♦  Elder Law  ♦  Estate and Trust Administration  ♦  Estate Planning  ♦

♦  Fiduciary Accounting & Tax  ♦  Guardians & Conservators  ♦

♦  Real Estate  ♦  Small Business Services  ♦  Tax Controversy  ♦

Tax Controversy

Many people are confused about them. Many people do not know the truth about them. Everybody claims to pay too much of them. What is “them”? Quite simply, taxes. There are taxes of all types...income tax, sales tax, employment tax, excise tax, use tax, gift tax, estate tax. The list seems to go on and on.

The area of taxation is certainly a breeding ground for controversy. From a definitional standpoint, a tax controversy is any situation in which a taxpayer disagrees with how a tax is being imposed, the amount of tax being imposed, the method in which it is being collected, or virtually any other disagreement with a taxing authority. The taxing authority can be a state agency, commonly known as Departments of Revenue, or the federal taxing authority: the Internal Revenue Service or IRS.

Whenever a taxing authority makes changes to a tax return or tries to collect a tax that they say is due, the first step is always contacting the taxpayer. One of the reasons that they do this is because the law requires them to do so, and even requires them to do so within a specific time frame and by using certain language. Unfortunately, this language is often very confusing and does not make much sense. This often causes the taxpayer to start hiding behind some rock and avoid something that they do not understand. This can be the worst possible thing to do and may have a significant impact on how the situation will ultimately be played out. Unfortunately, it can also cost the taxpayer significantly more money in penalties, interest and even professional fees.

So, what is the average taxpayer to do if they get a letter from the IRS or other taxing authority? Quite simply, do something and do it fast. If you are unable or unwilling to deal with the situation personally, engage the services of a professional. This is where the office of Cripps & Simmons, L.L.C. can come in.

At Cripps & Simmons, L.L.C., we provide professional, timely and courteous representation with respect to tax matters. While we seek to minimize the amount of tax to be paid by our clients, we also make sure that they understand the different taxing schemes and why they owe what they owe. We can also explore different ways in which they can continue about their business or personal affairs while minimizing the effects of any tax lien. We educate the client in how to avoid similar pitfalls in the future. We use professional relationships that have been developed over time to get the best possible result for a client.

We can help determine if you owe a tax as claimed. If so, we may be able to help you set up an installment agreement to pay off your tax liability over time. Alternatively, we may be able to compromise all or a portion of the tax liability depending on your circumstances. If you find yourself in a tax controversy, especially a tax controversy with the IRS or one involving employment taxes, give our office a call.

© 2006 - Cripps & Simmons, L.L.C.