| Taxpayers may always represent themselves before | | | | very emotionally draining- and the taxpayer may be |
| the IRS. However, many taxpayers find dealing with | | | | too frightened, frustrated or intimidated by the IRS to |
| the IRS frustrating, time-consuming, intimidating or all of | | | | effectively or comfortably to negotiate a settlement. |
| the above. The one advantage of taxpayers | | | | Most taxpayers are far happier to keep their distance |
| representing themselves is that they will save | | | | from the IRS and prefer to leave the sparring to their |
| professional fees. And for most taxpayers this is no | | | | advisers. However, dealing with the IRS is not always |
| small matter. However the amount of fees saved | | | | as painful as you may imagine. In fact, most IRS |
| may be dwarfed by the actual tax settlement. In this | | | | officers are reasonable and helpful, particularly when |
| case, the taxpayer must look at the total financial | | | | they see you are making an honest effort to resolve |
| picture to determine how much money they may be | | | | your tax problems. |
| leaving on the table if they do not have expert | | | | Another drawback of taxpayers working directly with |
| representation. In this case, the age old adage, "Penny | | | | the IRS without professional representation (tax |
| wise and pound foolish" should be top of mind. There | | | | resolution firm, specialized tax attorney, etc) is that the |
| are many disadvantages of a taxpayer representing | | | | taxpayer may slip up and inadvertently make |
| themselves. | | | | statements that can make the problem worse - and |
| First of all, the taxpayer does not have the | | | | perhaps trigger an audit or even criminal prosecution. |
| professional's expertise and will not know the tax relief | | | | Professionals know where to draw the line. The |
| options available or how to get the lowest settlement | | | | taxpayer may make statements that can create tax |
| allowed by law. For instance, if you are considering | | | | liability for their spouse or business associate. And |
| applying for the IRS Offer in Compromise program, it's | | | | finally, the taxpayer takes valuable time away from |
| important to note that 4 out of 5 Offers in | | | | their work and family to wrestle with their own IRS |
| Compromise submitted by the taxpayer are rejected | | | | case. Doctors, dentists, lawyers, executives, successful |
| by the IRS. Additionally, many taxpayer-negotiated | | | | business owners, and other high-income taxpayers will |
| settlements offer the IRS much more than is required | | | | do appreciably better paying a tax professional while |
| by law. Secondly, working with the IRS can also be | | | | they more profitably pursue their own occupations. |