A tax relief associate is a specialist in every sense of the word. A tax associate specializes in resolving IRS problems that seem as if they can only get worse. But it's important to make sure you choose an associate that's experienced, reliable and has a proven track record of success.

Experience Does Count!

Experience really does count when it comes to negotiating with the IRS. It's not a secret that the IRS can be difficult in every sense of the word. The IRS seems to thrive on instilling fear in people which is easy to do with a levy or lien notice.

A tax relief associate can work with the IRS on your behalf as a negotiator and mediator. But the real value of the services of a tax negotiator lies in the level of experience behind the services. An experienced tax relief associate will have thousands of successful negotiation cases under his or her belt which proves he or she truly understands and can defend taxpayer rights.

Anyone can claim to be able to negotiate with the IRS, but the success of those negotiations depends on being able to show the IRS the settlement is the best that can be expected. Even the IRS at some point must be reasonable and accept the fact they will only be able to collect a percentage of the tax bill due. A skillful negotiator not only can get a tax bill reduced, he or she leaves the IRS feeling as if the best deal possible has been made.

There have been a lot of books written about the art of negotiation, and that's exactly what it is - an art form. But when it comes to the IRS, this art form must be backed by experience dealing with a variety of IRS tax debt situations. There are a number of ways you can find tax relief and a good negotiator knows them all.

So Does Honesty!

When you choose your tax relief associate, it's important to feel comfortable that you've chosen a representative you can trust. When you have tax problems, the last thing you need is someone who hurts your case with the IRS. Instead, you need an associate that can be trusted to negotiate the very best compromise possible starting with a tax reduction.

An honest and reliable tax relief associate provides another service too. The associate takes the fear out of the whole process. Instead of being worried the IRS is going to snatch the money in your bank account or begin seizing your assets, you can relax knowing the associate is working towards a beneficial agreement.

A tax relief associate that's experienced and reliable will walk the settlement process with you every step of the way.

William McConnaughy, CPA is a tax negotiation professional. He has experience working with people seeking tax relief and credit repair. For more information visit his tax relief website.

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When married couples file their tax returns they are both jointly responsible for the tax amount owed, with one exception. The one exception to this rule is the "innocent spouse" rule. When these claims are made, they are typically made by divorced couples but they can also be made by married couples. The three basic requirements for innocent spouse relief are the following:

1. There is an understatement of tax due to erroneous items from the other spouse.
2. The "innocent spouse" did not know, nor would have any reason to know that there was an understatement of tax caused by the other spouse.
3. It would be unfair to hold the "not guilty spouse" liable for the tax amount that is owed.

In recent years the IRS has eased the requirements to qualify for this type of relief and it is being accepted more than ever before. The IRS even allows for individuals to be partially innocent now and will offer relief by apportioning the tax liability. This type of relief still is not easy to obtain, there is a good amount of paperwork to file and many things you must prove.

The most common reason why this type of tax relief is denied is because the "innocent spouse" cannot successfully prove that they did not have knowledge of the tax amount that was reported by the other spouse because they did in fact voluntarily sign the tax return. Most of the time, it must be proved that the tax return was signed under duress, or the signature was forged in order to prove innocence.

To receive this type of relief you must file IRS form 8857. With this one form, you can file for all 3 types of innocent spouse relief available (classic relief, equitable relief, relief by separation of liability). It is important to keep in mind the detailed requirements for this type of relief when filing. IRS publication 971 contains the most up-to-date requirements. For each question you should refer to publication 971 and determine what the question is trying to get at and then show how you meet that specific requirement they are asking about. It is also required to attach a letter to stress how you meet the requirements.

If you feel you do qualify for this type of relief and you owe over $8,000, it will most likely be worthwhile for you to hire a tax professional to help you. These claims can be complicated and having someone who has been through many of them can ensure you do receive this type of relief. Most tax professionals will offer you a free consultation prior to helping you and they will be able to determine the likelihood of them being able to successfully handle your case. Even if you are unsure if you will qualify for not, it is a good idea to contact a tax professional and see what they have to say. It is highly unlikely they will take on your case if they feel you won't qualify.

Find more information on Innocent Spouse Relief. Site contains required forms, answers to common FAQ, detailed requirements, and connections to innocent spouse tax professionals.

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I will assume that if you are like most people that you dislike paying income taxes. I want you to know that although the FairTax would eliminate the income tax by replacing it with a national sales tax, it is only one option to eliminating the income tax.

Eliminating the income tax is far better than replacing it, right? There is at least one man who agrees with that statement. Ron Paul (R-TX) has been called the "Taxpayer's Best Friend."

Ron Paul is a Republican Congressman from Texas's 14th district, as well as a physician, best-selling author, and former 2008 Presidential candidate. Ron Paul run for the Republican nomination garnered support from both sides of the political aisle as he was quick to critique his own party as well as the Democratic Party for their shortcomings. Ron Paul is described as a conservative, constitutionalist, and libertarian.

Ron Paul has NEVER voted for a tax increase, a budget deficit, a pay raise, and even rejecting a Congressional pension! Ron Paul advocates limiting government spending, specifically scaling it back to 2000 spending levels. At that rate, there would be no need for the income tax and it could be completely abolished with absolutely nothing to replace it. Imagine a world where you keep 100% of what you earn!

In addition, Ron Paul is opposes the IRS as well as the Federal Reserve, which he says is responsible for the boom-and-bust economy (including the Great Depression) since 1913. Paul would rather have a free market economy with sound monetary policy.

Paul claims that the Federal Reserve is causing inflation instead of containing it. Paul advocates sound monetary policy in the form of "hard money" by re-establishing the gold standard or some version of specie currency. Paul claims that fiat money causes unnecessary inflation, which leads to the inflation tax The inflation tax causes cash money held by everyone to lose value, but it affects the lower and middle-income class more.

Ron Paul has challenged two Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan and Ben Bernanke. In his 2007 memoirs, Greenspan states that he does in fact agree with Ron Paul on the benefits of hard money policies.

Although Paul would prefer to abolish income tax, he has stated that he would be willing to replace it with a national sales tax (either the FairTax or something akin to it) if government spending could not be reduced enough to fully eliminate the need for income tax.

In either case, Ron Paul is a strong advocate for taxpayers and truly is the taxpayer's best friend.

Horizon Star, Inc specializes in saving you money on your taxes. Check us out and learn other great tax-saving secrets at http://www.WealthyTaxSecrets.com

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