firm gave me a chance to breathe, see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I feel relief for the first time. They kept me informed with letters and phone calls and did not just leave me wondering about progress. I am very thankful, as they were able to settle my tax problems, a feat I could not have done on my own.”

Taxpayer Has Positive Experience With Roni Deutch’s Law Firm

Posted 4/23/2010 9:06:28 AM

From Larry of Missouri City, TX:

“My experience with the Roni Deutch and her team of tax lawyers was definitely a positive one. They worked hard to settle my debts to the IRS, and their customer service was exceptional. Overall I definitely would hire Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation again, and recommend them to anyone looking for help with IRS problems.”

Client Confidentiality

Posted 4/23/2010 9:05:39 AM

Client confidentiality is the foundation of the attorney client relationship. It is essential for the effective representation of the client. All attorneys are held to a very strict standard to maintain the confidential information of their clients. This blog will explain why client confidentiality is such an important aspect of legal representation.

Attorney Client Privilege

Attorney-client privilege and confidentiality are often mistaken as being one in the same; however, they are in fact different. While the attorney-client privilege protects communications between a client and his or her attorney from disclosure before a court, confidentiality protects a client from any information a client chooses to share with his or her attorney.

Policy

Why is confidentiality such an integral aspect of legal representation? The answer is trust—to effectively represent a client, an attorney needs the client’s complete trust. Think of it this way, we are all more willing to share information that may be embarrassing or difficult to talk about with someone that we know we can trust. This is why attorneys are held to a high standard of protecting a client’s confidential information.

Confidences and Secrets

With respect to client confidentiality, the definition of a secret is anything either the client has requested to be held in confidence or anything that, if told, would be detrimental to the client. Confidential information is any information related to the representation of the client. Furthermore confidential client information can only come from the client, whereas a client’s secrets can come from any source.

Informed Consent

Only the client can give permission for his/her confidential information to be released. A client may give permission by “informed consent”. Informed consent requires the client to be made aware of the drawbacks and consequences of allowing their information to be made public. The client may also give a waiver in advance but must be fully informed of how and for what purpose the disclosures will be made.

Five Things to Look for in a Tax Resolution Company

Posted 3/17/2010 1:13:09 PM

There are a number of companies in this country, including law firms such as ours, that offer IRS tax debt resolution services. In an ongoing effort to educate American taxpayers, and as a follow-up to our previous post, Five Alarming Tactics Used by Dishonest Tax Relief Companies we have composed the following things to look for in a quality tax resolution company.

1. Professional, and Useful Website

You would be surprised how much you can learn about a business using the Internet. Before hiring a tax resolution company, you should always spend a few minutes reviewing their website. Look for informative testimonials and information about any chambers of commerce, or professional organizations the company is aligned with.

In addition to information about the business on their website, you should also see if they offer information on topics related to tax debt resolution. If the company employs experts knowledgeable about the various IRS tax resolution programs, then the company should have useful information such as informative articles, a glossary of tax related keywords, newsletters and a blog (that is updated regularly) for you to review.

2. Successful Track Record

A quality tax resolution company will be able to provide evidence of a successful track record of resolving delinquent accounts with the IRS. If you cannot find information on a company’s website about recent resolutions that is has achieved for its clients, then you should consider asking a representative of the company for this information. If you do speak with a tax resolution company, you should also inquire as to whether the company has experience in resolving cases similar to yours.

3. Friendly, Helpful Representatives

When you speak with a representative from a tax resolution company, they should be friendly and helpful. If the representative is rude or uses fear tactics to try to convince you to retain his company’s services, then you should consider calling another company.

4. Easy-to-Understand Fee Structures

Before you hire a tax resolution company, you should find out exactly how much they charge for their services. Some companies use complicated price structures, or rely on hidden costs in order to charge you extra fees once you retain their services. Do not hire a tax resolution company until you fully understand exactly how much money you will be required to pay the company. If the cost seems unreasonably high or unreasonably low, then you should consider seeking quotes from other companies.

5. Free Analysis and No Guarantees

During the sales process, a quality tax resolution company will collect basic information about your unique financial situation and provide you with a free tax analysis to determine which IRS tax resolution programs you are likely to qualify for – Offer in Compromise, Installment Agreement, etc. Because of the strict eligibility guidelines associated with each program, you will not qualify for all of them. As such, you should know which tax resolution programs you may qualify for before retaining a company. Additionally, do not be fooled by tax resolution companies that claim they can guarantee the acceptance of a particular tax resolution. No company can guarantee with certainty any type of tax resolution because of the strict eligibility guidelines associated with each program.

