by Fresh Start Tax | Dec 21, 2012 | Tax Help
Tax Fraud – Don’t be like Fat Joe
Let Former IRS Agents save you the time and worry of IRS tax problems 1-866-700-1040.
Tax Fraud does not pay. Just ask Fat Joe
The rap artist “Fat Joe pleaded guilty to failing to pay taxes on nearly $3 million in income he earned over two years for performances and music royalties. Joe, what were you and your advisers thinking dude.
Joe is a platinum-selling artist whose real name is Joseph Cartagena.
He was once a Billboard chart topper with hits like the duet “What’s Luv” with the R&B singer Ashanti.
Joe Fat Cartagena entered the plea in federal court in Newark because some of the companies he earned money from are incorporated in New Jersey so the tax venue who be right in the Garden State.
The 42-year-old Miami Beach, Fla. resident entered pleas to two counts covering years 2007 and 2008.
His federal sentencing will take into consideration the government’s initial allegation that he failed to pay income taxes for years 2007 through 2010. Federal prosecutors said the total tax loss to the government for those four years was $718,038. Yes Fat Joe was a Fat and east target.
In court, Cartagena looked fit and considerably slimmer than the former size that had earned him his rapper nickname. ” Fat Joe “.
He has been very public about his efforts to shed weight after fellow rap stars died from obesity-related issues and was recently in Newark to speak to schoolchildren about health and fitness. Joe was really trying to make a difference.
When asked by U.S. Magistrate Cathy Waldorf if he understood the charges he was facing, he replied, “I super-understand it.” Joe took his medicine well.
Cartagena’s lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, said outside federal court that his client “had already taken steps to resolve this situation” before he had been charged.
He said” the rapper hoped to pay back the taxes by the time of his sentencing April 3.”This would have helped reduce his time in Club Fed.
Cartagena owned the Somerville-based Terror Squad Production Inc. and Miramar Music Touring Inc., according to court papers.
He also earned income from FJTS Corp., during the time in question.
Waldorf the judge set bail at $250,000 and released Cartagena until his sentencing. He could face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000, plus penalties from the Internal Revenue Service.
Joe now will be singing the ” jail house blues ” and will have plenty time in Club Fed to write.
Kudos to Joe for the weight loss and helping the kids, good luck
Some of the IRS Penalty Structures
1.Timely Filers Who Do Not Pay Total Due: one-half of 1% of the tax owed for each month until tax is paid (25% maximum),
2. Late Filers: 5 percent of the tax owed for each month late (up to 25%); increased penalties for fraud,
3.Combined Penalties: if both of the above apply: the failure-to-file penalty minus the failure-to-pay penalty,the FTP max’s out at 24%.
4. Frivolous Tax Submissions: $5,000 penalty
5. Mistakes: 20% of the underpayment
6. Civil Fraud: 75% of the underpayment
7. Criminal Penalties: Civil fraud penalty 75% plus substantial fines and jail time
8. Interest: for all late or under-paying filers, interest will compound daily on their unpaid taxes at the federal short term rate plus 3%
9. These are just some of the applicable penalties for IRS violations.
Tax Fraud – Don’t be like Fat Joe
by Fresh Start Tax | Dec 10, 2012 | Tax Help, Uncategorized
Rejected Offer in Compromise – FIGHT BACK & WIN – IRS OFFER APPEALS SPECIALIST, FORMER IRS
Having been a Former IRS agent and instructor I worked my share of offers in compromise for the IRS.
I know the system and settlement techniques used by the IRS. I will review for Offer in Compromise for no cost and determine if you offer can be accepted by the IRS. 1-866-700-1040.
Things you should know about offers in compromise .
Even though the IRS has a new Fresh Start Program and proudly proclaims it is now ready to settle, the truth of the matter, the IRS employees do not like working Offers.Why? they take to long to work, the managers must review and if accepted the General Council for IRS must approve the Offer. That means your work is subject to constant review. It is far easier to look for reason to reject the offer that have it accepted.
