Tax Problem Resolution Services

Tax Problem Resolution Services

I specialize in resolving tax problems for individuals, small-size companies, mid-size companies, and fortune 1,000 companies. I represent individuals and businesses before the IRS and any taxing authority, therefore the taxpayer does not have to deal with the IRS directly.

Mike Habib, EA

IRS strengthened enforcement policies, along with their new and complex tax regulations, makes it essential to properly plan for and manage IRS tax audits, examinations or collections efforts in a proactive manner. Applying new dispute resolution procedures and best practices is critical to managing IRS tax examinations or collections problems, resolving disputes at the earliest point, and containing administrative and tax costs. The tax problem resolution services services we offer are:

* Audit Representation
* Wage Garnishment / Levy Release
* Bank Levy Release
* Payroll Tax Problems
* Payroll Tax Audits
* Back Tax Unfiled Returns
* Sales Tax Problems
* Tax Fraud
* Tax Controversy
* Appeals Division Hearings
* Innocent Spouse Representation
* Trust Fund Recovery Penalty Relief & Resolution
* Offer in Compromise
* Installment Payment Plans
* Estate Tax Audits, Problems and Appeals

Contact us today to resolve your tax problems.

Don't compromise on your representation CLICK HERE

Mike Habib, EA

As an IRS licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) providing IRS Tax Problem Resolution Services, I can represent individuals and businesses in all of the following states, counties, and metro cities, Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia 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 D.C.. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming. AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY New York, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Ventura, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Barbara, Chicago, Washington D. C., Silicon Valley, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Cleveland, San Diego, St Louis, Denver, San Juan, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Portland, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Orlando, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Norfolk & VB, Las Vegas, Columbus, Charlotte, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Greensboro, Austin, Nashville, Providence, Raleigh, Hartford, Buffalo, Memphis, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Rochester, Grand Rapids, Reno, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Richmond, Greenville, Dayton, Fresno, Birmingham, Honolulu, Albany, Tucson, Tulsa, Tempe, Syracuse, Omaha, Albuquerque, Knoxville, El Paso, Bakersfield, Allentown, Harrisburg, Scranton, Toledo, Baton Rouge, Youngstown, Springfield, Sarasota, Little Rock, Orlando, McAllen, Stockton, Charleston, Wichita, Mobile, Columbia, Colorado Springs, Fort Wayne, Daytona Beach, Lakeland, Johnson City, Lexington, Augusta, Melbourne, Lancaster, Chattanooga, Des Moines, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Modesto, Fort Myers, Jackson, Boise, Billings, Madison, Spokane, Montgomery, and Pensacola

1600% Increase in IRS Tax Levies since 2000

TIGTA report "Trends in Compliance Year Activities Through Fiscal Year 2007" [Audit Report No. 2008-30-095]:

Fiscal year 2007 marked another period of improvement in IRS's compliance activities, continuing an eight-year period of upward trends in such endeavors, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) said in a new audit.

Many enforcement activities continued to increase despite a slight reduction in the staffing of the Collection and Examination functions, the audit said, adding that both functions plan to hire enforcement personnel during FY 2008. The Collection and Examination Enforcement budget was flat for FY 2006 through FY 2008, but President Bush's budget proposal for FY 2009 calls for an 8% increase, the audit noted. The amount of enforcement revenue collected increased by almost 74% in the last five years.

The number of Collection Field function (CFf) revenue officer personnel working assigned delinquent cases decreased by 4% to 3,724 by the end of FY 2007. “Although revenue officer staffing is down, many compliance activities continued to increase and results improved during FY 2007,” TIGTA said. Some of the improvements may be attributable to an FY 2005 organizational change in the Small Business/Self-Employed Division and efforts to improve business processes, the audit said. Activities showing positive results for the Collection function during FY 2007 included the following—dollars collected on Taxpayer Delinquent Accounts (TDAs) by Automated Collection System and CFf employees increased by 3% over FY 2006; the average amount collected per CFf staff year on TDAs increased by 2% over the preceding year; and the number of TDAs closed and the number closed by full payment increased by 7% and 6% respectively.

In FY 2007, the number of liens issued was 683,659, while levies totaled 3,757,190 and seizures totaled 676. All of these were upward movements. In comparison, in FY 2000, there were 287,517 liens issued, the number of levies was 219,778 and seizures amounted to 74.

The audit is available at http://treas.gov/tigta/auditreports/2008reports/200830095fr.pdf.

Tax Problems: Type of Tax Problems and how to resolve them

Tax Problem Solver – Why You Need Professional Help

Tax problems come in different forms; IRS tax problems, State tax problems, and Sales tax problems. Tax authorities are constantly increasing their tax enforcement efforts through tax collection and tax audit.

When taxpayers receive the dreaded tax notice that their tax return or their business is going to be audited and examined, the first thing they should do is seek professional tax advice. Same thing when taxpayers receive collection letters threatening levying and garnishing their wages or paychecks, or the tax levy letter for their bank account, taxpayers should seek professional tax advice to resolve their tax problems.

The most common options to resolve your tax problems are:

• Full Payment: paying the amount on the tax notice and avoiding the confrontation with the taxing authority. Most of the time, this option is not the best option for the taxpayer to resolve their tax problem, as often the tax bill is inaccurate.
• Pay The Correct Tax Only: paying the actual amount of taxes if you can afford it is usually a good solution to your tax problem. This will entail working with the taxing authority to abate the penalty assessed. The success of penalty abatement is based on reasonable cause and not willful neglect.
• Installment Agreement: paying the tax amount through an installment agreement is a common way to resolve your tax problem. You should seek professional tax advice, as the taxing authority will usually request a large monthly payment, while professional tax representatives will work on attaining an installment agreement that is reasonable and you can live with without causing a financial and economic hardship on you and your family.
• Offer In Compromise: an offer in compromise, OIC, will usually be accepted by the taxing authority to resolve your tax problem if the amount offered to settle your tax problem is equal or exceed the taxpayer’s Reasonable Collection Potential, RCP. The IRS, or the State, or the Sales Tax Agency determines RCP by using the financial analysis tools like the 433-A for individuals and 433-B for business entities.

