Dealing With Tax Problems: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. Charles Dickens, 1859

“When you have a serious tax problem, things can get really bad, really quick” says David Selig of Selig & Associates. Unfortunately, most people make matters worse by trying to cooperate with the Authorities, which is Sanskrit for trying to talk their way out of it. Remember the Central Park preppy murder case? Prior to being arrested Robert Chambers was interviewed, without the benefit of an attorney, for over 10 hours. And what about Susan Smith? After cooperating with law enforcement, she was eventually charged with, and convicted of drowning her defenseless little children. “But my little tax problem isn’t nearly as bad as a double homicide!” Really? Others believe that confession good for the soul. Well, maybe it is, but here in the rough and tumble, you should probably limit your confessions to the Clergy or the Tax Attorney who is actually representing you (rather than your friend who also happens to be an attorney). Notwithstanding these few slender exceptions, it’s best to keep quiet and take solace in the FIFTH AMENDMENT, which guarantees murders, embezzlers and tax-cheats aplenty, protection against self-incrimination.

But what if you’re a smooth talking prevaricator, or a BS Artist Extraordinaire - You’ll just answer a few little questions and muddy the waters a bit. And besides, you’ve done it before, so there’s no need to be concerned, confident that you’re smarter and quicker than the IRS Criminal Investigation Agents  who just appeared on your doorstep [and would like to ask you a few questions]. They tell you so reassuringly that you’re only a potential witness - and you breathe an imperceptible sigh of relief.  But here’s the rub, Bub . . . Today’s Witness is Tomorrow’s Defendant”. Accordingly, you should keep quiet; don’t volunteer any information; say that you’d like to speak with an attorney before answering any questions, and remember your rights. That is to say, even if you really are just a witness, thanks to the good old FIFTH AMENDMENT’ you still have privileges, see: Bellis v. United States. Ergo, ask the IRS Agent for her business card; say that you do not want to answer any questions, and tell her that your Attorney will call her as soon as possible.

Need more help? Selig & Associates provides the most aggressive tax representation allowed by law. Specializing in payroll and sales tax controversies, restaurants, bodegas and professional practices. We settle contested tax audits, compromise tax debts, and can get you a great deal on a mortgage even if you already have a federal or state tax lien. All tax representation is provided by a Federal Tax Practitioner and Licensed Attorney. To schedule a FREE face-to-face consultation, contact Selig & Associates today. 

Website: http://selignyc.com