Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a tax professional to solve my IRS problem?

Every case is unique. However, a common mistake many taxpayers make is thinking they can navigate complex IRS collection systems alone—which often leads to severe financial exposure. While we will candidly assess your situation and tell you directly if a simple issue can be resolved on your own, high-stakes tax debt requires expert intervention.

2. Your bio mentions you are a former IRS manager. Does that mean you can call in favors?

No, and any firm implying they can call a "friend at the IRS" for a special deal is misleading you. IRS employees strictly follow federal guidelines and will not risk their careers to do favors for former colleagues.

What former IRS managers do possess is specialized knowledge of internal IRS procedures, automated software systems, agency jargon, and settlement criteria. This insider understanding allows us to navigate the bureaucracy efficiently, anticipate what reviewers need, and present your case effectively to reach the best possible outcome.

3. Will the IRS send me to jail?

For the vast majority of taxpayers, no. Criminal prosecution is extremely rare and typically reserved for deliberate, large-scale tax evasion or fraud. The vast majority of IRS collection actions are civil matters. The most effective way to protect yourself and relieve stress is to bring your tax filings into compliance and establish a resolution plan.

4. I am so embarrassed by this situation. What should I do?

Please know that you are not alone. Tax issues often stem from unexpected life events, business challenges, or complex financial changes—not bad intentions. Most of our clients are hardworking, honest people who simply got caught in a difficult system. Taking the first step to address the issue is the hardest part; once a clear plan is in place, our clients experience an immense sense of relief.

5. Do you offer services in Spanish? / ¿Ofrecen servicios en español?

Yes. Norma Diaz is fully fluent in Spanish and provides complete representation and consultations in Spanish. (Sí, Norma Diaz habla español fluidamente y ofrece representación y consultas completas en español.)

6. Are there any guarantees?

No ethical tax practitioner can guarantee a specific outcome, as the IRS ultimately holds final authority. However, we do guarantee that we will handle your case with meticulous preparation, provide honest advice, and fight aggressively for the most favorable resolution permitted by law.

7. If I hire you, do I ever have to talk to the IRS directly?

Once Form 2848 is accepted, we can generally communicate with the IRS and handle authorized discussions and correspondence on your behalf. You may still receive IRS notices and may contact the IRS directly when appropriate.

8. Is my initial consultation free?

Yes, 100% free. We evaluate your case at no obligation. If we determine that hiring us will not bring value to your situation, we will explain why and give you clear instructions on how to handle the issue yourself.

9. The IRS says they are going to levy my account next week. Can you stop it?"

Possibly, depending on the notice and deadline. If you received a Final Notice of Intent to Levy or another collection notice, contact us immediately. We will review the notice and determine whether a Collection Due Process request, Collection Appeals Program request, payment arrangement, hardship request, or another response may be available. Do not assume that contacting us automatically stops collection activity.

10. Can I settle my tax debt for less than what I owe?

Yes, through IRS programs like an Offer in Compromise (OIC), but you must strictly qualify based on federal financial guidelines.

Late-night infomercials often promise to settle tax debt for "pennies on the dollar," but nothing could be further from the truth. The settlement process is highly detailed, and there is no "one-size-fits-all" resolution. Even when applying the exact same guidelines, two cases can yield completely different outcomes based on individual assets, income, and living standards.

A thorough financial evaluation to determine if you legally qualify for a settlement is one of the very first things we perform on every case.

11. How are you different from those nationwide tax relief companies I see on TV?

The difference is direct, professional accountability.

As a federally licensed Enrolled Agent and former IRS insider, Norma has a strict professional duty to provide accurate, truthful information and realistic outcomes. When you retain the firm, you are not handed off to a high-pressure salesperson or a rotating file clerk in a distant call center. Instead, your strategy is crafted and overseen directly by an expert who knows the system inside out.

12. Do you handle business tax debts and payroll tax issues?

Yes. We represent business owners facing Trust Fund Recovery Penalties (TFRP), Form 941 payroll tax liabilities, and international tax compliance issues (such as FIRPTA withholding). We evaluate potential Trust Fund Recovery Penalty exposure and help business owners understand and pursue available procedural and collection options.

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