No matter which option is correct to resolve your tax problems, usually there are more than one viable option, it is essential that the taxpayer comply with the tax law going forward. That is, all tax returns are filed timely; all estimated income taxes and payroll deposits must be paid timely.

An experienced tax professional who specializes in tax representation would be the best person to have in your corner when the IRS, the State, or the Sales Tax Agency contacts you.

The most surprising fact of all after plumbing the depths of what to do when the IRS contacts you regarding a tax problem is how shallow the well really is. With the lull in activity on the IRS tax audit and collection front, there are relatively few pronounced tax-experts. The $345 billion dollar tax gap remains fascinating to the US Congress and the IRS. It is a high profile item!

The IRS released tax records on their most famous tax problem cases that imprisoned Al Capone, they inadvertently nabbed the Governor of New York allegedly spending tens of thousands of dollars for what they least expected. From Will Smith, to Wesley Snipes to Nicolas Cage IRS audits and collection are on the rise, and is expected to continue for many years to come!

So, do you have a tax problem yourself? Do yourself a favor and contact us today to assist you in resolving your tax problem. We resolve IRS tax collection and or audit problems, we resolve State tax audit and collection problems, and we resolve Sales tax problems.

IRS tax levy wage garnishment bank levy

TIGTA issues statutory review of IRS compliance with legal guidelines when issuing levies [ Audit Report No. 2008-30-097 ]:

During the process of issuing levies, IRS has been complying with legal guidelines regarding proper notification and the protection of taxpayer rights, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) reported in a recent audit.

The agency is required to notify taxpayers a minimum of 30 calendar days before initiating any levy action to give taxpayers the chance to appeal the proposed levy. Since prior audits found that IRS had implemented tighter controls related to systemically generated levies, the latest annual audit on the subject focused on the issuance of manual levies.

Auditors looked at 30 Integrated Collection System and 30 Automated Collection System manual levies issued between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2007. Analysis of these levies “showed revenue officers and customer service representatives continued to properly inform taxpayers of their rights at least 30 calendar days prior to issuing the levies,” TIGTA said.

The audit can be found at http://treas.gov/tigta/auditreports/2008reports/200830097fr.pdf

Trucker Tax Relief - Trucker Tax Resolution Service

Truckers Tax Relief - Are you a truck driver with tax problems?

If you're a truck driver and owe the IRS, you're better off resolving your tax debt now. As you know, tax problems do not go away by themselves! Stop your IRS wage garnishment today, stop your IRS bank levy today, and release your IRS tax lien today.

As you can see from the statement below by Mr. Douglas H. Shulman, the new IRS Commissioner, he will first concentrate on Enforcement, then secondly its Service! Are you saying where is the kinder and gentler IRS?

Contact us today to resolve your tax problems.

Statement of Commissioner Douglas H. Shulman

I want to extend my thanks to the members of the Senate and the Senate Finance Committee, especially Chairman Baucus and Senator Grassley. I also want to thank President Bush for nominating me and Treasury Secretary Paulson for his support.

The Internal Revenue Service touches virtually every adult, every business and every non-profit organization in America. It is an honor to assume the leadership of this critical agency. I recognize the great responsibility I have been given and will work to ensure that the IRS is fair, impartial and respects the rights of all taxpayers.

As Commissioner, I will concentrate on both enforcement and service. For the majority of Americans who pay their taxes willingly and on time, there must be clear guidance, accessible education and outstanding service. Our aim should be to make it as easy as possible for citizens to pay the correct amount of taxes in the most efficient and least burdensome manner possible.

For taxpayers who intentionally evade paying taxes, there must be rigorous enforcement programs.

I am looking forward to working with the dedicated and talented IRS workforce, along with the broader tax community and important stakeholders to continue to build an efficient, effective and respected IRS.

Contact us today to resolve your tax problems.

Don't compromise on your representation! We represent truckers and truck drivers before the IRS and any taxing authority.

Mike Habib, EA

As an IRS licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) specializing in IRS Tax Problem Resolution, I can represent truckers and truck drivers in all of the following states, counties, and metro cities, Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia 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 D.C.. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming. AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY New York, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Ventura, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Barbara, Chicago, Washington D. C., Silicon Valley, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Cleveland, San Diego, St Louis, Denver, San Juan, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Portland, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Orlando, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Norfolk & VB, Las Vegas, Columbus, Charlotte, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Greensboro, Austin, Nashville, Providence, Raleigh, Hartford, Buffalo, Memphis, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Rochester, Grand Rapids, Reno, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Richmond, Greenville, Dayton, Fresno, Birmingham, Honolulu, Albany, Tucson, Tulsa, Tempe, Syracuse, Omaha, Albuquerque, Knoxville, El Paso, Bakersfield, Allentown, Harrisburg, Scranton, Toledo, Baton Rouge, Youngstown, Springfield, Sarasota, Little Rock, Orlando, McAllen, Stockton, Charleston, Wichita, Mobile, Columbia, Colorado Springs, Fort Wayne, Daytona Beach, Lakeland, Johnson City, Lexington, Augusta, Melbourne, Lancaster, Chattanooga, Des Moines, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Modesto, Fort Myers, Jackson, Boise, Billings, Madison, Spokane, Montgomery, and Pensacola

2004 Unfiled tax returns Back Taxes Past Due Tax Return

IRS Has $1.2 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2004 Tax Return

Mike Habib, EA

MyIRSTaxRelief.com

IRS-2008-46, March 19, 2008

IRS WASHINGTON — Unclaimed refunds totaling approximately $1.2 billion are awaiting about 1.3 million people who failed to file a federal income tax return for 2004, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, a return for 2004 must be filed with an IRS office no later than Tuesday, April 15, 2008.