Tax Resolution Law Firm Negotiates Payment Plans for Clients Collectively Owing Over $5.0 Million to the IRS during February 2010

Posted 3/15/2010 9:59:44 AM

During the month of February 2010, The Tax Lady Roni Deutch and her team of experienced tax resolution lawyers negotiated payment plans for clients collectively owing the IRS over $5.0 million. Although it was the shortest month of the year, Deutch’s team was able to help a record number of clients settle their problems with the IRS.

Deutch’s team placed the clients on Installment Agreements with the IRS, which allows a taxpayer to repay part or all of their unpaid tax debts through manageable monthly payments. Among the group of clients was a taxpayer from Noblesville, Indiana who owed the IRS $101,967 when he called Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation for help. After months of negotiation, the law firm’s attorneys were able to have the client’s account put on a $100 per month Installment Agreement.

Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation Ends IRS Collection Against Clients Collectively Owing Almost $5.5 Million

Posted 3/15/2010 9:59:23 AM

During the month of February 2010, Roni Deutch and the attorneys of her Sacramento based tax law firm were able to provide relief to a group of clients collectively owing the IRS almost $5.5 million. The clients were from all over the country and each owed the IRS a different amount, but they all had one thing in common: the inability to repay their IRS back tax debts. All of the taxpayers had their accounts placed on the IRS’s Currently Not Collectible status, which effectively ended all IRS collection activities. Each taxpayer will remain on Currently Not Collectible status until their financial situation changes or the time for the IRS to collect on their tax debt expires.

Resident from Phoenix, Arizona Thanks Roni Deutch and Her Team

Posted 3/1/2010 5:41:03 PM

From Jorge Phoenix, AZ:

“I am very happy and thankful for all of the work the attorneys at Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation did to settle my back tax problems. In the future, if I ever have any other IRS problems I will call again. In the meantime, I will recommend Roni Deutch to my friends and my family with the knowledge that everyone at her office is helpful and friendly. Thank you again. I do not know how I could have settled my problems without your help.”

Taxpayer From Florida Struggled With Her IRS Payment Plan Before Calling Our Law Firm For Help

Posted 3/1/2010 5:40:26 PM

Margie of Kissimmee, FL hired our law firm to negotiate placement on the IRS’s Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. At the time Margie called our law firm, she was on an Installment Agreement with the IRS, but she really could not afford to be paying the IRS anything at all. After Margie completed her initial packet, it was apparent that she would qualify for a better IRS resolution than the one she currently had.

“The biggest difficulty in this case was getting together the proof documents that would be needed before starting negotiations with the IRS,” explains tax attorney John Wentenkamp. “Margie had been working as a self-employed individual when she hired us and she was having some difficulty getting together a profit/loss statement that would substantiate her income. There were other proof documents as well that she was having difficulty gathering, such as bank statements and non-liable income statements. And some of the details of her financial profile changed during our representation. However, once we had all the proof we requested, it was relatively easy to prove to the IRS that she could not afford to pay back what she owed. The IRS agreed to put her account into Currently Not Collectible status.”

“One additional wrinkle in this case,” continued Wentenkamp, “was that when Margie hired us she only owed for tax year 2007. But in the beginning of 2009, it became apparent to her that she was going to owe for 2008 as well. She would have no way of paying this off and she requested that we include it in her resolution. Fortunately, Margie did everything necessary so that our law firm could grant her request. She informed us of this additional debt as soon as she knew about it, and she got her tax return filed immediately. We cannot always grant a request such as this, but Margie was a conscientious client who appeared to be very determined to get her tax troubles behind her.”

“I must say my experience with Roni Deutch and her team of lawyers was amazing,” notes Margie. “I felt so helpless, and I thought that I might even face jail time for my unpaid taxes. I have never been in this position in my life before, and always paid my taxes on time. Roni and her team were a blessing and gave me the hope I needed. I want to thank you for all your help and understanding.”

Peter from Connecticut Recommends Roni Deutch’s Tax Relief Services

Posted 3/1/2010 5:39:36 PM

From Peter of New Hartford, CT:

“I am very glad that I decided to call your law firm because you have really helped me with my unpaid tax problems with the IRS. You did indeed make it much easier for me, and I know that you saved me a substantial amount of money. I have no complaints, and would recommend your company to anybody to resolve their IRS problems.”

Pittsburg Couple Have Their Tax Refund Withheld Because Of Back Taxes

Posted 3/1/2010 5:38:49 PM

Earl of Pittsburg, MO and his wife found out they owed the IRS unpaid back taxes when they had a portion of a recent refund withheld by the IRS. The funds were automatically applied to the back tax debt, without Earl’s knowledge. Fortunately, after calling our law firm an attorney was able to settle Earl’s unpaid tax liability with the IRS.

