by Fresh Start Tax | Feb 17, 2014 | Tax Help
IRS Tax Audit Appeal Help – Affordable
If you are going through a IRS tax audit or need to file an IRS tax audit appeal contact us today for free initial tax consultation.
Our firm is A plus rated by the Better Business Bureau and we have been in private practice since 1982.
We have over 60 years of working directly for the Internal Revenue Service and the state of Florida.
We have on staff former IRS auditors, revenue agents, audit managers, and teaching instructors with the Internal Revenue Service.
Appeals
After many taxpayers get audited by the Internal Revenue Service they find themselves in a situation in which the government is asking for dollars above and beyond.
Many taxpayers are stuck with audit bills because they lack sufficient records whether representative simply did not understand some of the IRS procedures, but whatever the case it is best to have a third-party review a copy of the revenue agent report.
As former IRS agents we understand all the procedures and system that come with an IRS tax audit or an IRS tax audit appeal.
After your audit with the IRS you have appeals rights.
Many times the appellate officer is just trying to close his or her case without understanding your point. Be persistent.
Do not give up. Because you have an alternative dispute resolution options that few people know about.
Know the system so you can fight and win.
Other Appeals within the IRS
If you do not like the results that the appellate officer with the Internal Revenue Service decided you have other remedies that need to be looked at
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Fast Track Settlement (Large Business and International Division Taxpayers)
Fast Track Settlement (FTS) offers Large Business and International Division (LB&I) taxpayers a way to resolve audit issues during the examination process in less than 120-days.
Working with IRS LB&I and Appeals, taxpayers can use the settlement authority and mediation skills of Appeals to shorten their overall experience with the Internal Revenue Service.
FTS reduces the combined LB&I-Appeals process time by two years.
Fast Track Settlement (Small Business and Self-Employed Taxpayers)
Small Business, Self-Employed and Appeals have designed an alternative dispute resolution strategy for small business and self-employed taxpayers, called the SB/SE Appeals Fast Track Settlement.
The FTS program was designed to resolve audit issues during the examination process within a goal of 60 days from acceptance of the application in Appeals.
The process uses the settlement authority and mediation skills of Appeals.
SB/SE and Appeals has now expanded the program nationwide.
To apply for the SB/SE FTS program, the taxpayer and the group manager need to submit Form 14017, Application for Fast Track Settlement, and the taxpayer’s brief, concise and soundly written response to the Service’s position.
Fast Track Settlement (Tax Exempt and Government Entities Taxpayers)
On December 1, 2008, Tax Exempt and Government Entities (TE/GE) and Appeals announced a Fast Track Settlement program for TE/GE taxpayers.
The program gives TE/GE taxpayers under examination by any of the five business units within TE/GE an opportunity to resolve their disputes within 60 days of acceptance into the program.
An Appeals officer trained in TE/GE issues will mediate the issues and, when necessary, utilize Appeals settlement authority to resolve the issues.
Announcement 2008-105, 2008-48 IRB 1219 explains the eligibility requirements and types of cases excluded from the program.
TE/GE includes Employee Plans, Exempt Organizations, Indian Tribal Governments, Federal/State/Local Governments and Tax Exempt Bonds.
Fast Track Mediation (Small Businesses and Self-Employed Taxpayers)
Fast Track Mediation (FTM) gives Small Businesses, Self-Employed (SE/SE) taxpayers and the IRS the opportunity to mediate disputes through an IRS appeals officer, who acts as a neutral party.
In this program, most tax disputes are resolved within 40 days compared to several months though the regular appeal process.
IRS offers this new service designed to expedite case resolution on disputes that arise from examination or collection actions.
The IRS does not like to let people know about this process because it slows down cases in their inventory always understand you can appeal within the appeal.
Early Referrals
Taxpayers whose returns are under the jurisdiction of Examination or Collection may request the transfer of a developed but unagreed issue to Appeals.
