When it comes to stressful life experiences, receiving a notice from the IRS about an audit or tax dispute ranks near the top. Whether it's a disagreement over an audit or an assessed penalty, taxpayers often assume their only options are filing an appeal or preparing for a long, expensive legal battle. What you may not realize is that there is a third option: mediation. Also known as alternative dispute resolution, it can be a faster, less costly path to resolving IRS issues.

Understanding when mediation makes sense and how it compares to other resolution options can help you take control of your tax situation while finding a solution that works in your favor.

Facing an IRS audit or dealing with a complex tax issue can feel a bit like navigating an endless, highly complicated maze. While the IRS does provide resources and information, the process can be incredibly overwhelming, leaving you feeling unsure and out of your depth. In these situations, understanding your options and seeking professional support becomes crucial. This is where third-party representation comes in, offering a valuable solution to individuals and businesses facing tax challenges.

Facing an IRS audit can be a daunting experience, to say the least, but it doesn’t have to be your worst nightmare. Being prepared and staying cooperative with the IRS in every way can significantly ease the stress of the process and protect your rights. Calling in a professional, such as an enrolled agent who is authorized to negotiate with the IRS on your behalf, can streamline the entire process and take that weight off your shoulders. Let’s explore some essential strategies that can help you learn how to survive a tax audit.

Love it or hate it, tax time is looming large. (Not that we think many of you love it, unless of course you’re receiving a tidy sum in a refund).  All through the winter, and into spring, you try to stop thinking about it (or you've completely forgotten), but the deadline is drawing very near.  You are supposed to get your taxes filed before the 18^th of April, and there's no time left to tip-toe around the topic. With just days to go, tax time is truly upon us! Do you need an extension?

When you open your mailbox and find a simple white envelope with the return address containing the words “Internal Revenue Service” or “State Tax Commission”, you might feel your heart skip a beat as anxiety sets in. It could be a simple notice informing you of your Identity Protection PIN, or a request for more information, or possibly a notification of something more serious, such as potential tax identity theft or an impending audit. Once you steel yourself to open the envelope, it’s likely that your initial thoughts will be along the lines of  “How do I handle this?” and “Who can help me?” This is the reason that we at Myrick CPA are introducing the Client Care Services Plan - for your peace of mind.

CPA Charles Myrick has more than twenty years of experience in tax resolution. He is highly skilled in advising, representing, and negotiating with the IRS on behalf of his clients who are being audited or who owe back taxes, in addition to other problems they may be facing. The Myrick staff are exceptional when it comes to taking on the challenges of complicated audits, and reducing stress on their clients. If you are facing a tax audit, you may need help from a tax resolution specialist.

Perhaps you’ve received a letter from the IRS recently and have been informed that they’re beginning the collection process of delinquent tax liability debts and that you are one of those debtors. On the other hand, perhaps you haven’t gotten a letter, but anticipate getting one soon, now that the IRS has resumed collections after the COVID-related pause of last year. Remember, they can go back for ten years to collect from past-due income tax filings. Knowing that you owe a large sum of delinquent back taxes without realizing precisely what can or will happen next could be keeping you up at night. 

Charles Myrick, a Certified Public Accountant, has more than two decades of experience representing taxpayers with the IRS. He is highly knowledgeable and experienced in what is known as tax resolution — the specialty of advising, representing, and negotiating with the IRS on behalf of taxpayers in problem tax cases. He and his staff feel a real sense of satisfaction from solving difficult problem tax cases and removing the giant weight off a client’s shoulders that comes from stressful interactions with tax authorities.

I find that many small business owners who wait to deal with their income taxes do so out of fear of an audit. Procrastination does not help! A much better strategy is to face your business taxes without fear by avoiding some common triggers which could lead to an audit.