“Earl was our original client,” explains Daniel Lynch, the attorney who handled the case. “However, during the course of the representation, we learned that his wife was liable as well. They were understanding and worked with us to get both of their accounts active in the case. Both husband and wife were cooperative and provided us the financial information needed to negotiate their hardship resolution with the IRS. As a result of our clients’ help, we were able to convince the IRS to place them into Currently Not Collectible status and to remove them from active collections.”

“My wife and I would like thank Roni Deutch and her legal team,” explains Earl, “they really were life savers. Through the entire process the representatives I spoke with were positive and helpful. We felt that every step of the way you had our best interest at heart. You can all feel very proud of your assistance to us. We have all of our taxes in order and a positive outlook on the future. Thank you.”

Taxpayer from Minneapolis Gets Approved for Placement on CNC Status

Posted 3/1/2010 5:38:24 PM

From James of Minneapolis, MN:

“Being that this was the first time I got into trouble with the IRS, I did not know what to expect. I was referred by a friend who had a good experience your company. My phone analysis was handled very professionally and the initial packet was a little overwhelming. Fortunately, your staff was friendly and helpful with every step. My case was handled professionally, and we achieved the desired outcome when my account was placed into Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status.”

In January 2010, The Nation’s Largest Tax Resolution Law Firm Negotiated Payment Plans for Clients Collectively Owing $3.6 Million

Posted 2/23/2010 12:08:07 PM

The Tax Lady and her team of attorneys negotiated manageable monthly payment plans for clients owing the IRS nearly $3.6 million in aggregate in January of 2010. Many of the clients were placed on traditional Installment Agreements with the IRS. The average tax liability of the clients was around $80,000 while the average monthly payment was only $758.

The other clients were able to resolve their tax liability by being placed in Streamlined Installment Agreements, which have different requirements including a $25,000 tax liability limit. Clients placed on Streamlined Installment Agreements owed the IRS as little as $5,000; however, the average amount owed was $14,600.

Roni Deutch and her Team of Attorneys Negotiated Currently Not Collectible Status for Clients Collectively Owing $3.5 Million to the IRS

Posted 2/23/2010 12:07:42 PM

The Tax Lady Roni Deutch and her team of highly skilled attorneys were able to provide tax relief for taxpayers owing the IRS over $3.5 million in aggregate during January of 2010. These clients had their delinquent accounts placed on the IRS’s Currently Not Collectible status, which will essentially protect them from IRS collection activity unless their financial situation changes or the time for the IRS to collect on the tax debt expires.

Tax Law Firm Negotiates Installment Agreement For A Taxpayer From Colorado Who Owed Over $800,000 To The IRS

Posted 2/23/2010 11:58:52 AM

In the month of January 2010, the nation’s largest tax resolution law firm reached a resolution with the IRS regarding the delinquent account of a taxpayer from Colorado who had an unpaid tax liability totaling over $800,000. The attorneys from Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation negotiated an Installment Agreement with the IRS that will allow the taxpayer to repay his tax debt through manageable monthly payments.

Law Firm Ends IRS Collections Against California Taxpayer Owing Over $19.8 Million To The IRS In The Fourth Quarter Of 2009

Posted 1/21/2010 1:30:12 PM

In the final months of 2009, The Tax Lady Roni Deutch and her team of attorneys successfully ceased collection activity against clients collectively owing the IRS $19.8 million. Deutch’s team secured placement of the clients’ accounts in the IRS’s Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. This type of IRS settlement essentially protects a taxpayer from any IRS enforced collection efforts, such as wage garnishments or bank levies until the taxpayer’s financial situation improves or the time for the IRS to collect expires.

During The Final Quarter Of 2009, The Nation’s Largest Tax Resolution Law Firm Negotiated Payment Plans For Clients Owing The IRS $21 Million In Aggregate

Posted 1/21/2010 1:29:32 PM

During the fourth quarter of 2009, the tax attorneys at Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation negotiated payment plans for clients collectively owing the IRS over $21 million in unpaid tax liabilities. By placing their accounts on Installment Agreements with the IRS, clients will be able to repay the IRS all or part of their debts through manageable monthly payments.

The clients were broken up into two main groups, those who qualified for traditional Installment Agreements and those who qualified for Streamlined Installment Agreements. The average monthly payment for the clients with traditional Installment Agreements was $700, whereas the average payment for a Streamlined Installment agreement was only $260.