Those due a refund who did not file a 2004 tax return could collect even more money by also filing a 2007 tax return to claim the economic stimulus payment. To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of qualifying income and file a 2007 federal tax return. Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive the stimulus payment. Eligible people will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17.

The IRS estimates that half of those who could claim refunds for tax year 2004 would receive more than $552. In some cases, individuals had taxes withheld from their wages, or made payments against their taxes out of self-employed earnings, but had too little income to require filing a tax return. Some taxpayers may also be eligible for the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.

In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury. For 2004 returns, the window closes on April 15, 2008. The law requires that the return be properly addressed, postmarked and mailed by that date. There is no penalty assessed by the IRS for filing a late return qualifying for a refund.

“Time is getting short for claiming the tax refund you may be entitled to,” said acting IRS Commissioner Linda E. Stiff. “But you can’t get it unless you file the tax return. Don't take a chance on losing your tax refund. And this year, remember that you need to file a 2007 tax return in order to receive an economic stimulus payment.”

The IRS reminds taxpayers seeking a 2004 refund that their checks will be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2005 or 2006. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS and may be used to satisfy unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.

By failing to file a return, individuals stand to lose more than refunds of taxes withheld or paid during 2004. Many low-income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Although eligible taxpayers may get a refund when their EITC is more than what they owe in tax, those who file returns more than three years late would be able only to apply it toward the taxes they owe (if any). They would not be able to receive a refund if the credit exceeded their tax.

Generally, unmarried individuals qualified for the EITC if in 2004 they earned less than $34,458 and had more than one qualifying child living with them, earned less than $30,338 with one qualifying child, or earned less than $11,490 and had no qualifying child. Limits are slightly higher for married individuals filing jointly.

IRS Tax Problems? Get Resolution today - here's why

If you owe the IRS, you're better off resolving your tax debt now. As you know, tax problems do not go away by themselves! Stop IRS wage garnishment today, stop IRS bank levy today, and release IRS tax lien today.

As you can see from the statement below by Mr. Douglas H. Shulman, the new IRS Commissioner, he will first concentrate on Enforcement, then secondly its Service! Are you saying where is the kinder and gentler IRS?

Contact us today to resolve your tax problems.

Statement of Commissioner Douglas H. Shulman

I want to extend my thanks to the members of the Senate and the Senate Finance Committee, especially Chairman Baucus and Senator Grassley. I also want to thank President Bush for nominating me and Treasury Secretary Paulson for his support.

The Internal Revenue Service touches virtually every adult, every business and every non-profit organization in America. It is an honor to assume the leadership of this critical agency. I recognize the great responsibility I have been given and will work to ensure that the IRS is fair, impartial and respects the rights of all taxpayers.

As Commissioner, I will concentrate on both enforcement and service. For the majority of Americans who pay their taxes willingly and on time, there must be clear guidance, accessible education and outstanding service. Our aim should be to make it as easy as possible for citizens to pay the correct amount of taxes in the most efficient and least burdensome manner possible.

For taxpayers who intentionally evade paying taxes, there must be rigorous enforcement programs.

I am looking forward to working with the dedicated and talented IRS workforce, along with the broader tax community and important stakeholders to continue to build an efficient, effective and respected IRS.

Contact us today to resolve your tax problems.

Don't compromise on your representation! We represent taxpayers before the IRS and any taxing authority.

Mike Habib, EA

As an IRS licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) specializing in IRS Tax Problem Resolution, I can represent individuals and businesses in all of the following states, counties, and metro cities, Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia 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 D.C.. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming. AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY New York, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Ventura, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Barbara, Chicago, Washington D. C., Silicon Valley, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Cleveland, San Diego, St Louis, Denver, San Juan, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Portland, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Orlando, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Norfolk & VB, Las Vegas, Columbus, Charlotte, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Greensboro, Austin, Nashville, Providence, Raleigh, Hartford, Buffalo, Memphis, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Rochester, Grand Rapids, Reno, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Richmond, Greenville, Dayton, Fresno, Birmingham, Honolulu, Albany, Tucson, Tulsa, Tempe, Syracuse, Omaha, Albuquerque, Knoxville, El Paso, Bakersfield, Allentown, Harrisburg, Scranton, Toledo, Baton Rouge, Youngstown, Springfield, Sarasota, Little Rock, Orlando, McAllen, Stockton, Charleston, Wichita, Mobile, Columbia, Colorado Springs, Fort Wayne, Daytona Beach, Lakeland, Johnson City, Lexington, Augusta, Melbourne, Lancaster, Chattanooga, Des Moines, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Modesto, Fort Myers, Jackson, Boise, Billings, Madison, Spokane, Montgomery, and Pensacola

Tax Negotiation Buyer Beware Report

How to compare tax relief and resolution service companies?

Customer…Beware!

How To Keep From Getting Ripped Off?

Many “Tax Negotiation” companies out there will absolutely rip you off. These unscrupulous firms will take your money regardless of whether they can help you or not. They'll lie to you and tell you they can get all the penalties and interest wiped out. They'll lie to you and tell you they'll settle with the IRS for "pennies on the dollar" when they know damn well you don't possibly qualify for the Offer in Compromise program.

How do they get away with this? Easy, most of the people you talk to at these unscrupulous firms are sales representatives. They have NO license to protect. You don't actually speak to the EA (Enrolled Agent), the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or the attorney that these firms claim to have. Nope, you speak to some slimy unlicensed salesman. Some of these firms make up titles like Tax Resolution Specialist, or Tax Consultant. What a scam! In fact, many of these unscrupulous firms aren't tax firms or law firms at all, they’re just sales organizations!

We NEVER take on any client that we don't believe we can truly help. But, I absolutely guarantee you that 90% of the unscrupulous tax negotiation firms that advertise on TV and the internet would take any client and their money regardless of whether they could help them or not. And that stinks!

So, what should you do?

