Question 1

What is an Enrolled Agent?

Accepted Answer

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally authorized tax practitioner empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). EAs are licensed to represent taxpayers in all 50 states. EA status is the highest credential awarded by the IRS. Primary authorities granted to EAs include individual and corporate income tax preparation and planning, taxpayer representation in all 50 states for state and federal income tax issues, and tax law research and interpretation.

Question 2

What is Tax Resolution?

Accepted Answer

Tax resolution is the process of helping taxpayers resolve a tax problem. It could include addressing back taxes owed, responding to IRS notices, discharging liens, releasing levies like wage garnishments, or filing prior year tax returns. The goal is to find a practical path forward based on your tax situation and ability to pay.

Question 3

What is IRS representation?

Accepted Answer

IRS representation is when a qualified tax professional such as an Enrolled Agent, CPA, or attorney acts on your behalf in dealings with the IRS. Your representative stands in for you during audits, collections proceedings, appeals processes, or other disputes, so you don't have to face the agency alone. At Coda Tax Resolution we handle 100% of communications with the IRS, negotiate on your behalf, and work toward previously agreed on resolutions.

Question 4

How do I know which tax relief option is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Part of our process is investigation and analysis of your entire tax situation. During that stage we discuss every option available to you, provide a list of recommended actions, and create a plan to move forward. The best option depends on factors like how much you owe, whether your returns are filed, your income, your expenses, your assets, and any current IRS collection activity. Explore Coda Tax Resolution's free IRS Resolution Pathway Tool to help assess your current situation.

Question 5

What is the Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

Accepted Answer

Every taxpayer is afforded a set of fundamental guaranteed rights in their dealings with the IRS. They describe how you should be treated and what you can expect during examinations, collections, and appeals. Not every deadline or remedy applies to every taxpayer or every situation.

Question 6

Can I settle my tax debt for less than I owe?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes. Options such as an Offer-in-Compromise may allow qualifying taxpayers to settle IRS tax debt for less than the full balance if they cannot pay in full, or doing so would create financial hardship.

Question 7

What if I cannot afford to pay the IRS right now?

Accepted Answer

You may have options such as a monthly payment plan or a temporary hardship status. The right solution depends on your income, expenses, assets, tax balance, and filing history.

Question 8

Will the IRS stop collections once I get help?

Accepted Answer

Our tax professionals will respond quickly to IRS notices and negotiate with the IRS on your behalf to work toward stopping or preventing certain collection actions. The exact outcome depends on your case and the resolution options available to you.

Question 9

Do I need to file missing tax returns before resolving my tax debt?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. The IRS generally requires taxpayers to be current with required filings before approving many tax resolution options, including certain payment plans or settlement programs.

Question 10

Can the IRS take my refund?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, the IRS can apply an overpayment in one tax year (your refund) to other outstanding tax liabilities. Your IRS refund can also be offset to State tax obligations, or other federal or state agency debt obligations.

Question 11

Do I have to agree with the IRS?

Accepted Answer

No. Taxpayers have the right to challenge IRS positions, provide documentation, and appeal many IRS decisions. Our team of experts can help you navigate this process and build the best case for you.

Question 12

What should I do if I received a notice?

Accepted Answer

The worst thing you can do is nothing. If you ignore an IRS notice, the IRS takes your silence as agreement with the IRS's position by default. Contact our team to help you review the notice, explain what it means, and help you decide what to do next.

Question 13

Does Coda use AI to make decisions about my case?

Accepted Answer

AI is never used to determine strategy or make decisions about your tax problems. Every document is reviewed manually by experienced tax practitioners.

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