Examination or Collection will continue to develop those issues not referred to Appeals. The early resolution of a key issue may encourage taxpayers and the Service to agree on other issues in the case.
Early referral can also be requested with respect to issues regarding an involuntary change in method of accounting, employment tax, employee plans and exempt organizations. Regular Appeals procedures apply, including taxpayer conferences.
IRS Post Appeals Mediation
Mediation is available for certain cases that are already in the Appeals process only after Appeals settlement discussions are unsuccessful and, generally, when all other issues are resolved but for the issues for which mediation is being requested.
Mediation is a non-binding process that uses the services of a mediator, as a neutral third party, to help Appeals and the taxpayer reach their own negotiated settlement.
To accomplish this goal, the mediator will act as a facilitator; assist in defining the issues; and promote settlement negotiations between Appeals and the taxpayer.
The mediator will not have settlement authority in the mediation process and will not render a decision regarding any issue in dispute.
IRS Arbitration within Appeals
Arbitration is available for certain cases within Appeals jurisdiction that meet the operational requirements of the program.
Generally, this program is available for cases in which a limited number of factual issues remain unresolved following settlement discussions in Appeals.
IRS Appeals and the taxpayer will be bound by the arbitrator’s findings.
The arbitration procedure uses the services of an arbitrator either from Appeals or from an outside organization.
Simultaneous Appeals/Competent Authority
The simultaneous Appeals/competent authority procedure encourages taxpayers to request competent authority assistance and the participation of Appeals while a case is under the Examination Division’s jurisdiction.
Revenue Procedure 2006-54 contains the competent authority procedures. Section 8 of Rev. Proc 2006-54 specifies the circumstances under which the simultaneous appeals/competent authority procedure may be requested and describes the role of Appeals.
IRS Tax Audit Appeal Help * Affordable Tax Attorney, CPA’s, Former IRS * Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, St. Pete, Tallahassee
by Fresh Start Tax | Feb 14, 2014 | Tax Help
Filing Season 2014 Begins with More Returns Filed
The IRS announced that tax filings in 2014 have outpaced filings for the same time last year.
As of Feb. 7, the IRS received 27.3 million returns, up 2.5 percent compared to the same time last year.
Electronically filed returns account for almost 96 percent of those filed so far this year.
Taxpayers, either through tax preparers or from their home computers, have e-filed more than 26 million returns so far this year, up almost 4 percent compared to the same time last year.
As of Feb. 7, taxpayers have filed more than 13 million returns from home computers, an increase of 14.7 percent compared to the same period last year.
Refunds are up for 2014, with almost 19.5 million issued this year, an increase of more than 18 percent compared to the same time last year.
The average refund as of Feb. 7 is $3,317, up 4.6 percent compared to the same time last year.
Refund averages generally have higher dollar values early in the filing season than later in the year.
Most refunds are directly deposited into taxpayer accounts; just over 87 percent of all refunds issued were directly deposited as of Feb. 7. 2014.
IRS Tax Return Filing Season 2014 – More Tax Returns Filed
by Fresh Start Tax | Feb 14, 2014 | IRS Tax Audit, Tax Help
IRS Audit IRS Appeals Representation
We are former IRS agents and appeals officers who worked out of the local South Florida IRS offices. We are a local tax firm that has been practicing since 1982 right here in South Florida.
We are one of South Florida’s most affordable and expert firms in dealing with IRS audits and appellate matters.
Just because the IRS issues you report there is no reason to stop there.
There is a IRS appeals process within the IRS appeal.
A good tax representative will know there is a lot more fight within the fight before you need to go tax court.
If you are struggling with the results from an IRS audit and need professional help contact our firm, a team of tax attorneys, CPAs, and former IRS agents who worked at a local South Florida IRS offices and know the systems, methods, and the strategies to use when dealing with an IRS audit or an IRS appeals case.
