Avoiding the Most Common Missteps in Tax Problem Solving

Author: Jim Buttonow

This course provides tax professionals with a practical roadmap for resolving IRS tax problems while avoiding the missteps that most often derail successful outcomes. Much like a medical diagnosis, tax problem solving requires a structured approach—one wrong move or missed step can lead to unnecessary delays, incomplete resolutions, and dissatisfied clients. This course equips you with proven techniques to navigate IRS tax problems with confidence and precision.

In this course, you will learn a systematic three step tax problem solving process and how to apply it across the most common IRS issues, including audits, underreporter notices, collection actions, penalties, and unfiled returns. The program highlights the most frequent traps tax professionals encounter and provides best practice guidance to help you avoid them. You will also gain actionable tips for communicating effectively with both the IRS and clients, enabling you to secure better outcomes while strengthening client trust and long term retention.

Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2029 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card

Publication Date: May 2026

Designed For
This course is designed for tax professionals who want to improve efficiency, accuracy, and outcomes when resolving IRS notices and tax problems.

Topics Covered

• The three‑step tax problem‑solving process and how it prevents common missteps
• Twenty common mistakes and overlooked actions in tax problem solving—and how to avoid them
• Core tax problem‑solving actions and execution standards for effective resolution
• Best practices for resolving audits, underreported income notices, collections, penalties, and non‑filing issues

Learning Objectives

• Apply a three step tax problem solving process to resolve client IRS issues efficiently
• Identify appropriate resolution options for common IRS tax problems
• Identify and avoid common mistakes and traps that delay or derail tax problem resolution
• Apply best practices when interacting with the IRS and communicating with clients during tax problem engagements
• Differentiate the six primary tax problem areas and implement actions designed to produce optimal outcomes for each

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None