IRS Representation

Got a letter from the IRS?
Hand it to me.

I'm an Enrolled Agent, licensed by the IRS to represent taxpayers on notices, balances, penalties, and back returns. You sign one form, and the IRS talks to me instead of you. Below are the questions people ask when the envelope is still on the counter.

I just got a notice. What should I do right now?

Three things. Don't ignore it, because most notices have a response window and the options shrink once it passes. Don't call the IRS before you know what the notice is actually claiming. And find the date on it, usually top right, so we know how much time we have.

Then book a call or send me a photo of the letter. Most notices are less scary once someone reads them with you.

What's an Enrolled Agent?

An Enrolled Agent is a tax professional licensed directly by the IRS after passing a three-part exam on individual tax, business tax, and representation. EAs have unlimited practice rights, which means I can represent any taxpayer, on any tax matter, in front of any IRS office.

For representation, that's the same standing as a CPA or a tax attorney. The difference is that it's all I'm licensed for. Tax is the whole job.

What can you help with?

  • IRS notice response. CP2000, CP14, CP501, CP504 and the rest. I read it, check it against your transcripts, and write the response.
  • Payment plans. Installment agreements set up at a monthly amount you can actually keep paying.
  • Offer in Compromise. Settling for less than you owe, when your numbers qualify. I'll tell you upfront if they don't.
  • Penalty abatement. First-time abatement and reasonable-cause requests to take penalties off the balance.
  • Unfiled back returns. Catching up missing years so you're back in compliance before the IRS files for you.
  • Tax liens. Lien withdrawal, discharge, and subordination requests, so a lien stops blocking a sale or a loan.
  • Innocent spouse relief. Separating you from a balance that came from a spouse or ex-spouse's return.
  • Power of attorney & transcripts. Form 2848 on file so I can talk to the IRS for you and pull your full account history.

How much does it cost?

It depends on what's going on, so I don't list prices for representation. A single CP2000 and four years of unfiled returns are very different jobs.

What I can promise: the first review is free, and after I've pulled your transcripts you get a flat quote for the whole resolution. No hourly billing, no retainer that quietly runs out.

Do I have to be a bookkeeping or tax client?

No. Plenty of representation work is for people I've never worked with before. If your trouble came from messy books or missed estimates, I can help fix that afterward too, but it's not a requirement.

Will I have to talk to the IRS?

Usually not. Once Form 2848 is on file, I'm your authorized representative. The IRS sends me copies of your notices, and I make the calls, sit on hold, and send the paperwork. You'll hear from me when there's something to decide or something to sign.

The scariest part of an IRS letter is not knowing what it means.

How a case works

01Free review. Twenty minutes. You tell me what the letter says and what's been going on.
02Form 2848. You sign a power of attorney. From then on, the IRS calls me, not you.
03Transcripts pulled. I pull your account and wage transcripts so we're working from what the IRS actually has.
04Flat quote. Once I see the full picture, you get a fixed price for the whole resolution. No hourly billing.
05I deal with the IRS. Calls, letters, forms, deadlines. You get updates in plain English.
06Resolution in writing. It ends with something on paper: an accepted plan, an abatement, a closed notice.
Justin
Justin Benoit, EAFounder · Red Leaf Bookkeeping · Leander, TX

Send me the letter.

Start with a free 20-minute call. Tell me what the IRS sent and when it came. I'll tell you what it means and what I'd do about it.