Post-Appeals Mediation
Post-Appeals Mediation lets you and your Appeals Officer or Settlement Officer resolve disputes while your case is still under Appeals’ consideration.
Once your PAM application is accepted, the goal is resolution within 60-90 days.
With PAM, a trained mediator from the IRS Office of Appeals is assigned to help you and your Appeals Officer or Settlement Officer reach an agreement on the disputed issue(s).
PAM does not create any special authority for settlement by Appeals.
You retain full control over every decision you make during the PAM process.
No one can impose a decision on either you or Appeals.
The Appeals mediator is specifically trained in mediation techniques and is independent of the Appeals employee with whom you have been working.
In annual customer satisfaction surveys conducted by a non-government company, taxpayers like you have consistently given the independence and impartiality of the Appeals mediator the highest rating of all survey questions.
What are the benefits of settlement over litigation include:
Not only this but you can find out the governments position in case if you are contemplating using one of our attorneys to go to tax court.
You Must First:
For your case to be considered for PAM, you must first work cooperatively and try to resolve all issues with the Appeals Officer or Settlement Officer before seeking the services of an Appeals mediator.
When considering PAM, consider what might happen if your case is not settled.
You should ask yourself this :
1. Am I prepared for what could be lengthy and costly litigation?
2. What is my risk that the litigation will be unsuccessful, and what would the consequences be?
PAM is available for both legal and factual disputes.
Certain cases and issues are not eligible for PAM:
- Cases considered by an IRS campus site.
- Issues docketed in any court, designated for litigation, or under consideration for designation for litigation.
- “Whipsaw” issues, which are issues for which resolution with respect to one party might result in inconsistent treatment without the participation of the other party.
- Collection cases, except for certain offer in compromise and Trust Fund Recovery Penalty cases as provided for in Announcement 2011-6.
To apply for PAM, send your Appeals Officer or Settlement Officer a written statement containing:
- A specific request for Post-Appeals Mediation, and
- A written statement detailing your position on the disputed issue(s).
Call us today for free initial tax consultation and we will conduct a systematic overview of your case and come up with a determination as to your odds of success.
IRS Audit * IRS Appeals Representation * Affordable Former IRS * Know Your Rights – Miami, Ft.Lauderdale, Boca, Palm Beaches
by Fresh Start Tax | Feb 14, 2014 | IRS Tax Audit, Sales Tax, State of Florida, Tax Help
IRS, Sales Tax Audit Help Representation
We are a boutique IRS and sales tax representation firm that has been handling both IRS and sales tax problem since 1982 in the state of Florida.
FST are one of the most experienced and trustworthy firms in the state of Florida.
There are many good firms located within the state and we feel we are among the best.
Fresh Start Tax LLC is comprised of tax attorneys, certified Public accounts, enrolled agents, former IRS agents, managers and tax instructors.
Our firm have over 206 years of professional tax experience and have represented hundreds of clients for IRS and sales tax problems not only in the state of Florida but nationwide.
FST is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau.
If you call our office you will speak directly to a true tax expert who was handled hundreds of IRS and state of Florida Department of revenue cases.
Both the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of revenue, Florida sales tax division audits regions and districts for certain tax issues and Port St. Lucie, Jupiter, Fort Pierce, and Titusville and Stuart are no different.
IRS and the state of Florida looks at common issues and industry norms as it pulls taxpayers for tax audits.
Both government agencies follow trends and patterns and your audit will be conducted based on those trends and patterns.
Call us today and we will review your case and give you a full valuation and find out how can we can save you the most amount of money.
If you will owe tax we work out a tax settlement as well.
Anytime you go into the federal or state government you always want to be represented by true experts in the industry.
One last note, if you have squeaky clean records there is nothing wrong with you being your own representative but if you have anything at all that causes suspicion or you may think there is a skeleton in your closet reach out for professional tax help.
