subject: Tax Problem Resolution - A Matter Of Financial Life And Death [print this page] "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." I think I was about ten years old the first time I heard that phrase. Reflecting on the similarities between these two certainties, I find it curious that so many people are willing to go it alone when resolving their tax problems. There is no way they would try to handle death and burial without professional advice, either to prolong their lives or to clean up the mess of the inevitable, yet with regards to their taxes, they are more than happy to try to figure things out for themselves.
Navigating the tax code and successfully clearing the IRS can seem almost as difficult as dealing with death. Just as a mortician can provide necessary aid and guidance in death, so can a legally enrolled agent help a person successfully circumnavigate the taxation process, satisfying the demands of law while taking advantages of the tax breaks to which they may be entitled.
The IRS has tried to simplify the process by providing EZ forms, but these forms don't provide the maximum benefit to the tax payer. To the contrary, they give the taxpayer the illusion of ease and the benefit of legality while ensuring that the highest amount of tax will be paid. On the other hand, a tax professional can guide the tax payers through the process, providing them with the best legal options and exemptions, and ensuring that they receive either the best refund or pay the minimum in required tax.
It isn't well-known that taxpayers can have their taxes for the past three years reviewed by a competent tax professional and still receive refunds on those taxes that may have been missed. I have taken advantage of this and highly recommend it to anyone who has prepared their own taxes.
Even those who would still prefer to prepare their own taxes should seek advice in order to avoid tax problems, and especially when seeking tax problem resolution. Prevention is the best cure, and the advice of an accountant may cost far less than than the results of an unfavorable audit. In the case of such an audit, a taxation professional may still be able to lighten the load and even help reverse those negative effects.
Regardless of the situation, a legally enrolled agent can provide the services and guidance necessary to ensure the taxpayer receives the highest legal benefit and the best potential refund while keeping securely within the bounds of law.
