Essential Knowledge to Resolve the Most Common Tax Problems

Author: Jim Buttonow

This course provides tax professionals with the core, practical knowledge needed to resolve the most common IRS tax problems efficiently and confidently. Most IRS issues are handled through direct interaction with IRS central campuses or local offices—and clients expect their advisor to know exactly how to navigate those processes on their behalf. This course equips you with the foundational skills to manage those interactions effectively.

In this course, you will learn how to work with the IRS from start to finish, including proper authorization and representation requirements, accessing and interpreting IRS data, and selecting the most effective solutions for common tax problems. The course focuses on the five primary categories of tax problems practitioners encounter most often and the resolution tools used to address them. You will also gain best‑practice techniques to improve outcomes, limit delays, and increase client confidence. By the end of the program, you will be prepared to resolve common IRS issues more efficiently while strengthening your firm’s overall representation capabilities and year‑round advisory value.

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: April 2026

Designed For
This course is designed for tax professionals who want to build or strengthen their ability to resolve IRS tax problems efficiently and deliver confident representation to clients.

Topics Covered

• IRS enforcement trends and roles of IRS personnel in tax problem resolution
• Taxpayer representation rules and IRS authorization requirements
• Accessing taxpayer information, IRS e‑services, and transcript analysis
• The five primary tax problem categories and their most common solutions
• Resolving frequent IRS notices and issues using effective resolution techniques
• Best practices for successful interaction and problem resolution with the IRS

Learning Objectives

• Classify the five primary categories of IRS tax problems and select commonly used resolution strategies for each
• Apply IRS representation responsibilities when acting on behalf of a taxpayer
• Explain how to prepare and manage IRS authorization forms, including Forms 2848 and 8821
• Explain how to obtain and evaluate taxpayer account information using IRS systems and compliance history
• Evaluate IRS transcripts to diagnose and resolve client tax issues
• Apply proven practice tips to improve outcomes when resolving IRS tax problems

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None