IRS, Sales Tax Audit Help Representation * Affordable * Port St. Lucie, Jupiter, Ft.Pierce, Titusville, Stuart – Florida
by Fresh Start Tax | Feb 14, 2014 | Tax Audit, Tax Help
How to Defend Yourself in a IRS Appeal Case
After many taxpayers get audited by the Internal Revenue Service they find themselves in a situation in which the government is asking for dollars above and beyond what seems fair.
After your audit with the IRS you have appeals rights. Many times the appellate officer is just trying to close his or her case without understanding your point. Be persistent.
Do not give up. Because you have an alternative dispute resolution options that few people know about.
Know the system so you can fight and win.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Fast Track Settlement (Large Business and International Division Taxpayers)
Fast Track Settlement (FTS) offers Large Business and International Division (LB&I) taxpayers a way to resolve audit issues during the examination process in less than 120-days.
Working with LB&I and Appeals, taxpayers can use the settlement authority and mediation skills of Appeals to shorten their overall experience with the Internal Revenue Service.
FTS reduces the combined LB&I-Appeals process time by two years.
Fast Track Settlement (Small Business and Self-Employed Taxpayers)
Small Business/Self-Employed and Appeals have designed an alternative dispute resolution strategy for small business and self-employed taxpayers, called the SB/SE Appeals Fast Track Settlement.
The FTS program was designed to resolve audit issues during the examination process within a goal of 60 days from acceptance of the application in Appeals.
The process uses the settlement authority and mediation skills of Appeals.
SB/SE and Appeals has now expanded the program nationwide.
A taxpayer who is interested in participating in the SB/SE FTS, or who has questions about the program and its suitability for the taxpayer’s case, may contact the Examination or Specialty Program group manager.
To apply for the SB/SE FTS program, the taxpayer and the group manager need to submit Form 14017, Application for Fast Track Settlement, and the taxpayer’s brief, concise and soundly written response to the Service’s position.
Fast Track Settlement (Tax Exempt and Government Entities Taxpayers)
On December 1, 2008, Tax Exempt and Government Entities (TE/GE) and Appeals announced a Fast Track Settlement program for TE/GE taxpayers.
The program gives TE/GE taxpayers under examination by any of the five business units within TE/GE an opportunity to resolve their disputes within 60 days of acceptance into the program.
An Appeals officer trained in TE/GE issues will mediate the issues and, when necessary, utilize Appeals settlement authority to resolve the issues.
Announcement 2008-105, 2008-48 IRB 1219 explains the eligibility requirements and types of cases excluded from the program. TE/GE includes Employee Plans, Exempt Organizations, Indian Tribal Governments, Federal/State/Local Governments and Tax Exempt Bonds.
Fast Track Mediation (Small Businesses and Self-Employed Taxpayers)
Fast Track Mediation (FTM) gives Small Businesses, Self-Employed (SE/SE) taxpayers and the IRS the opportunity to mediate disputes through an IRS appeals officer, who acts as a neutral party.
In this program, most tax disputes are resolved within 40 days compared to several months though the regular appeal process.
IRS offers this new service designed to expedite case resolution on disputes that arise from examination or collection actions.
The IRS does not like to let people know about this process because it slows down cases in their inventory always understand you can appeal within the appeal.
Early Referrals
Taxpayers whose returns are under the jurisdiction of Examination or Collection may request the transfer of a developed but unagreed issue to Appeals.
Examination or Collection will continue to develop those issues not referred to Appeals. The early resolution of a key issue may encourage taxpayers and the Service to agree on other issues in the case.
Early referral can also be requested with respect to issues regarding an involuntary change in method of accounting, employment tax, employee plans and exempt organizations. Regular Appeals procedures apply, including taxpayer conferences.
Post Appeals Mediation
Mediation is available for certain cases that are already in the Appeals process only after Appeals settlement discussions are unsuccessful and, generally, when all other issues are resolved but for the issues for which mediation is being requested.
Mediation is a non-binding process that uses the services of a mediator, as a neutral third party, to help Appeals and the taxpayer reach their own negotiated settlement.
