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
Instructor
Jim Buttonow
Jim Buttonow, CPA, CITP, has been a leader in helping taxpayers and tax professionals resolve tax problems with the IRS.
For 19 years, Jim worked at the IRS in various compliance enforcement positions. Since 2006, Jim has been in private practice and tax and accounting software development. Jim consulting practice focuses on the areas of tax controversy and tax administration. Jim led product development and marketing for a successful software company that developed tax problem software for tax professionals and has developed and implemented post-filing tax services to large tax providers, such as H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt. This software is currently being used by tens of thousands of tax professionals and businesses in the United States.
Jim has been an IRS partner in improving IRS operations and post-filing service to taxpayers. Jim served as chairperson of the IRS Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) in 2015 and 2016 during which ETAAC played a central role in promoting the IRS digital strategy to develop transformative technology solutions to systemic challenges in tax administration. Jim also served as the North Carolina representative on the IRS’ Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) from 2020-2022.
Jim regularly speaks on areas of tax administration and problem solving to national associations and has testified before Congress in areas of tax administration. He has also published many articles in industry publications. In his articles, Jim focuses on delivering practical insights, advocating for IRS transparency and efficiency, and proposing innovative large-scale solutions for taxpayers and tax professionals.
Jim currently authors the Tax Problems and Solutions Handbook, a publication aimed at helping tax pros work more effectively in post-filing matters and resolving their clients’ most common tax problems. The book can be found online at TaxProblemsHandbook.com. Jim can be reached at Jim@buttonowcpa.com or at his website at buttonowcpa.com.