Roni Deutch’s Law Firm Settles The Tax Problems Of Clients Owing The IRS $107 Million In 2009

Posted 1/21/2010 1:25:24 PM

As the nation’s unemployment crisis continued and families across the country struggled to make ends meet, The Tax Lady Roni Deutch and her team of attorneys helped a record number of taxpayers settle their IRS problems. During 2009, Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation was able to provide tax debt relief to clients, who collectively owed, over $107 million. The clients’ tax debt was resolved though various IRS resolution programs, such as Offer in Compromise, Installment Agreement, and Currently Not Collectible status. Although each client’s unique financial situation was different, they all had one thing in common – the inability to repay their current IRS tax liability in full. With that in mind, our team of experienced lawyers aggressively negotiated with the IRS to provide the best resolution possible for each client.

Nation’s Largest Tax Resolution Law Firm Negotiates Streamlined Installments for Clients Owing the IRS $1.7 Million in Aggregate

Posted 1/21/2010 1:24:46 PM

In December 2009, Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation was able to negotiate Streamlined Installment Agreements (SIA) for clients owing the IRS over $1.7 million in aggregate. With this type of settlement program, the IRS will allow taxpayers to repay their IRS liabilities through manageable monthly payments. In order to qualify for an SIA, a taxpayer’s IRS debt must total under $25,000 and the taxpayer must be able to fully repay the amount owed before the time limit for the IRS to collect expires. The average payment for an accepted SIA this month was only $252.

Roni Deutch’s Law Firm Negotiates A $20 Offer In Compromise For A Taxpayer From Newport News, VA Who Owed The IRS Over $93,000

Posted 1/21/2010 1:24:24 PM

In December 2009, Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation negotiated dozens of IRS Offers in Compromise for taxpayers. One client from Newport News, VA had a tax liability of over $93,000 when she hired Deutch’s law firm. Luckily for the taxpayer, Deutch’s team was able to get her $20 offer accepted by the IRS. After making the payment to the IRS, this taxpayer’s tax debt will be zero.

Five Alarming Tactics Used by Dishonest Tax Relief Companies

Posted 1/19/2010 10:33:01 AM

Unfortunately, there are many dishonest tax debt resolution companies. Over the years, our law firm has heard hundreds of horror stories about these dishonest companies and their practices. To help consumers avoid being taken advantage of by these companies, we have put together a list of five alarming tactics employed by some of these companies that you should be wary of before you retain one of them.

1. Cold Calling Solicitation

Because of high sales demands, some tax debt resolution companies have turned to cold calling in order to solicit new clients. This is alarming because unpaid taxes are not something most people want to freely disclose. Having a stranger leave you an unwelcome message regarding your tax debts can be intrusive and discomforting. These companies may also use half-truths to try and scare you into believing that immediate action is required by you to resolve your tax debt.

2. Guarantees

Some tax debt resolution companies represent that they can obtain a settlement offer with the IRS for significantly less than what a taxpayer may owe to try and convince taxpayers to retain their services. However, don’t be fooled. No one can guarantee that the IRS will accept your settlement offer. Whether the IRS will accept a settlement offer, otherwise known as an Offer in Compromise, or another tax debt resolution depends on each taxpayer’s unique financial situation, tax liability, and tax filing compliance. The IRS has strict guidelines for some types of tax debt resolutions and the IRS will not accept a particular tax debt resolution if a taxpayer’s financial situation does not meet the established guidelines.

3. No Pre-Analysis, No Attorney Review

Many tax debt resolution companies will sign up new clients without knowing anything about their financial situation. We refuse to sign up any new clients prior to performing a free and confidential tax analysis. In order to perform the tax analysis, our law firm asks a series of questions to obtain an understanding of a taxpayer’s unique financial situation. The tax analysis is performed by a tax attorney. After reviewing a taxpayer’s financial information, a tax attorney will recommend which particular tax debt resolution would be the most appropriate for the taxpayer. Unfortunately, performing a tax analysis for a taxpayer and providing the taxpayer with tax resolution options prior to enrolling the taxpayer does not appear to be a common practice with many of the tax debt resolution companies.

4. Additional Fees for Paperwork Errors

Recently, a potential client informed our law firm that another tax debt resolution company was charging additional fees because the taxpayer failed to correctly fill out the company’s confusing paperwork. This was very disturbing to the taxpayer given the volume of the documents and the complexity of the information requested. Needless to say, the taxpayer refused to pay the fees and contacted our law firm about our services.