1) Always speak with the “licensed representative” who is on the Power of Attorney, that will actually represent you, usually the principal / owner of the firm,

2) Stay away from any firm/website that doesn't clearly give the names and bios of the licensed representative (Enrolled Agents, CPAs & Attorneys),

3) Ignore guarantees, promises and so-called testimonials. They're nothing more than meaningless hype; instead check the Better Business Bureau rating – A MUST!

4) Ask tough questions. If the answers don't make sense, don't hire the firm. What kind of tough questions? Are you an EA, CPA or attorney? When they say, "I'm a tax resolution specialist", ask them, is that a State or Federal license?

5) Finally, use your good common sense. You know when something isn't right. You work too hard for your money to give it away to some slime ball that makes promises you know he can't keep. Only deal with someone who is “Licensed” and who “Specialize” is Tax Resolution.

Don’t get ripped off! Do the right thing-hire a Licensed Representative!

Compliments of: Mike Habib, EA http://www.myirstaxrelief.com/

As an IRS licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) specializing in IRS Tax Problem Resolution, I can represent individuals and businesses in all of the following states, counties, and metro cities, Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia 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 D.C.. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming. AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY New York, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Ventura, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Barbara, Chicago, Washington D. C., Silicon Valley, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Cleveland, San Diego, St Louis, Denver, San Juan, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Portland, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Orlando, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Norfolk & VB, Las Vegas, Columbus, Charlotte, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Greensboro, Austin, Nashville, Providence, Raleigh, Hartford, Buffalo, Memphis, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Rochester, Grand Rapids, Reno, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Richmond, Greenville, Dayton, Fresno, Birmingham, Honolulu, Albany, Tucson, Tulsa, Tempe, Syracuse, Omaha, Albuquerque, Knoxville, El Paso, Bakersfield, Allentown, Harrisburg, Scranton, Toledo, Baton Rouge, Youngstown, Springfield, Sarasota, Little Rock, Orlando, McAllen, Stockton, Charleston, Wichita, Mobile, Columbia, Colorado Springs, Fort Wayne, Daytona Beach, Lakeland, Johnson City, Lexington, Augusta, Melbourne, Lancaster, Chattanooga, Des Moines, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Modesto, Fort Myers, Jackson, Boise, Billings, Madison, Spokane, Montgomery, and Pensacola

Wage Garnishment? Bank Levy? Save your paycheck and bank account

Want to stop a wage levy or a bank levy? Read on....

Mike Habib, EA

If you have not noticed, the IRS is getting more aggressive in their collection, and audit activities. Enforcement actions is at its highest level for years now!

Here is the scoop directly from the IRS

Fiscal Year 2007 Enforcement and Services Results

The IRS continues to make strong progress in a number of key enforcement areas. The IRS is showing consistent improvements in areas critical to maintaining a fair, efficient tax system while bringing billions of additional dollars into the Treasury. At the same time, the agency continues to improve service to taxpayers.

The IRS enforcement efforts increased again in fiscal year 2007. For instance, during 2007 the IRS audited 84 percent more returns of individuals with incomes of $1 million or more than during 2006. Overall, enforcement revenue reached $59.2 billion, up from $48.7 billion in 2006 and nearly $34.1 billion in 2002.

Highlights of the enforcement and services numbers for fiscal year 2007, which ended on September 30, include:

Individuals

Audit rates increased in 2007, both for overall individual rates and for higher-income taxpayers.

* Audits of individuals with incomes of $1 million or more increased from 17,015 during fiscal year 2006 to 31,382 during fiscal year 2007, an increase of 84 percent. One out of 11 individuals with incomes of $1 million or more faced an audit in 2007.
* Overall, the total individual returns audited increased by 7 percent to 1,384,563 in 2007 from 1,293,681 in 2006. That’s the highest number since 1998.
* Audits of individuals with incomes over $200,000 reached 113,105 returns, up 29.2 percent from the prior year total of 87,885.
* The IRS increased audits of individual returns with income of $100,000 or more, auditing 293,188 of these returns in 2007, up 13.7 percent from last year’s total of 257,851.
* The IRS filed 3.8 million levies and almost 700,000 liens during 2007, an increase from the previous year and a substantial increase from five years earlier.

Businesses

In the business arena, the IRS continued efforts to review more returns of flow-through entities – partnerships and S Corporations. Our business numbers reflect that we have placed more emphasis in the growing area of these flow-through returns. While large corporate audits are down slightly, we have increased our focus on mid-market corporations – those with assets between $10 million and $50 million dollars. The IRS enforcement budget in 2007 was similar to the budget in 2006, and in times of flat budgets, the agency cannot increase activity across the board but must address the areas where there is growth and potential risk.

* Audits of S Corporations increased to 17,681 during 2007, up 26 percent from the prior year’s total of 13,984.
* Audits of partnerships increased to 12,195 during 2007, up almost 25 percent from the prior year’s total of 9,777.
* Audits of mid-market corporations increased to 4,473, up 6 percent from last year’s total of 4,218.
* Audits of businesses in general rose to 59,516, an increase of almost 14 percent from the prior year’s total of 52,223.
* Although the audits of large corporations dipped slightly in 2007 to 9,644 audits, the number of audits is up 14 percent from the fiscal year 2002 level.

Taxpayer Services

* More taxpayers chose to file electronically in 2007 than during the prior year, with 57 percent of individual tax filers choosing to e-file in 2007, up from 54 percent in 2006.
* More people visited the IRS internet site, IRS.gov. The IRS site was accessed more than 217 million times in 2007, up more than 10.5 percent from the same period in 2006.
* The IRS helped more taxpayers find out about their refunds through the agency’s internet-based system ‘Where’s my Refund?’ The system was accessed 32.1 million times during 2007, up 30 percent from last year’s usage of 24.7 million.
* As in the prior year, the IRS accuracy was 91 percent on tax law questions answered through its toll-free telephone service.
* The agency held a 94 percent customer satisfaction rating for its toll-free telephone service.