Hiring tax professionals that know there way around the IRS.
Being Former IRS Agents and Instructors we know our way around the system. It is all about the packaging. If we can make it easy for the IRS agent you have a far greater chance of the IRS accepting the offer if you met the terms of the offer.
Call us today for a no cost consult and see if we can help you. 1-866-700-1040.
The Process of the Offer in Compromise Appeal.
If you received a letter notifying you that your offer was rejected you have 30 days to request an appeal of the decision.
You can request an IRS Tax Appeals conference by:
1. preparing either a Form 13711, Request for Appeal of Offer in Compromise, or
2. a separate letter with the following information included:
a. Name, address, social security number, and daytime telephone number
b. A statement that you want to appeal the IRS findings to the Appeals office
c. A copy of your rejected offer letter
d. Tax period or years involved
e. A list of the specific items you don’t agree with and a statement of why you don’t agree with each item
f. Any additional information you want Appeals to consider
g. The facts supporting your position on any issue that you do not agree with
h. The law or authority, if any, on which you are relying
i. Sign the written protest, stating this it is true under the penalties of perjury
In preparing a request for an appeal, compile a list of specific with which items you do not agree and include a statement explaining why you disagree with each item.
Consider using Form 13711 in the preparation of your appeal.
You may also find a review of the following beneficial to review your denial letter and gather the correct facts so the IRS Agent can understand what you disagree with. you should start with the:
1. Your Form 433-A, Collection Information Statement for Wage Earners and Self-Employed Individuals,
2. the supporting documentation submitted with the Form 433-A
Check your figures and calculations again and verify the documents you submitted to Collection.
The Monthly Income/Expense Statement (see Section 4, Page 4) requires you to provide the following:
1. Proof of pay stubs and earnings statements of gross earnings and deductions for the past three months from each of your employers,
2. Proof of pension, social security and/or other income for the past three months,
3. Current statement(s) from the lender on your automobile(s), including the monthly payment and balance due for each vehicle,
4. Current statement(s) from all lien holders on your residence, including the amount of the monthly payment and balance due for each lien,
5. A copy of your last filed Form 1040 with all schedules, and
6. Proof of current expenses paid for the past three months including utilities, rent, insurance, property tax, non-business transportation expense (i.e. car payments, lease payments, fuel, oil, insurance, registration, parking), healthcare (including insurance premiums co-payments, other out-of-pocket expenses) and court-ordered payments. All documents must be attached with clear copies of receipts.
Common Mistakes for the OIC
a. The amounts used on the Monthly Income- Expense Statement of Form 433-A could be different than the amounts used on the IET worksheet for food, clothing, miscellaneous, transportation, housing and utilities, out-of-pocket healthcare and other expenses.
b. Collection Financial Standards are used to help determine a taxpayer’s ability to pay a tax debt. All standards, except miscellaneous, are derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES). These financial standards are explained below:
c. National standard expense allowed for food, clothing and miscellaneous monthly expense. The standard amount is computed based upon your income and family size instead of actual expenses.
d. National standard expense allowed for out-of-pocket health care expenses including medical services, prescription drugs, medical supplies (i.e. eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc.). This amount is based on Medical Expense Expenditure Panel Survey data and is in addition to the amount paid for health insurance.
e. Housing and utilities expense allowed for housing and utilities monthly expense. The standard amount is computed based upon the state and county where you reside and your family size.
f. Transportation expense allowed for monthly transportation expenses. The standard amount is computed by combining the standard for ownership cost and operating cost. This is based on the number of vehicles you own and the region you live.Note: Certain assets such as vehicles, and real estate should be valued at the quick sale value. This is the amount you can sell the asset today.
g. You may compute the value of a vehicle by consulting a trade association guide for the fair market value and discounting the value by 20%. You may compute the value of real estate by an appraisal, the replacement cost value on your residence and possibly the taxable value of your home.
Lastly make sure all documents and letters of explanation are attached.