5. False Information to Enrolled Clients

Taxpayers should be wary of any tax debt resolution company who shares information about a taxpayer’s representation by another company. For example, a client of our law firm reported being contacted by a salesperson from another company who told her that our law firm no longer wanted to represent her. The salesperson further advised that his company would be taking over so the taxpayer needed to enroll with his company. Do not fall for this tactic. Always contact the company you are working with to verify that you remain a client of theirs before signing up with a new tax debt resolution company. Otherwise, you may find that you paid two companies to provide the service same.

California Senior Citizen Loses Source Of Income During IRS Negotiations

Posted 12/30/2009 12:08:39 PM

Madge of Cathedral City, CA called Roni Deutch’s law firm after she ran into serious tax problems. Although she retained the firm to negotiate an Installment Agreement with the IRS, her financial situation changed during negotiations and she became an ideal candidate for placement into the IRS’s Currently Not Collectible status.

“This case took nearly two years to complete from start to finish,” recalls John Wetenkamp, the attorney who negotiated with the IRS on Madge’s behalf. “She retained our firm in December 2007 to negotiate an affordable Installment Agreement with the IRS. Unfortunately, Madge lost her source of income during the negotiation process, which she let our firm know about right away. Given the change in circumstances, we advised her that the best resolution was to have her account placed into Currently Not Collectible status.”

“Madge agreed with the change in direction,” continues Wetenkamp. “However, because of the change in circumstances, we had to collect updated financial information from her. It was around this time that the IRS imposed a levy on her social security income, which caused a serious financial hardship. Once all the tax returns had been filed (per IRS rules), we contacted the IRS to begin negotiations. We provided the financial information and documentation requested by the IRS and after a couple of follow-up calls, we received confirmation in October 2009 that her account had been placed into Currently Not Collectible status. The social security levy was also released and Madge was able to go back on her feet financially.”

“My experience with Roni Deutch and her staff was a positive one,” explains Madge. “The firm stayed with me for over a year and a half and continued to work with me even after my loss of income in the midst of negotiations. All my calls were answered or returned immediately. Everyone was very courteous and patient, and I am so very pleased with the results.”

Roni Deutch Protects Taxpayers in Okalahoma from Harassing Calls and IRS Levies

Posted 12/30/2009 12:08:16 PM

From James of Midwest City, OK:

“I want thank your law firm for working with my wife and I to resolve our problems with the IRS. We know it was our fault that we did not pay our taxes for so many years. However, your staff never pointed the finger of blame and instead reassured us that you could help. Roni Deutch and her lawyers protected us from IRS levies and harassing calls. They negotiated our case with the IRS and got us placed on an affordable payment plan.

Taxpayer From Texas Finds Relief Through An Offer In Compromise

Posted 12/30/2009 12:07:54 PM

Victoria of San Antonio, TX hired Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation to help settle back tax problems. Fortunately, the firm was able to negotiate an Offer in Compromise with the IRS on behalf of Victoria allowing her to repay her debt through a reduced one-time payment.

“Victoria was an ideal client who communicated well with our firm,” explains tax relief attorney Daniel Lynch. “She provided documents and information when it was requested and her timely communications allowed us to work with the IRS to get her resolution accepted. It was my pleasure to inform her that her resolution was accepted after months of work.”

“I am so grateful for the firm’s help,” notes Victoria. “All of my questions were answered and I was guided all the way through the process of negotiating with the IRS. I cannot say enough great things about Roni Deutch and her employees. Thank you very much.”

Michael From Arizona Had a Positive Experience with Roni Deutch’s Firm

Posted 12/30/2009 12:07:12 PM

From Michael of Bullhead City, AZ:

“I had a more positive experience than I could have ever expected. All of the staff at Roni Deutch, A Professional Tax Corporation were professional, kind, courteous, and helped me significantly. I would like to thank all of the staff at the firm. I will refer this firm to anyone in need of tax assistance.”

Highly Satisfied Client from West Virginia Offers to be Featured in a Commercial

Posted 12/30/2009 12:06:49 PM

From Robert of Raunekkem, WV:

“The IRS had claimed that I owed over $58,000. Luckily Roni Deutch and her team saved me from definite financial ruin. I would love to be featured in a commercial to explain that if it were not for Roni Deutch, my assets including my weekly paycheck would have gone to unsubstantiated claims brought on by the IRS. I am a hard-working truck driver who worked for dishonest companies claiming I made more than I did to lessen their tax liability. I had nowhere to turn, and then I saw Roni’s commercials. I was skeptical at first, but I sure was glad I decided to contact your company. Everyone was extremely helpful, and they were able to settle my account with the IRS.”