For professional audit representation CLICK HERE

For a negotiated tax settlement CLICK HERE

As an IRS licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) specializing in IRS Tax Problem Resolution, I can represent individuals and businesses in all of the following states, counties, and metro cities, Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia 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 D.C.. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming. AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY New York, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Ventura, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Barbara, Chicago, Washington D. C., Silicon Valley, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Cleveland, San Diego, St Louis, Denver, San Juan, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Portland, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Orlando, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Norfolk & VB, Las Vegas, Columbus, Charlotte, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Greensboro, Austin, Nashville, Providence, Raleigh, Hartford, Buffalo, Memphis, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Rochester, Grand Rapids, Reno, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Richmond, Greenville, Dayton, Fresno, Birmingham, Honolulu, Albany, Tucson, Tulsa, Tempe, Syracuse, Omaha, Albuquerque, Knoxville, El Paso, Bakersfield, Allentown, Harrisburg, Scranton, Toledo, Baton Rouge, Youngstown, Springfield, Sarasota, Little Rock, Orlando, McAllen, Stockton, Charleston, Wichita, Mobile, Columbia, Colorado Springs, Fort Wayne, Daytona Beach, Lakeland, Johnson City, Lexington, Augusta, Melbourne, Lancaster, Chattanooga, Des Moines, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Modesto, Fort Myers, Jackson, Boise, Billings, Madison, Spokane, Montgomery, and Pensacola

IRS SFR Substitute For Return Unfiled Tax Returns Back Taxes Owed

Final substitute return regs adopt temporary and proposed regs with one minor change
T.D. 9380, 2/12/2008; Reg. § 301.6020-1

Mike Habib, EA

In 2005, IRS issued temporary (also issued as proposed regs) that broadened the scope of when IRS-prepared substitute returns (SFR) are valid. Specifically, the temporary regs provide that a document or set of documents (including a Form 13496, Code Sec. 6020(b) Certification) signed by an authorized IRS officer or employee is a “return” under Code Sec. 6020(b) if it identifies the taxpayer by name and taxpayer identification number, contains sufficient information to compute his tax liability, and purports to be a return. IRS has now adopted the temporary and proposed regs as final regs with one minor change.

Background. Under Code Sec. 6020(b), if a taxpayer fails to file a return when required, IRS may prepare a return based on its own knowledge and on information it obtains through testimony or other means. The failure-to-pay penalty under Code Sec. 6651(a)(2) applies to the amount of tax shown on the return, including, under Code Sec. 6651(g)(2), any amount shown on a substitute return prepared by IRS. Absent the existence of a return under Code Sec. 6020(b), the Code Sec. 6651(a)(2) penalty doesn't apply to a nonfiler.

In Cabirac, (2003) 120 TC 163, affd on other issue (2004, CA3) 94 AFTR 2d 2004-5490 (unpublished) and Spurlock, (2003) TC Memo 2003-124, the Tax Court found that IRS hadn't prepared and signed a valid return under Code Sec. 6020(b). In Cabirac, IRS sent the taxpayer a notice of proposed adjustments with a revenue agent's report, which showed enough information to calculate tax liability. In Spurlock, IRS had a conglomeration of IRS documents, many of them unsigned, apparently from its administrative files.

What is a return. The final regs, like the temporary regs, provide that a document (or set of documents) signed by an authorized IRS officer or employee is a return under Code Sec. 6020(b) if it identifies the taxpayer by name and taxpayer identification number (TIN), contains sufficient information from which to compute the taxpayer's tax liability, and the document (or set of documents) purports to be a return. (Reg. § 301.6020-1(b)(2))

In addition, a valid Code Sec. 6020(b) return includes a Form 13496 or any other form that an authorized IRS officer or employee signs and uses to identify a document (or set of documents) containing the above information as a Code Sec. 6020(b) return, and the documents identified. (Reg. § 301.6020-1(b)(2))

Further, because IRS may prepare and signs Code Sec. 6020(b) returns both by hand and through automated means, the final and temporary regs provide that a return can be signed by the name or title of an IRS officer or employee being handwritten, stamped, typed, printed or otherwise mechanically affixed to the return, so long as that name or title was placed on the document to signify that the IRS officer or employee adopted the document as a return for the taxpayer. The document and signature may be in written or electronic form. (Reg. § 301.6020-1(b)(2))

Change from temporary regs. The temporary regs provided that any return made in accordance with the regs and signed by the Commissioner or other authorized Internal Revenue Officer or employee shall be prima facie good and sufficient for all legal purposes. In 2005, new language was added to the Bankruptcy Code at 11 U.S.C. § 523(a) that specifically provided that a Code Sec. 6020(b) return is not a return for dischargeability purposes. Therefore, the portion of the temporary regs that stated that the return was sufficient for all legal purposes is no longer correct. IRS changed the final regs to state that a Code Sec. 6020(b) return is sufficient for all legal purposes “except insofar as any Federal statute expressly provides otherwise.” (Reg. § 301.6020-1(b)(3))

Effective date. The final regs are effective Feb. 13, 2008. (Reg. § 301.6020-1(d))
RIA Research References: For substitute returns prepared by IRS, see FTC 2d/FIN ¶ S-1004; United States Tax Reporter ¶ 60,204; TaxDesk ¶ 570,103.

For Unfiled Back Taxes help CLICK HERE

Mike Habib, EA
MyIRSTaxRelief.com

Is the IRS knocking on your door? Don't let them in!!

How to handle the IRS at your Front Door? Is a Revenue Officer or a Revenue Agent visiting you soon?

If you find yourself face to face with an IRS Agent (Revenue Officer for collection issues, or Revenue Agent for audit and examination issues), at your front door you must remember to avoid these common mistakes:

1. Don’t invite them into your home or business.
2. Don’t answer any question. No matter how innocent they sound.
3. Don’t provide them paperwork or documentation.

What you should do is ask the IRS agent for their business card and the purpose of their visit.

Explain to them that your professional tax representative will contact them and that all future communications will go through them.

Be polite but firm. Do not let them intimidate you into talking about anything.

Your rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights allow you to have a Professional Tax Representative handle your IRS negotiations.