To accomplish this goal, the mediator will act as a facilitator; assist in defining the issues; and promote settlement negotiations between Appeals and the taxpayer.
The mediator will not have settlement authority in the mediation process and will not render a decision regarding any issue in dispute.
Arbitration
Arbitration is available for certain cases within Appeals jurisdiction that meet the operational requirements of the program.
Generally, this program is available for cases in which a limited number of factual issues remain unresolved following settlement discussions in Appeals. Appeals and the taxpayer will be bound by the arbitrator’s findings.
The arbitration procedure uses the services of an arbitrator either from Appeals or from an outside organization.
Simultaneous Appeals/Competent Authority
The simultaneous Appeals/competent authority procedure encourages taxpayers to request competent authority assistance and the participation of Appeals while a case is under the Examination Division’s jurisdiction. Revenue Procedure 2006-54 contains the competent jurisdiction.
Revenue Procedure 2006-54 contains the competent authority procedures. Section 8 of Rev. Proc 2006-54 specifies the circumstances under which the simultaneous appeals/competent authority procedure may be requested and describes the role of Appeals.
Contact us today for free initial tax consultation so you can learn how to defend yourself against an IRS tax audit or an IRS appeals case.
You will speak directly to tax attorneys, CPAs, or former IRS agents to review your situation and give you an honest opinion about your chances of success.
How to Help yourself in IRS Appeals Case – IRS Appeals Representation, Former IRS – IRS Audits
by Fresh Start Tax | Feb 14, 2014 | Tax Help
IRS, Sales Tax Audit Defense Representation
We are a AFFORDABLE professional tax firm that specializes in IRS and sales tax audit defense and representation.
We are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and have been in private practice since 1982.
The Internal Revenue Service audits 1% of all tax returns and only 25% of all audits result in no additional tax being paid to the IRS. With Sales Tax , the numbers are much higher.
To minimize your damage and to assess your situation call us today for a free initial tax consultation and we will be able to give you an in-depth look on how the IRS or the state of Florida will audit and systematically review your back tax returns.
Some practical advise
The first thing you do when experiencing an IRS or sales tax audit is to put your records in a clean and systematic tax order so both the federal and the state agency see that you have an organized system of record keeping.
Being a former IRS agent I can only tell you that the first overall impression the agent gets at the first meeting is critical so look very organized.
Your documentation is the key to success.
Make sure all your tax records are together in order, labeled, and if you need to do a tax reconstruction make sure the reconstruction is orderly.
Make sure you keep all your appointments and try not to cancel unless absolutely necessary.
Being a former IRS agent I found some taxpayers who were in the habit of canceling were doing so to hide something.
If the IRS or sales tax audit is being conducted by a field agent do not invite him to your home or business. Make sure they go to the office of your representatives office. Many times when an IRS or state sales tax agent goes to a home or place of business their eyeballs wander and sometimes find things they shouldn’t.
This only makes good common sense keep them away from you and your assets. True tax professionals who truly save you a lot of money and aggravation.
If you have squeaky records you can represent yourself without any fears however.
If you’ve been very assertive or aggressive on your tax returns and you have skeletons in your closet always hire a professional tax experience who has a managed several hundred IRS or sales tax audits.
Know your rights.
Both the IRS and the sales tax audit division of the Department of revenue, state of Florida have appellate rights.
If you feel that either the federal or the state government is not being fair with you always appeal you have nothing to lose.
Be careful that you have not committed fraud so that the IRS of the state of Florida. if you feel that there is something seriously do worry about always higher and experience tax attorney to be absolutely sure you retain attorney-client privilege.
Contact us today for a free initial tax consultation and speak to true experts
We are a boutique firm that specializes in IRS, sales tax audit defense and representation.
IRS, Sales Tax Audit Defense Representation * Port Orange, Daytona, Ormond, New Smyrna Beach – Tax Problems