Rejected Offer in Compromise – FIGHT BACK & WIN – IRS OFFER APPEALS SPECIALIST, FORMER IRS
by Fresh Start Tax | Dec 8, 2012 | Tax Help, Uncategorized
FLORIDA – Tax Relief Companies – Tax Services- Attorneys, Former IRS, Tax Relief Experts Stop the worry today!
We are Florida Professional Tax Firm that specializes in Tax Debt Relief both for the IRS and all States.
We have over 205 years of professional tax experience and over 60 years of direct work experience at the Florida IRS offices.
We have worked in almost all civil position offered by the IRS.
We are true IRS tax experts.
We are comprised of IRS Tax Lawyers, Tax Attorneys, CPA’s and Former IRS Agents.
We are one of Florida’s oldest and most experienced Professional Tax Firms. We have been in private practice since 1982 and have expanded to the Internet.
All cases are worked either by Attorneys, Lawyers, CPA’s, Enrolled Agents or Former IRS agents.
IRS is settling Tax Debt through the new Fresh Start Program.This program is called the Offer in Compromise. The OIC is a formal settlement between you and the IRS.
Over 30% of all Offers are accepted by the IRS. It should be known that not all taxpayers are settlement candidates. At Fresh Start Tax LLC will will review for no charge your offer request and give you an opinion before any fees are received by our firm.
Offer in Compromise.
Under the first round of Fresh Start in 2012, the IRS expanded the Offer in Compromise (OIC) program to cover a larger group of struggling taxpayers.
An Offer in Compromise is an formal legal agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles the taxpayers tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed and settles the matter permanently.
The IRS has recognized many taxpayers are still struggling to pay their bills so the agency has been working on more common-sense changes to the OIC program to more closely reflect real-world situations.
An offer will not be accepted if the IRS believes that the liability can be paid in full as a lump sum or through a payment agreement.
The IRS looks at the taxpayer’s income and assets to make a determination regarding the taxpayer’s ability to pay.
Understanding the process
While a offer in compromise is being evaluated by the IRS:
- Your non-refundable payments and fees will be applied to the tax liability,
- A Notice of Federal Tax Lien may be filed,
- Other IRS collection activities are suspended,
- The legal tax assessment and collection period is extended for the period that the case is in offer status,
- You should make all required payments associated with your offer,
- You are not required to make payments on an existing installment agreement and,
- Your offer is automatically accepted if the IRS does not make a determination within two years of the IRS receipt date.
Areas of Professional Tax Practice of Fresh Start Tax LLC:
- Same Day IRS & State Tax Representation
- Offers in Compromise or IRS Tax Debt Settlements
- Immediate Release of IRS Bank Levies or IRS Wage Garnishments
- Tax Relief from a IRS Bill, Letter or Notice of “Intent to Levy” or Intent to Seize
- IRS and State Tax Audits
- IRS Hardships Cases
- Payment Plans, Installment Agreements, Structured agreements
- Abatement of Penalties and Interest
- State Sales Tax Cases
- Payroll / Trust Fund Penalty Cases / 6672
- Filing Late, Back, Unfiled Tax Returns
- Tax Return Reconstruction
- Innocent Spouse
- Expatriate Tax Issues
- FBAR Filings
Our Company Resume: ( Since 1982 )
- Our staff has collectively over 205 years of Professional IRS Tax Representation Experience
- On staff, Board Certified Tax Attorney’s, IRS Tax Lawyers, Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents,
- We taught Tax Law in the IRS Regional Training Center
- Former IRS Agents, Managers and Instructors with over 60 years experience in the local, district and regional IRS offices.
- Highest Rating by the Better Business Bureau “A” PLUS
- Fast, affordable, and economical
- Licensed and certified to practice in all 50 States
- Nationally Recognized Veteran
- Nationally Recognized Published EZINE Tax Expert
- As heard on GRACE 90.3 FM and WAYI Monthly Radio Show-Business Weekly
by Fresh Start Tax | Dec 8, 2012 | New Jersey Tax, Tax Help, Tax Relief
Tax Relief Help – Settle, Reduce IRS Debt – Tax Attorneys, Former IRS
We are comprised of Board Certified Tax Attorneys, Tax Lawyers, CPA’s and Former IRS Agents.