Often taxpayers become understandably nervous and invite the IRS Agent into their home or business and start telling them all kinds of things.

DON’T DO IT!

Usually you’re helping the IRS and hurting yourself. The IRS Agent is trained to prepare a mental inventory of all assets they see in your home or business.

Get professional representation TODAY.

Mike Habib, EA
MyIRSTaxRelief.com

IRS Penalty Abatement - Don't Pay the IRS Penalties!

IRS Tax Penalties, type of IRS tax penalties, options to address your IRS tax penalty and more...

The IRS has over 148 different types of penalties. And boy do they love to hand them out. The worst part is that the IRS also charges interest and additional penalties on the original penalty.

So you must try to get them reduced or completely abated to zero. CLICK HERE FOR HELP

After you have decided to make a request to the IRS to “Abate Your Penalties” you must consider where and when to make the request. In my experience your chances are better in dealing with IRS Service Centers. The timing of your request depends on the type of penalty assessed against you. It always makes sense to request penalty abatement before you pay the IRS.

Although, if you’ve already paid the bill, it can’t hurt to ask for a penalty abatement and refund.

These penalties can often be reduced to ZERO if you have “REASONABLE CAUSE.” What makes up REASONABLE CAUSE you ask? Well, in my experience in negotiations with the IRS, anything may qualify as long as its reasonable.

The IRS abate penalties for medical reasons, bad accountants, ignorance of the tax laws, ex-spouses, helping to provide care for a loved one, military call-ups, fires, floods, alcoholism, drug abuse, death, and even relying on IRS advice.

Penalties can be such a high percentage of the total amount owed to the IRS; it usually makes sense to consider requesting the IRS to reduce all penalties to ZERO.

YOU MAY BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE AND THE SAVINGS COULD BE HUGE!

Tax Hint=> File All IRS Required Tax Returns On Time!

Many people do not realize that the IRS charges you a penalty of up to 25% FOR JUST FILING YOUR TAX RETURN LATE. That’s right, 25% of what you owe. This includes individual tax returns, Payroll tax returns or Corporate tax returns.

What people don’t know is that they can file ANY tax return on time and AVOID THE 25% PENALTY even if you don’t send in the money which is owed on the tax return.

Yes, of course you’ll get some ugly mail from the IRS for not sending in the money owed, but so what, you will have avoided a 25% penalty.

So, in the future no matter what is going on in your life, file all tax returns on time even if you don’t send in the money owed with the return.

Payroll Tax Penalty: Payroll Taxes Not Being paid On Time, Payroll Tax Problem

All check signers on company bank accounts can be held responsible for payroll taxes!

If you are a check signer on the company checking account, it is your responsibility to make sure all Payroll taxes are being paid to the IRS at least monthly.

Sometimes businesses get behind on payroll taxes due to cash flow problems. The penalties and interest assessed by the IRS are excessive for this type of delinquency. This problem becomes worse with IRS penalties and interest, and the total amount owed can grow by 50% to 75% in a short period of time.

If the company is now in cash flow trouble and approaching the DANGER ZONE, it may never be able to pay off the total amount owed. Each check signer may be held personally responsible for the payroll taxes. And I mean each of the check signers listed on the bank signature card. This often includes spouses, secretaries, employees, relatives, office managers or yourself.

The IRS takes a very serious approach to collecting delinquent Payroll taxes and may levy or seize company assets in short order. The best advice I can give to you if you find yourself in this situation is, NOT to meet with the IRS Revenue Officer who calls or comes to the door to collect these taxes. Often, how you answer their first 5-10 questions will determine whether you stay in business and if you or others will become personally responsible for the payroll taxes. One of the most important services I offer my clients is to meet with the IRS myself. This allows my clients to concentrate on running their business and improving cash flow.

Click Here To Get FREE IRS Tax Relief Reports.

Mike Habib, EA

Mortgage Tax Debt Relief, AMT Relief

Mortgage Tax Debt Relief, AMT Relief - why you need professional tax advice

AMT relief. In general terms, to find out if you owe alternative minimum tax (AMT), you start with regular taxable income, modify it with various adjustments and preferences (such as add-backs for property and income tax deductions and dependency exemptions), and then subtract an exemption amount (which phases out at higher levels of income). The result is multiplied by an AMT tax rate of 26% or 28% to arrive at the tentative minimum tax. You pay the AMT only if the tentative minimum tax exceeds your regular tax bill..

Although it was originally enacted to make sure that wealthy individuals did not escape paying taxes, the AMT has wound up ensnaring many middle-income taxpayers. One reason is that many of the tax figures (such as the tax brackets, standard deductions, and personal exemptions) used to arrive at your regular tax bill are adjusted for inflation, but the tax figures used to arrive at the AMT are not.

For 2007 only, a new law provides some relief. It increases the maximum AMT exemption amount over its 2006 level by $3,700 for married taxpayers filing joint returns, and by $1,850 for unmarried individuals and married persons filing separately. However, after 2007, the maximum AMT exemption amount will drop precipitously to where it was in the year 2000 unless Congress provides another fix.

Another provision in the new law provides AMT relief for those individuals claiming certain “nonrefundable” personal tax credits (such as the credit for dependent care and the Scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits). For 2007, these credits may offset an individual's regular tax and AMT. After 2007, unless Congress acts, these credits will be allowed only to the extent that an individual has regular income tax liability in excess of the tentative minimum tax, which has the effect of disallowing these credits against AMT.

Another new law also liberalized the AMT refundable credit amount that was first enacted in 2006 to help taxpayers who were stung by the AMT as a result of exercising incentive stock options. The change is highly technical but the essence of it is that eligible individuals may now claim this credit more rapidly (i.e., over fewer years) than would have been the case without the change.

