• The 2025 Tax Calendar
    Jan 31 2025

    Timalyn comes back after a 10 month break from the podcast microphone with the 2025 tax calendar for US taxpayers.

    Listeners can find the tax calendar dates that Timalyn refers to in IRS Publication 509.

    Timalyn also announced that she is now accepting new tax preparation clients for the first time since 2020. If you are interested in having Bowens Tax Solutions prepare your 2024 taxes you can book an initial consultation at www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com

    As we conclude Episode 51, we’d like to encourage you to connect with Timalyn on social media. You’ll be able to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and many other podcast platforms.

    Remember, Timalyn Bowens is America’s Favorite EA andshe’s here to fill the tax literacy gap, one taxpayer at a time. Thanks for listening to today’s episode.

    For more information about tax relief options, visit: https:/www.Bowenstaxsolutions.com

    If you have any feedback, or suggestions for an upcoming episode topic, please submit it here: https://www.americasfavoriteea.com/contact

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It provides a framework and possible solutions for solving your tax problems, but it is not legally binding. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.

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    20 mins
  • I am coming back!
    1 min
  • Your Rights as a Taxpayer
    Mar 22 2024
    Episode 50: In this episode, Timalyn explains your rights as a taxpayer. How do those rights balance with what the IRS’ mission is? You may have an opinion on how the IRS is doing, but either way, it’s a part of the government that definitely impacts your life. Taking a Quick Moment to Celebrate Before she begins, Timalyn is excited about having recorded 50 podcast episodes! It’s been a way for her to fill the tax literacy gap, one taxpayer at a time. It’s her hope that these easy to follow episodes breakdown complex tax issues into understandable topics. Did you know that 95% of podcasts fail? There are 2.8 million podcasts and less that 500,000 are considered active. Only 11% of podcasts make it to 50 episodes. So, now you can understand why she’s so excited. Thank you for following her podcast over the past 2 years. The Mission of the IRS The IRS is focused on providing America’s taxpayers with top-quality service. They want to help taxpayers to understand and meet their responsibilities. Finally, the IRS wants to enforce the law with fairness and integrity. Timalyn admits, things could be much worse. She wants to make sure you understand your rights when dealing with the IRS. That’s correct, you have rights as a taxpayer. According to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, you have the right to representation. Timalyn has described the specific tax professionals who are qualified to handle tax debt issues with the IRS. These 3 groups are enrolled agents, CPAs and tax attorneys. There are 9 other important rights and they can be found in IRS Publication 1. It explains the rights, but also the processes for examination, appeals, collections and refunds. Today, we’ll focus on the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Let’s go through them, below. #1: The Right to Informed. You have the right to know what you need to do to be in compliance with the IRS. “Taxanese” is a complicated language and it can sometimes difficult to follow or understand. The IRS issues publications to help you. IRS.gov is a free resource that explains compliance matters. Nevertheless, you may need to consider hiring a tax professional to assist you. #2: The Right to Quality Service. Yes, that’s part of the IRS’ mission. While the slow responses and backlog (especially since the pandemic) may not seem like they’re on the way to achieving their mission, Timalyn actually credits the IRS with doing a good job investing in new technology to serve you better. You have a right to prompt, courteous and professional response from the IRS. While the publications are written to be easily understandable, the reality is that tax issue are complicated. You might want to check out the Tax Tips with Timalyn blog. It’s a good resource. #3: The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Tax. This means you have the right to only pay the amount due, including any interest and penalties. It’s why the IRS posts the quarterly interest rates. You might want to listen to Timalyn’s Episode 7 on tax transcripts. #4: The Right to Challenge the IRS’ Position and to Be Heard. You have every right to be heard by the IRS. Believe it or not, the IRS actually does want to hear from you. You have the right to have your claims about what you owe examined. This is why you’ll need to substantiate your claim with documents and other proof. You have the burden of proof in this situation. #5: The Right to Appeal and IRS Decision in an Independent Forum. In Episode 26, Timalyn explains that your appeal is actually handled by another department, not the IRS Collection Department. You can appeal all the way to tax court, but you must do it in a timely manner. #6: The Right to Finality. This means you have the right to know your deadlines for challenging the IRS’ position. The IRS will let you know how long you have to appeal. If you are going to exercise this right, you must do it within a specified period of time. Finality also refers to the right to know when an audit has been finished or where they are in the process. #7: The Right to Privacy. You have the right to expect that the IRS will keep your information private and to stay within reasonable/necessary limits. The information privacy means the IRS can’t publicize how much you owe for separate years. They are permitted to communicate with your bank, if they are going to levy your account. They can communicate with your employer if they need to apply a garnishment until you’ve paid off your tax debt. #8: The Right to Confidentiality. The information you provide the IRS cannot be disclosed to other parties, unless they’ve been authorized by you or the law. For instance, if you hired Timalyn, you’d complete IRS Form 2848, designating her as your tax power of attorney. Once this form is submitted, the IRS would be authorized to communicate with her regarding your tax ...
