IRS letters, back taxes and tax resolution in Fairview Park

If you've had a letter from the IRS, or you've fallen behind on filing, call before the deadline printed on the letter. I'm Tom Stephens, an Enrolled Agent. That means I'm licensed by the IRS to represent you: I can speak to the IRS on your behalf, file the returns that are missing, and work out a way forward with you.

What an Enrolled Agent can do for you

Enrolled Agent is the highest credential the IRS awards. Enrolled Agents can represent taxpayers at every administrative level of the IRS, including audits, collections and appeals.

In practice, once you sign a power of attorney (IRS Form 2848), the IRS can talk to me about your case. You don't have to sit on hold or guess what a letter means.

IRS letters and notices

Most IRS letters ask for something specific: a missing form, an explanation, or a payment. Each one has a notice number, usually in the top right corner, and a date you need to respond by.

Bring the whole letter, every page, and the return it refers to if you have it. I'll tell you plainly what it means and what your options are.

Unfiled and past-year returns

Not filing doesn't make the tax go away, and penalties and interest keep adding up. If the IRS owes you a refund for a missed year, you generally have three years from the original due date to claim it. After that, it's gone.

If your paperwork is lost, the IRS keeps a record of the W-2s and 1099s reported for you. I can request those transcripts and build the missing returns from them.

Corrected returns

Mistakes happen, sometimes years later. One couple came to me about their 2013 return. I explained what needed to be done in plain terms, then corrected it. Their review says they'd use me again.

Audits

An audit is a request to back up what's on your return. I'll go through what the IRS is asking for, help you gather the records, and deal with the IRS directly if you want me to.

Paying what you owe

If you owe more than you can pay at once, the IRS has payment plans and, in some cases, other settlement options. Which ones fit depends on your income, your expenses and what you own. I'll explain the ones that apply to you, and I won't promise an outcome nobody can guarantee.

Got a letter about the current year's return instead? Start with individual tax preparation or the small business page.

What clients say

“We are very pleased with the service we received from Tom. He explained what needed to be done in easy terms to understand and then took action to correct our 2013 tax return. We would highly recommend his services and would definitely use him again in the future.”

Patricia M. · Thumbtack, August 2015

“Mr Stephens is a great guy! Very knowledgeable and very meticulous when it comes to working on your taxes! He gets the job done! I've known him for over 35 years, and he's very trustworthy! I'd recommend him to everyone I know!”

Terri M. · BBB, May 2024

Questions about irs letters and tax resolution

Can you talk to the IRS for me?

Yes. As an Enrolled Agent I can represent you before the IRS once you sign a power of attorney, IRS Form 2848. After that, the IRS can discuss your case with me directly.

I haven't filed in several years. Where do I start?

Call and tell me which years are missing. We gather the records you have, request your wage and income transcripts from the IRS for anything lost, and file the missing returns.

Should I ignore an IRS letter if I think it's wrong?

No. IRS letters have response deadlines, and missing one usually narrows your options. If the letter is wrong, a written response before the deadline is how it gets corrected.