Forgiven mortgage debt tax relief. Addressing the subprime lending crisis, another late 2007 law provides tax relief for homeowners whose mortgage debt is forgiven. Prior to the enactment of this law, a homeowner could be taxed on the amount of forgiven mortgage debt. For example, before this law, an individual with a $200,000 mortgage whose lender foreclosed on the home and sold it for $180,000 would have had to report $20,000 of income from the forgiven debt. The result would have been the same if the lender restructured the loan and reduced the principal amount to $180,000. Under the new law, a taxpayer does not have to pay federal income tax on up to $2 million of debt forgiven for a qualifying loan secured by a qualified principal residence (e.g., one to buy or renovate a residence). The change applies to debts discharged from Jan. 1, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2009.

Mortgage insurance deduction extended for 3 years. Mortgage insurance premiums will continue to be deductible after 2007, thanks to another relief provision for homeowners. Originally, this deduction was available only for 2007. It now applies through 2010. Basically, it allows taxpayers to treat amounts paid during the year for qualified mortgage insurance as home mortgage interest—and thus deductible in most instances. The special rule for home mortgage interest is phased out at higher levels of adjusted gross income (AGI). The insurance must be in connection with home acquisition debt, the insurance contract must have been issued after 2006, and the taxpayer must pay the premiums for coverage in effect during the year.

Homesale exclusion liberalized for surviving spouse. A qualifying taxpayer may exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint return filers) of gain from the sale or exchange of property that the taxpayer has owned and used as his or her principal residence. Married taxpayers filing jointly for the year of sale may exclude up to $500,000 of home-sale gain if (1) either spouse owned the home for at least 2 of the 5 years before the sale; (2) both spouses used the home as a principal residence for at least 2 of the 5 years before the sale; and (3) neither spouse is ineligible for the full exclusion because of the once-every-2-year limit on the exclusion.

Before the late 2007 law changes, the up-to-$500,000 exclusion was available only if a husband and wife filed a joint return for the year of sale. Thus, if the home was sold in a year after the year of a spouse's death—when a joint return would no longer be filed—the surviving spouse could only get a maximum home-sale exclusion of $250,000. A new law provides relief for sales and exchanges after Dec. 31, 2007—it allows a surviving spouse to qualify for the up-to-$500,000 exclusion if the sale occurs not later than 2 years after the spouse's death, provided the requirements for the $500,000 exclusion were met immediately before the spouse's death and the survivor has not remarried as of the date of the sale.

Tax relief for volunteer responders. Tax relief is on the way for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders, thanks to a little publicized provision in one of the late-breaking 2007 tax laws. It creates an income tax exclusion for qualified state or local tax benefits (such as reduction or rebate of state or local income or property tax) and qualified reimbursement payments (up to $360 a year) granted to members of qualified volunteer emergency response organizations (e.g., state or local organizations whose members provide volunteer firefighting or emergency medical services (EMS)). The new exclusion applies for the 2008 through 2010 tax years.

Please keep in mind that I've described only the highlights of the new laws enacted late in 2007. If you would like more details on any aspect of this legislation, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

For Tax Relief & Tax Resolution services CLICK HERE.

Mike Habib, EA

http://wwwMyIRSTaxRelief.com

Staying off the IRS Radar Screen

Nothing strikes terror in the heart of American taxpayers quite like finding a letter in the mailbox from the IRS! In an effort to help you avoid that unpleasant scenario, provided below are examples of some common pitfalls to avoid if you don’t want the IRS lining up to be your new pen pal.

It’s surprising how many people mail their returns to the IRS without a signature. Before mailing, be sure to recheck everything and don’t forget to sign your return. An even better solution is to file electronically. Returns filed electronically have safeguards and controls to eliminate common errors. Additionally, the return goes directly to the processing center and the information does not have to be keyed into a computer by an IRS employee, which could result in additional errors.

Did you remember to include all income on the return? If you received a Form 1099 from anyone, be sure this income is on the return in the right place or you will receive a notice. Even if you did not receive a 1099 for work done independently, you are required to report the income. IRS receives copies of 1099s from banks, stock brokerage firms, rental agencies, and subcontractors and these are checked against income reported.

If you made estimated payments or paid your taxes quarterly, check the amounts and the dates the taxes were paid. Forgetting to include a payment is a frequent error that makes your tax burden look heavier. Many people forget to include the January payment, so keep in mind that the first payment of the year is sent in April, followed by June and September payments and concluding with the January payment for the fourth quarter of the preceding year.

If you file or pay late, you will receive a notice of delinquency and be charged interest and penalties, so try hard to avoid that. If you can’t pay taxes that are due by April 15, be sure to file the return on time with a note requesting an installment agreement to pay the remainder of taxes due.

Incorrect social security numbers will generate a notice or a disallowance of your dependents. Don’t mail the return without verifying that all social security numbers have been entered correctly. Transposing those numbers is more common than you’d think.

A few minutes of extra time reviewing your return will pay off in peace of mind and help you stay off the IRS radar screen.

For Tax Relief & Tax Resolution Resources CLICK HERE.

Mike Habib, EA

Greetings from the IRS

You’ve just picked up your mail and … uh oh, there among the ads, bills and too numerous offerings for credit cards is that official looking letter from the Internal Revenue Service. A feeling of dread comes over you…but don’t panic or toss it, and please DO open it. It might even be good news.

Usually, mail from the IRS is a notification that they need verification of documents or substantiation of an amount you have claimed on your tax return. Read the letter thoroughly. Determine what they are looking for, and then provide the information. Some of the most commonly missed items on a return are simple things: You forgot to sign the 1040; You didn’t attach W-2’s and required statements; If you’re paying quarterly, maybe you claimed the wrong amount as estimated tax; Or, perhaps the income you listed doesn’t match the figure that was reported to the IRS on a Form 1099 by someone who paid you during the tax year.

If you have the correct information, it’s a simple matter to fix. Make copies of your documents verifying the information on your return and send the copies back to the IRS along with a copy of the letter they sent to you. If, in fact, you didn’t include an amount on your return that should have been there, sign the form agreeing to the change and send them a check for the amount of tax due by the deadline date given for compliance. Usually, penalties and interest will be added—so, the sooner you comply, the less it will cost.

