The tax professional approaches a tax problem in a similar manner to how a doctor cures their patient. A misstep along the way can result in less than optimal results, unfinished problems to solve, and an unhappy client. In this CPE, learn the 3-step process to resolve a client’s tax problem and how to avoid the most common traps to getting the best outcome for your client. We will cover best practices and tips that will help you optimize the results for your client and avoid the most common missteps in tax problem solving.
Publication Date: November 2020
Designed For
Tax professionals and tax firm leaders who want to be more effective and efficient in resolving their clients’ tax notices and tax problems with the IRS.
Topics Covered
- The categories of IRS tax problems
- The 3”step tax problem solving process
- Audit/underreporter notices
- Collection issues
- Penalty issues
- Unfiled return issues
- Avoiding the "reactive approach"
Learning Objectives
- Recognize how to resolve a tax problem using the 3-step tax problem solving process
- Identify the potential solutions to common problems
- Identify and avoid common mistakes and traps when resolving a tax problem
- Recognize and apply best practices in dealing with the IRS and communicating with clients in tax problem solving engagements
- Identify the six areas of tax problem solving and actions to take to get the best outcome for each type of tax problem
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.