Tag Archives: tax fraud

Understanding taxpayer rights: The right to retain representation

November 27, 2021

Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their dealings with the IRS. Taxpayers have the right to seek assistance from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic if they cannot afford representation. This is one of the fundamental rights of all taxpayers as outlined in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

Here’s what the right to retain representation means to taxpayers:

• Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their dealings with the IRS.
• Taxpayers who are heading to an interview with the IRS may select someone to represent them.
• Taxpayers who retain representation don’t have to attend with their representative unless the IRS formally summons them to appear.
• In most situations, the IRS must suspend an interview if the taxpayer requests to consult with a representative, such as an attorney, certified public accountant or enrolled agent.
• Any attorney, CPA, enrolled agent, enrolled actuary or other person permitted to represent a taxpayer before the IRS, who’s not disbarred or suspended from practice before the IRS, may submit a written power of attorney to represent a taxpayer before the IRS.
• Taxpayers have the right to seek assistance from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic if they can’t afford representation. They can find a LITC near them by visiting the Low Income Taxpayer Clinics page on IRS.gov or by calling the IRS toll-free at 800-829-3676.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics are independent from the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service. These clinics may charge a small fee to represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language.

Should you find yourself in need of representation in a tax matter before the IRS, please give Tax On Wheels, LLC a call 803 732-4288. We offer a free initial consultation to assess your needs. We will offer you a recommendation on your next step, whether that be hiring us or an attorney or doing things yourself.  Remember, if you are engaged in illegal activity such as tax evasion, you will need to contact an attorney first. Your attorney can then hire Tax On Wheels, LLC for support with tax matters using a Kovel letter which will allow us to maintain attorney client privilege.

More Information:
Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer
Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List
Taxpayer Advocate Service

Liberty Tax franchises closed by IRS due to alleged fraud

November 5, 2016

Liberty tax outlets across the country have suffered a string of setbacks in the past few months.  Federal authorities allege fraudulent tax returns were generated at several locations.  Most recently, three local Liberty Tax franchise stores were shut down by federal authorities and the operator of the franchise was permanently barred from preparing tax returns.

But that is not the end of the story.  Apparently, as part of a court ordered injunction, the franchise operator will have to provide to the IRS a list of all of its customers.  We don’t think the IRS wants that information so it can update their holiday greeting card list.  We suspect that many of those on the list can expect some type of inquiry/audit from tax authorities in the near future.  And here’s a pro tip, there is no statute of limitations on tax fraud.  Normally, if you have been reasonably accurate in filing your tax return you can assume that the IRS cannot and will not challenge your return after 3 years.  But not so if you have filed a fraudulent return, or had one filed on your behalf. The IRS can come after you at any time in the future with no deadline or time limit.  Ouch!

Even if you consider yourself a victim of unscrupulous tax return preparers and you had no idea there was anything wrong, you are ultimately responsible for everything on your tax return.  You may be babe in the woods innocent, but that will not change your tax liability.  You will be responsible for all of the taxes the IRS believes you owe.  The good news is you may be able to convince the IRS to relieve you of some of the quite substantial penalties that may apply.

If you find that you need assistance in responding to a letter or audit from a state or federal taxing authority, whether due to the recent Liberty Tax troubles or not, please let us see how we can help you.  We’ll give you an honest assessment of your situation and provide you with several steps to take to help mitigate the damage, all for no cost or obligation.  If, however, you would like our assistance in responding to the letter or audit, Tax On Wheels,LLC is here to help.  We will offer you a fair price, to help resolve your tax issues.  Frequently we find that our prices are significantly lower than many of our competitors to obtain the exact same results.

Tax On Wheels, LLC can be reached at 803 732-4288 or toll free at 877 439-3514.  Our email address is taxonwheels@att.net.