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    19 mins
  • How to Qualify for an Offer in Compromise
    Mar 8 2024
    Episode 49: In this episode, Timalyn continues the discussion began in Episode 48. Today, she’s explaining how to qualify for an offer in compromise. She’ll also provide information regarding how to apply for it. NOTE: Click here to listen to Episode 48. What Is the IRS Considering when You Apply for an Offer in Compromise? Remember, the offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than you actually owe. The IRS doesn’t approve this option for every tax payer who applies. The IRS provides a pre-qualifier tool to see help you see if you qualify. The IRS is considering 4 factors: Your Ability to Pay Your Income Your Expenses Your Assets When it comes to your ability to pay the IRS also considers your age. Your medical condition and medical history also comes into play. Do you have a disease or condition that might prevent you from working? This, along with your level of education all impact what the IRS considers to be your ability to pay. The IRS will analyze your earned and passive income. Earned income is produced as a result of an action or activity you perform or something you did to in the past. Passive income considers investment income, dividend income, and interest income. Your expenses can be subjective. What you consider a necessary expense may not be allowed by the IRS. If this is the case you may have to increase your initial offer. Remember, the IRS provides national standards that are used to determine an individual’s ability to pay. In Episodes 38 and 39, Timalyn discussed using IRS Form 433-F. This form helps to calculate your disposable income, for an installment agreement. You’ll can use IRS Form 433-A (OIC) for the offer in compromise. Are You Eligible for an Offer in Compromise? Before you pursue this route, you need to have all of your required tax year returns filed. Timalyn comments that this commonly refers to the last 6 years of returns. Employers must also have all of your IRS Form 941s filed. These are the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return forms. The same goes for your 940 FUTA (Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return). You also need to be up-to-date on your required estimated payments (listen to Episode 21). Additionally, you can’t be in an open bankruptcy proceeding. If you’re applying for an offer in compromise for the current year, you need to have filed a tax extension, if it’s tax season. Timalyn stresses that you need to make sure you have all of the above completed and filed before you even begin the offer in compromise process. Substantiation of Your Expenses Along with the 433-A (OIC), you must provide all of the information necessary to substantiate your expenses. This includes, mortgage information showing your required monthly payment amount and where you are on those payments. If you are leasing (renting), you’ll need to supply a copy of the lease and proof of payments. Form 656-B This is the booklet you’ll use in applying for your offer in compromise. It includes important information about additional documents, including IRS Form 656 and the non-refundable $205 application fee. Make sure you are using the most current version of these forms. You’ll also need to include the initial payment for each Form 656 you are submitting. It’s important that you have a separate check or money order for each one. The application fee is also a separate check. Designate Your Payments The application fee and the initial payment(s) will be applied to your tax debt. Timalyn recommends designating payments to a specific tax year and tax debt. It’s going to take several months (maybe 6-9), to find out if the IRS has accepted your offer in compromise. If they reject it, you won’t receive the money back, so at least you’ll know where it’s going. The IRS Can Still File a Lien Against You It’s possible for the IRS to file a tax lien while they’re reviewing your offer. In Episode 3, Timalyn explained what this is and how it might impact you. The IRS will suspend other tax debt collection efforts (including garnishing your wages, levying your bank account, etc.). What If the IRS Rejects Your Offer in Compromise? If this happens, your assessment and collection period will be extended. If you were hoping your CSED (Collection Statute Expiration Date) would lapse, that’s not going to happen. They’ll add the time it took to process the offer. Make all required payments detailed in your offer during the time the IRS is processing (i.e. evaluating) your offer. One option is the lump sum cash payment. This is 20% of whatever amount you were offering. The remaining balance due must be paid in 5 or fewer payments. Again, be sure to make those payments while you’re waiting for a written response from the IRS. The other payment option is to make periodic payments. Basically, continue to pay the same amount as you sent for ...
