FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
As a Certified Public Accountant I must renew my license every three years, which requires the completion 120 hours of continuing education during their current license cycle, or 40 hours per year. Since I am also an Enrolled Agent I am required to complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years, or 16 hours per year.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
The most common types of tax resolution cases I work on are: Offer in Compromise - An offer in compromise (OIC) is an agreement between a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service that settles the taxpayers tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. There are three types of OICs; Doubt to Collectibility, Doubt to Liability and Effective Tax Administration. Penalty Abatement - If there is a reasonable cause for the late filing of a return or late payment of taxes, the IRS will remove the penalties and associated interest. Installment Agreement - If a taxpayer is unable to pay their taxes in full, the IRS may accept installments. In some cases a very detailed financial statement must be prepared to support the claim that the taxpayer cannot pay in a lump sum and show how much the installment amount should be.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
When searching for a tax preparer, don't settle for anything less than a licensed Certified Public Accountant. CPAs are required to keep their professional skills current by taking 40 hours per year of continuing education and are held to a higher standard by the state Offices of Professional Responsibility. Also, make sure that the tax preparer is available year-round. Many tax preparers are only available during the individual filing season. If you receive a letter from the IRS and need to speak to your accountant in September and they aren't available you may find yourself in a predicament.