If your IRS letter advises you that your return has been selected for audit, you would be wise to seek professional advice. If you used a tax professional to prepare your return, such as an enrolled agent (EA), CPA or attorney, you should contact that person for help with the audit. If you prepared your own return, you may wish to contact us immediately. As an IRS Licensed Enrolled Agent, I am authorized by the U.S. Treasury Department to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS for audits, collections, and appeals.

Now you’re thinking, what about that possible good news mentioned earlier? An unexpected refund, of course. Now, open that letter!

Mike Habib, EA

Solace for the Non-filer taxpayer

Has it been awhile since you filed a tax return? Feeling guilty? Scared? Don’t know what to do? Do you even need to file?

Many people become non-filers each year for a number of reasons. They lose the paperwork, they couldn’t pay, or they forgot about it. Sometimes illness, family crisis or depression plays a role. The list goes on and on.

If you are a non-filer, don’t procrastinate any longer. You may be hoping the IRS has forgotten about you, but that rarely happens. In truth, the more you wait, the more costly it will be if you owe money. And if you are due a refund, the statute of limitations on that refund expires three years from the date the return should have been filed. Don’t risk losing your money.

It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when you haven’t filed for a while, but don’t despair. Lost paperwork can be reconstructed. If you owe, it’s better to file and negotiate an installment agreement because this will stop the late filing penalties although interest will continue until the tax bill is paid. Sometimes, penalties can be abated if the circumstances are serious, such as family crisis, illness or other catastrophic situations.

Contact a tax professional to help you get the monkey off your back. As an IRS licensed enrolled agent I can represent clients who have problems with tax filing and with the IRS. I can act on a client’s behalf and can help to get taxes filed, negotiate an installment agreement for those who can’t pay in full or, possibly, negotiate an offer in compromise to reduce taxes, penalties and interest. Don’t wait for the IRS to come looking for you; it’s far better to voluntarily come forward.

Every U.S. citizen and resident is required to pay his or her fair share of tax. No more, no less. The IRS has a matching program whereby all 1099s, W-2s, etc., are entered in their computers. They match this information with the tax returns that have been filed to insure that all income has been reported and that everyone who is legally required to do so has filed a return. So, if you haven’t filed for whatever reason, get moving before the IRS comes looking for you!

Here's a Resolution for '08: No More Tax Problems

Facing an ever more aggressive Internal Revenue Service, Americans with tax debts should start 2008 with a fresh start and finally get rid of their looming tax problem(s).

Are you asking yourself ... If i have tax problems who should I contact?

In case you hadn’t noticed, the taxman is after you.

2005 proved to be a year of records for the Internal Revenue Service. America’s tax-collecting agency collected $48.7 billion in enforcement revenue — the highest amount in 10 years. What’s more, audits of individual taxpayers increased 6 percent in 2006.

If you’re one of the thousands of Americans who is concealing income or owes the IRS back taxes, you’re running out of time.

And fast.

“We have put more emphasis on enforcement,” said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson in a recent statement.

And with that extra effort on enforcement come jail sentences. The sentences are hard time in the Big House.

To date:

66 months — The amount of jail time Charles Sigerseth, 66, of Sacramento, Calif., received for cheating on his taxes and using an illegal trust to conceal income.

46 months — The amount of jail time Frank Kolk, 50, of Las Vegas, received for defrauding his company and concealing $1.3 million in taxes from the IRS.

21 months — The amount of jail time Seth Bryant, 21, of Wichita, Kan., received for filing a false tax return that fraudulently claimed a $5,160 refund.

15 months — The amount of jail time Nigerian national Robert O. Emojevwe, 54, received for making 46 false claims to the IRS while living in Dothan, Ala.

5 months — The amount of jail time Scot J. Seaman, 33, of Wildwood, Mo., received for failing to file income tax returns for the years 1998 to 2002, creating a tax loss of $73,141.

Need additional evidence that the Internal Revenue Service is on a mission to prosecute tax cheaters far and wide?

Since taking the top job at the IRS, once the butt of jokes for its ineffective tax-collection activities, Commissioner Everson has turned the agency around and rehabilitated its image.

Last year, for example, audits of individuals with income of $1 million and higher increased 33 percent while audits of individuals with incomes over $100,000 jumped 18 percent.

If you have a large tax debt or if you have evaded income taxes using one of the many popular but ineffective and illegal schemes, you should be losing sleep.

Why?

Because all the evidence suggests the IRS wants you. But the IRS has consistently offered leniency to tax cheats who come forward. You should consider a new New Year’s Resolution: Eliminate your tax problems.

Are you asking yourself ... If i have tax problems who should I contact?

Mike Habib, EA

As an IRS licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) specializing in IRS Tax Problem Resolution, I can represent individuals and businesses in all of the following states, counties, and metro cities, Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia 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 D.C.. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming. AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY New York, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Ventura, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Barbara, Chicago, Washington D. C., Silicon Valley, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Cleveland, San Diego, St Louis, Denver, San Juan, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Portland, Cincinnati, Sacramento, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Orlando, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Norfolk & VB, Las Vegas, Columbus, Charlotte, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Greensboro, Austin, Nashville, Providence, Raleigh, Hartford, Buffalo, Memphis, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Rochester, Grand Rapids, Reno, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Richmond, Greenville, Dayton, Fresno, Birmingham, Honolulu, Albany, Tucson, Tulsa, Tempe, Syracuse, Omaha, Albuquerque, Knoxville, El Paso, Bakersfield, Allentown, Harrisburg, Scranton, Toledo, Baton Rouge, Youngstown, Springfield, Sarasota, Little Rock, Orlando, McAllen, Stockton, Charleston, Wichita, Mobile, Columbia, Colorado Springs, Fort Wayne, Daytona Beach, Lakeland, Johnson City, Lexington, Augusta, Melbourne, Lancaster, Chattanooga, Des Moines, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Modesto, Fort Myers, Jackson, Boise, Billings, Madison, Spokane, Montgomery, and Pensacola