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    21 mins
  • What Is an Offer in Compromise?
    Feb 23 2024
    Episode 48:  In this episode, Timalyn explains an option some people have in resolving their tax debt.  This option is referred to as an offer in compromise.  Understand that not every tax payer qualifies for this, but you hear commercials about it all the time. Note:  This is a complex topic and deserves more than a quick, 15-minute episode to fully explain it.  The plan is to cover this topic in 2 separate episodes.  The next episode will explain how you qualify for an offer in compromise, while this episode explains what an offer in compromise is. While not every taxpayer will qualify for the offer in compromise, the vast majority (90%+) would actually qualify for an installment agreement (Episode 10).  This may be the better option for many people.  An important reason Timalyn is covering this topic is so that you can understand “WHY” you may or may not meet the criteria for an offer in compromise option.  Regardless of what you may have seen on the Internet, filing on your own is not something you should do, if you’re in serious tax debt.  When you hire someone for tax representation, that person takes on the responsibility of speaking on your behalf before the IRS.  Offer in Compromise – Doubt as to Collectability This is an agreement that settles your debt for less than the amount owed.  Again, this is the hook used by many of the commercials you may have heard.  The partial pay installment agreement would do the same thing without exposing your assets to a potential liquidation requirement.    The IRS will not accept your offer if there’s a chance the liability can be paid in full, in a lump sum or in an installment agreement.  The streamlined installment agreement typically has a 72-month pay-off term.  If you’ve already been working to get yourself in a better situation to be able to pay your taxes, and you owe $10,000 or less, you may have the option of a guaranteed payment plan.  Even though you might think you can’t repay your debt via an installment program, remember, the IRS has some additional discretion, because they are limited by the CSED (the Collection Statute Expiration Date).  However, if they determine you would be able to pay off your tax debt before the CSED, they would reject an offer in compromise.  Owe $100,000 or more in Tax Debt? Getting an offer in compromise approved will require an additional level of authorization.  This would be granted by the IRS District Counsel.  Some people refer to the Offer in Compromise as the fresh start initiative. The program began in 2011.  It changed the computation for a taxpayer’s future income.  It also extended the amount that can be repaid for student loans, as an allowable expense.  Episode 38 goes into more detail as Timalyn discusses IRS Form 433-F.  Offer in Compromise – Doubt as to Liability You would submit this when there’s a genuine dispute as to the existence of a tax debt, or the amount of the tax debt.  It’s used when there’s a likely error by the IRS in assessing the tax debt.  The offer must be greater than $0 and based on the amount you believe is the correct amount of tax liability (not what the IRS is claiming you owe).  The Doubt as to Liability option will require you to submit IRS Form 656-L.  The Doubt as to Liability option is typically used after an audit was performed and tax was assessed.  However, you had incomplete documentation at the time.  Now, the supporting documentation you’ve found shows you really don’t owe the amount indicated by the IRS.    Offer in Compromise – Effective Tax Administration This is when the amount owed is not in dispute.  There are assets that could be liquidated to pay the debt, but exceptional circumstances exist that would result in an undue economic hardship, if full payment of the debt would be required.  The same would exist if paying the full tax debt would be unfair or unequitable. Timalyn provides an example of an elderly individual living on a fixed income.  Even if this person owned his/her home, selling the home to pay the taxes would make it very difficult from a financial standpoint, assuming the person were to live another 10 years, or more.  Social security retirement benefits are really not enough to live off of, given today’s inflationary environment.  The cost of living is relatively expensive, so adding a rent payment would make it nearly impossible.  In the above example, this individual might be an ideal candidate for the offer in compromise – effective tax administration option.  Need Tax Help Now? If you need answers to your tax debt questions, book a consultation with Timalyn via her Bowens Tax Solutions website.  Click this link to book a call. Please consider sharing this episode with your friends and family.  There are many people dealing with tax issues, and you may not know about it.  This information might be helpful to someone who really needs it.  After all, back taxes ...
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    21 mins
  • Three Top Issues with Divorce and Taxes
    Feb 10 2024
