How to Avoid the Most Common Errors in Tax Problem Solving

Author: Jim Buttonow

Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2026 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

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 course, 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 2023

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

• How to Avoid the Most Common Errors in Tax Problem Solving
• IRS Compliance Enforcement Timeline: 2020 - 2023
• New IRS Service Features
• Most Common Tax Problems
• 6 Tax Problem Solving Areas
• Post-filing Tax Issues: Tax "Account" v. Tax "Problems"
• The "90%" of IRS Tax Problem Solving
• Identify All Potential Related Issues
• IRS Transcripts
• Due Diligence and Follow-up: Interview the IRS
• Tax Return Challenges: CP2000 Notices are the Norm
• Use CP2000 Best Practices
• Wage and Income Verification
• Cash T Analysis
• Bank Deposit Analysis
• Increasing Tax Debtors
• IRS Collection Alternatives
• How to Determine If a Client Qualifies for an OIC?
• How Much to Settle with an OIC?
• OIC Practical Considerations
• Common Penalties and Relief Options
• 2020 and Beyond: The IRS Pursuit on Non-filers
• IRS Policy Statement 5-133 In Action
• Enable Everyone in Your Firm
• Changes Coming

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