We offer a no cost consult and review your case and explain your options before taking any fee.
We are affordable and friendly. 1-866-700-1040.
We have a combined 205 years of professional tax experience and over 60 years of direct experience at the IRS.
We as Former IRS agents taught the Tax Settlement Program at the IRS called the Offer in Compromise.
The Offer in Compromise is the only way to settle or reduce your tax debt with the IRS.
The system is a very precise one. IRS will ask for very detailed information regarding your financial life. The IRS spends upwards of 20 hours working a Offer in Compromise .
As a Former Agent who use to work offers I would recommend you hire a professional tax firm to prepare, file and defend the offer. As general rule the IRS will look to deny your offer because of the amount of work it takes to accept the offer.
You should always have your offer qualified before the submission of a offer. I have reviewed countless offers in my life and by having the right professional can make this process seamless.
At Fresh Start Tax LLC we qualify all offers before sent to IRS. Be careful not to be ripped off by companies claiming pennies on a dollar.
Current Fresh Start Program of the IRS
Under the current Fresh Start initiative the IRS has incorporated its Streamlined Offer in Compromise process into the overall investigation of offers and has added flexibility to the financial analysis used in evaluating offers.
The Streamlined Offer in Compromise process includes:
a. Fewer IRS requests for additional financial information,
b. If necessary requests for additional information by phone not by mail,
c. Much greater flexibility when considering your ability to pay.
The changes to financial analysis add more flexibility to the OIC or Tax Debt Settlements process including:
1. Greater flexibility in determining the equity in assets
2. Greater flexibility in determining the allowable living expenses
3. Reducing the amount of future income included in the offer
4.Decreased time frame to complete the OIC payment process to two years
Do your homework before hiring a Professional Tax Firm. Make sure they have on staff Board Certified Tax Attorneys, Lawyers, CPAs, Former IRS Agents and Managers.
Also, check the following to ensure the creditability and history of the Tax Firm.
1. Better Business Bureau – www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews
2. Complaints.com – www.complaintsboard.com
3. Rip Off Report – http://www.ripoffreport.com/
Tax Relief Help – Settle, Reduce IRS Debt – Tax Attorneys, Lawyers Former IRS – Essex, Morris, Bergen, Passaic, Union – New Jersey
by Fresh Start Tax | Dec 7, 2012 | Tax Help
Tax Consulting Services Florida – Tax Attorneys, Lawyers, Former IRS – Tax Experts
No cost consultations 1-866-700-1040
We are affordable, friendly and trustworthy.
We are a full service professional tax firm specializing in Federal and State Tax, representation, tax consulting, planning and financial services.
We are comprised of IRS Tax Attorneys, Tax Lawyers, CPA’s , Enrolled Agents and Former IRS Agents.
With over 205 years of professional tax experience and over 60 years of working directly foe the IRS we are one of Florida’s most experienced and trustworthy professional tax firms.
We are A PLUS rated the Better Business Bureau and without complaint.
Our Company Resume: ( Private Practice, Since 1982 )
- Our staff has collectively over 205 years of Professional IRS and State Tax Representation, Tax Consulting Experience,
- On staff, Board Certified Tax Attorney’s, IRS Tax Lawyers, Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents,
- We taught Tax Law in the IRS Regional Training Center
- Former IRS Agents, Managers and Instructors with over 60 years experience in the local, district and regional IRS offices.