    Episode 47:  In this episode, Timalyn discusses three top issues arise involving your taxes after a divorce. Divorce happens and Timalyn has worked with many clients who are caught in this situation.  While she’ll focus on 3 important issues, that doesn’t mean those are the only issues related to divorce and taxes.  Today, she’ll address filing status, claiming dependents moving forward, and dealing with a joint tax liability after the divorce.  With that being said, let’s listen to Timalyn. Note to Tax Professionals:  Timalyn is going to be teaching a class on Divorce and Taxes via the myCPE platform.  She’s previously provided a class to subscribers of Think Outside the Tax Box.  Those classes take a deeper dive into topics such as property settlements and transfers, Qualified Domestic Relation Orders (QUADROs), etc. Determining Your Optimal Filing Status Timalyn begins by discussing whether the divorce was amicable or not.  If the divorce was not finalized by the end of the tax year, then technically and legally, the couple can still file as married filing jointly.  If there’s a tax liability, you want to consider not filing jointly because that will be just one more thing tying you together.  Another option is to use the status, married filing separately.  This could make sense if you and your soon to be ex-spouse aren’t getting along, but a refund is expected.  You wouldn’t have to worry about splitting the refund.  If there’s a liability, because you filed separately, you wouldn’t have to worry about the other person’s tax liability.  If you were to choose married filing separately, you’ll be in the same tax brackets as if you were filing as a single.  Therefore, more of your income is going to be taxed at a higher rate.    Here are some quick examples: ●      Married Filing Jointly – the standard deduction is ~ $27,000 for 2023 returns. ●      Married Filing Separately (e.g. Single) – the standard deduction is ~ $13,000. Therefore, the person filing separately or as a single, will remain in the 10% and 12% tax brackets for a shorter period of time compared to someone who is filing using the status married filing jointly.  This couple wouldn’t jump to the 22% tax bracket until the reach almost $110,000 in gross income.  However, a person using married filing separately, or as a single, they’ll jump to the 22% tax bracket when they get to ~ $55,000 in gross income.  The thing to remember is that if you had your W-4 withholdings set as married filing jointly, assuming  you made $50k and your spouse made $60k, your withholdings are only going to cover 12%.  So, the spouse making $60k will still have withholdings closer to 12%.  But, after separating if that spouse files using married filing separately, they will now be getting taxed at the 22% bracket. By working together as the divorce proceeds, you may be able to agree to file using married filing jointly to receive the best tax benefit for both parties.  The IRS 1040 provides a spot so you can file an additional form enabling a couple to split the tax refund so that it goes into 2 separate accounts.  The court may need to decide how the allocation will be made.  How to Handle Dependents for Tax Purposes After a Divorce If dependents are involved, an important consideration is the determination of whether the couple was separated at all, during the tax year.  If they were separated (not cohabitating), did that occur in the last 6 months of the year?    Assuming the couple wasn’t living together during the last 6 months, but one parent took care of more than 50% of the dependent’s expenses: ●      The parent who did not have the child could file married filing jointly (if the other spouse agreed) or married filing separately. ●      The parent who did have the child could file married filing jointly (if the other spouse agreed), married filing separately or file as head of household (because for the last 6 months they were legally separated and they did maintain the household, incurring more that 50% of the dependent’s expenses).  Filing using the head of household status gives you a tax bracket that is lower than married filing separately, but not as low as married filing jointly.  The jump to the 22% bracket won’t happen as quickly and the standard deduction will be ~$19,000 (for the 2023 tax year). Timalyn strongly advises that your either have a tax professional prepare your taxes during this period, or that you at least consult with one.  You have some options and you want to make sure you select the best one for your particular situation. NOTE:  If you were divorced as of December 31st of the tax year, then married filing jointly and married filing separately are not available to you.  You have the options of filing as a single or as head of household (if you qualify). Which Parent Gets to Claim the Child? If the divorce is amicable, you ...
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    23 mins
  • Options to Handle Your IRS Debt if You Cannot Pay It in Full
    Jan 26 2024
    Episode 46:  In this episode, Timalyn discusses 4 various options you have to handle your IRS debt, if you cannot pay it in full.  While you need to pay your tax debt, there are ways to do it so that you’re not overly burdened.  In addition to the lump sum payment, she’ll explain the offer in compromise, installment agreements, currently not collectible status, and bankruptcy.  Have You Received an IRS CP504 Notice? If this is a letter you’ve already received, then you know the IRS is notifying you of their intent to levy.  The reality is you’re now in a tough situation.  While you haven’t been able to pay your tax debt, you most likely haven’t communicated with the IRS about your particular situation.  Now, the IRS is going to have the right to access your bank account(s) and decide how much they are going to take.  