The IRS’s Heavy Hand Just Got Heavier

The Internal Revenue Service announced that James Lee will become the new chief of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) on October 1 2020. Lee, currently CI's deputy chief and a 25-year veteran of the organization, will succeed current Chief Don Fort, who announced last month he will retire on September 30 2020. "Jim brings a quarter-century of Criminal Investigation management and field experience into this key enforcement role," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Jim is highly respected throughout the IRS and will continue long-standing working relationships with the civil enforcement functions of the IRS as well as with the Department of Justice's Tax Division and tax prosecutors throughout the country. He understands the need to support compliant taxpayers by maintaining a strong, robust enforcement effort focused on those who are compliance challenged." As Chief, CI, Lee will lead the IRS's criminal enforcement efforts to investigate tax code violations and other related financial crimes such as money laundering, public corruption, cybercrimes, identity theft, narcotics and terrorist-financing. Prior to serving as Deputy Chief of CI, he served as the Director of Field Operations, Northern Area where he oversaw CI enforcement programs in the Boston, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Philadelphia Field Offices. He also previously served in executive roles as the Director of Field Operations, Southern Area and the Director, Strategy. Lee began his IRS CI career in 1995 as a special agent in Detroit. He moved into the CI leadership ranks and has held positions of increasing responsibility throughout his career including Supervisory Special Agent in the New Orleans Field Office; Headquarters Senior Analyst in the International and Financial Crimes Sections; Assistant Special Agent in Charge within the Boston Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Office and later the Chicago Field Office.

 

Experienced Tax Advocates  

 

Selig & Associates provides New Yorkers with the most aggressive tax representation allowed by law. Successfully defending Individuals and Businesses before the Internal Revenue Service and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance since 2006. When you’re in trouble with the IRS, Selig & Associates is your best line of defense. Free telephone consultation with licensed Tax Accountant and Attorney. For more information call (212) 974-3435 or contact us Online. 

 

Free Consultation 

 

Selig & Associates consistently solves the most challenging tax problems, including unpaid income, sales and payroll withholding issues. We negotiate successful tax settlements, offers in compromise, penalty abatements and affordable payment plans. Free telephone consultation with licensed Tax Accountant and Attorney. For more information call (212) 974-3435 or contact us Online. 

 

Immediate Action

 

Selig & Associates helps New Yorkers avoid criminal prosecution by proactively addressing tax problems. For example, we can prepare and file up to 10 years of missing Federal and State tax returns within 48 hours of being retained guaranteed. Results you can count on. Free telephone consultation with licensed Tax Accountant and Attorney. For more information call (212) 974-3435 or contact us Online. 

CRAPPY TAX RESOLUTION FIRMS and COLD HARD FACTS

Don’t be fooled by out of state companies that promise to “Settle Your Tax Debts for Pennies on the Dollar”. These companies are commonly called “Tax Resolution Firms” and in all likelihood, the person you spoke with is not an Accountant or Attorney, but rather, is a commissioned salesperson who found your name on a tax lien list. ^{Federal Tax Liens are published and sold to the public}. Commissioned salespeople are not bound by the regulations that govern practice before the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) ^{Treasury Department Circular No. 230, Title 31 Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle A, Part 10. (Rev. 6-2014)}  Meaning, the silver-tongued charlatan that just told you everything you wanted to hear is full of malarkey (and you know what that means). Now here’s where things get difficult – in order to successfully reduce your tax debts and penalties, you must have legal standing. Moreover, you must simultaneously satisfy the burden of proof and burden of persuasion requirement. Said plainly, “hard luck stories may be good for your friends and family, but they won’t cut it with the IRS”. In reality, Tax Representation is deceptively complex, and a little knowledge is extremely dangerous. For example, an Offer in Compromise is easy to say – but difficult to achieve. That’s why smart people hire experienced Accountants and Attorneys.  But what about those grandiose claims that every Tax Resolution Firm makes, like: Joe Blow owed the IRS $100,000 and settled for $500 – well Sunshine, poor Joe Blow probably lives in a homeless shelter and has one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel. What you should have taken away from this article:  

1.    The IRS is not altruistic and tax law [and the applicable rules of civil procedure] maybe more complicated than you think.  

2.    The best accountant and attorney isn’t always the most likable person you’ll meet (winning isn’t a popularity contest).

3.   If you don’t know what you’re doing, find someone that does.

IRS or NYS Offer in Compromise Prepared and Filed within 48 Hours  

Selig & Associates provides New Yorkers with the most aggressive tax representation allowed by law. Successfully defending individuals and businesses before the IRS and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance since 2006. When you’re in trouble with the IRS, Selig & Associates is your best line of defense. For more information call (212) 974-3435 or contact us Online.

Income, Sales and Payroll Taxes   

We negotiate successful tax settlements, penalty abatements and affordable re-payment plans. Consistently solving the most challenging tax problems, including unpaid income, sales and payroll taxes. To discuss your case in confidence, call us directly.   

Free Legally Privileged Consultation  

We offer same day and emergency appointments in our New York City office (or by telephone). To schedule a Free Legally Privileged Consultation with a licensed Tax Accountant and Attorney call (212) 974-3435 or contact us Online. 

Unfiled Tax Returns Prepared and Filed within 48 Hours 

Selig & Associates helps New Yorkers avoid criminal prosecution by preparing and filing up to 10 years of missing Federal and State tax returns within 48 hours of our being retained. For immediate assistance call or contact us now.