Have Tax Debt? Who Represents You Before the IRS?

Maybe you forgot to file your tax return or lost your records. Perhaps you couldn't afford to pay. Whatever the case, you now have tax debt and the IRS has come to collect. Allowing yourself to fall behind can snowball quickly - next thing you know you're in over your head, watching penalties and interest cause the debt to swell. Tax matters can be complex and scary, and knowing where to turn can be as daunting as the tax debt itself.

In general, you have three options: tax attorneys, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents.

Tax attorneys focus on litigation, disputes, or cases with sizeable estates. They are experienced in matters within the court room. Another commonly known tax professional is the CPA. CPAs have all passed a series of regulated exams and focus largely on finances or preparing tax returns. But many tax debt issues can be settled outside of court and do not require excessive legal fees, and CPAs often lack direct negotiating skills -- so where else can you turn?

Enter the enrolled agent (EA)-- an individual licensed to argue before the IRS on behalf of tax payers. Enrolled agents must either work in an intensive position within the IRS for at least 5 years or pass a series of IRS-regimented exams to earn this license.  Enrolled agents can not only prepare tax returns, but also focus on prior years' returns that CPAs often will not.

"Our EAs spend all five days a week on the phone with the IRS or state revenue departments," says Beckie Leone, enrolled agent at Effectur, Inc. "We have knowledge of IRS processes and procedures that most CPAs do not." This familiarity with IRS policies is ideal, since knowing exactly what questions to ask and how to approach them is the key to the most favorable tax resolution.

Many of Effectur's tax professionals are former IRS agents, bringing a potent blend of expertise to the table. Having been on the other side, these enrolled agents can relate to how the IRS will regard your request, analyzing your case carefully to develop the most favorable resolution plan.