- Highest Rating by the Better Business Bureau “A”PLUS
- Fast, affordable, trustworthy and economical
- Licensed and certified to practice in all 50 States
- Nationally Recognized Veteran Former IRS Agent
- Nationally Recognized Published EZINE Published Tax Expert
- As heard on GRACE 90.3 FM, WAYI FM Monthly Radio Show-Business Weekly
Main Areas of Professional Tax Practice:
- Same Day IRS and State Tax Representation,
- Tax Consulting Services,
- Offers in Compromise,
- Immediate Release of IRS Bank Levies or IRS Wage Garnishments,
- Tax Relief from a IRS Bill, Letter or Notice of “Intent to Levy,”
- IRS Tax & State Audits,
- IRS Hardships Cases,
- Payment Plans, Installment Agreements,
- Abatement of Penalties and Interest,
- Innocent Spouse Tax Relief,
- State Sales Tax Cases,
- Payroll & Trust Fund Penalty Cases,
- Filing Late, Back, Unfiled Tax Returns,
- Tax Return Reconstruction if Tax Records are lost or destroyed.
Do your homework before hiring a Professional Tax Firm.
Make sure they have on staff Board Certified Tax Attorneys, Lawyers, CPAs, Former IRS Agents and Managers.
Also check the following to ensure the creditability and history of the Tax Firm.
1. Better Business Bureau – www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews
2. Complaints.com – www.complaintsboard.com
3. Rip Off Report – http://www.ripoffreport.com/
by Fresh Start Tax | Dec 3, 2012 | IRS Tax Problem, New Jersey Tax, Tax Help, Tax Lawyer
IRS Tax Problem Help – Tax Relief – Tax Attorneys, Former IRS
Stop the worry right now. Hire local tax professionals who know the system and have settled hundreds of cases. 1-866-700-1040.
Do not be bullied by the Internal Revenue Service.
Let Former IRS Agents who know the tax system and tax policies get you immediate tax relief. Free tax consults. Affordable.
We have worked hundreds of IRS tax audits. We are a local New Jersey tax firm.
If you are having a IRS Tax Problem and are looking for professional tax help contact Fresh Start Tax LLC 1-866-700-1040
We are comprised of Board Certified Tax Attorneys, Tax Lawyers, CPA’s and Former IRS agents and managers that have over 60 years of direct IRS work experience.
We taught Tax Law at the IRS. All work is done in house and we have represented thousands of clients.
Areas of Professional Tax Practice:
- Same Day IRS and State Tax Representation,
- Offers in Compromise / IRS Tax Debt Settlements,
- Immediate Release of IRS Bank Levies or IRS Wage Garnishments,
- Tax Relief from a IRS Bill, Letter or Notice of “Intent to Levy,”
- IRS and State Tax Audits,
- IRS Hardships Cases or Unable to Currently pay,
- Payment Plans, Installment Agreements, Structured agreements,
- Abatement of Penalties and Interest,
- State Sales Tax Cases,
- Payroll / Trust Fund Penalty Cases / 6672,
- Filing Late, Back, Unfiled Tax Returns or Business Tax Returns ,
- Tax Return Reconstruction if Tax Records are lost or destroyed.
- FBAR,
- Expatriate Representation
Our Company Resume: ( Since 1982 )
- Our staff has collectively over 205 years of Professional IRS Tax Representation Experience
- On staff, Board Certified Tax Attorney’s, Tax Lawyers, IRS Tax Lawyers, Certified Public Accountants, Enrolled Agents,
- We taught Tax Law in the IRS Regional Training Center
- Former IRS Agents, Managers and Instructors with over 60 years experience in the local, district and regional IRS offices.
- Highest Rating by the Better Business Bureau “A”
- Fast, affordable, and economical
- Licensed and certified to practice in all 50 States
- Nationally Recognized Veteran /Published Former IRS Agent
- Nationally Recognized Published EZINE Tax Expert
- As heard on GRACE 90.3 FM Monthly Radio Show-Business Weekly
Fresh Start Tax LLC – New Jersey209 Cooper Ave,
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
1-866-700-1040
IRS Tax Problem Help – Tax Relief – Tax Attorneys, Former IRS – Essex, Morris, Bergen, Passaic, Union – New Jersey – IRS Tax Experts