The Offer in Compromise You’ve probably heard about commercials claiming you can settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar.  In reality, many people won’t qualify for this option.  This is sometimes referred to as the Fresh Start Program, which was implemented by Congress.  However, the Fresh Start Program isn’t just about the Offer in Compromise.    There are ways to qualify for the Offer in Compromise.  You may be able to claim the debt doesn’t actually belong to you.  This is “Doubt as to Liability.”  Unfortunately, this may be very difficult to prove.  “Debt as to Collectability” means the IRS probably won’t be able to collect the debt from you.  “Effective Tax Administration” is another claim you may be able to use to qualify. The IRS has a pre-qualifier tool on its website, so you can see if you might be able to qualify for the Offer in Compromise resolution.  In Episodes 39 and 40, Timalyn discussed IRS Form 433-F.  By completing this form, you’ll have a good idea of whether you’d qualify for the Offer in Compromise option.  The form will help to prove your ability to pay or lack thereof. It also takes into consideration your health, age and education.  These are factors the IRS will use to determine if you qualify.  Any offer you make will have to include a certain percentage of the equity you have in specific assets.  If you have a lot of equity in your home or other assets (including your retirement portfolio), the IRS could require you to sell one or more of the assets to create funds available to pay your tax debt.  So, if that’s your situation, the Offer in Compromise might not be the preferred option for you.  It’s important for you to consider working with a qualified professional who will help you to best represent your situation to the IRS.  Installment Agreements Timalyn discussed this option in Episode 10.  These are generally various payment plans you can have with the IRS.  There are 3 popular options:  Streamlined, Regular and Partial Pay.  Timalyn prefers the Partial Pay Installment Agreement because it looks at your assets, but focuses on your income and your expenses.  Assuming you can’t pay off your tax debt before the Collection Status Expiration Date (CSED), the IRS will still want as much as they can get from you.  Establishing an installment agreement may be a good option, based on your specific situation.  Currently Not Collectable Status Timalyn explains that this option temporarily puts your tax account on hold.  You’ll still complete the IRS Form 433 to prove that you really have nothing left after calculating your income and deducting the allowable expenses.  The IRS cannot put you in a financial hardship to pay your taxes.  There may be a difference in what you consider a necessary expense and what the IRS considers.  These would include your rent/mortgage and monthly car payment.  Now, this does not mean you never have to pay the tax debt.  Interest will continue to accrue during the period of not collectable status.  But as Timalyn discussed, the IRS only has the option of collecting the debt before the CSED.  The IRS will not levy you during the Currently Not Collectable (CNC) period.  Once the period has passed, the IRS can require you to submit documentation to see if you should still qualify.  If this sounds like a good option for you, listen to Episode 18, where Timalyn explains how to temporarily put your tax account on hold. Bankruptcy Now, admittedly, this won’t be the right choice for everyone.  However, if you qualify, you can use this to eliminate certain types of debt.  Timalyn cannot provide legal advice about bankruptcy, because she is not an attorney.  She does have relationships with bankruptcy attorney to whom she can refer you, if you need this option. There is a 3-year, 2-year and 240-day rule, you need to understand. You can’t have any fraud claims, no taxes related to a trust and no Substitute for Return (SFR) on your account.  The tax debt you’re trying to discharge must be at least 3 years old.  It must have been filed ...
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    20 mins
  • Understanding Your IRS Notice
    Jan 12 2024
    Episode 45:  In this episode, Timalyn discusses IRS Notices.  She’ll explain what they are, why you’re receiving your IRS notice and how to read it.  Then, she’ll provide some insights into the 3 types of IRS Notices that are currently being sent out fairly aggressively by the IRS.  Love Letters from the IRS Timalyn lightheartedly refers to notices and communications from the IRS as love letters.  In all reality, they can be extremely serious and require immediate attention.  Once a client hires Timalyn to help resolve tax debt issues, she also receives copies of the same letters. What Is an IRS Notice? This is written correspondence from the IRS to the taxpayer.  It can address a number of issues including a balance due, updates on activity on your account or if any changes to a tax return have been made.  Not every IRS Notice involves bad news.  Nonetheless, receiving one can cause anxiety.  For example, during the pandemic some people received notices of stimulus payments or confirmation of payment of the advanced child tax credit, etc.  If you’ve filed an amended tax return or you find a refund you were due, the IRS will also send you a notice. Some IRS notifications are issued to inform you of why you are receiving an IRS communication and what you need to do to resolve any potential issues.  IRS CP503 Notice The bulk of the notifications being sent to taxpayers are CP503 notices.  In Episode 29, Timalyn explained the IRS CP14 notice (demand for payment of unpaid taxes).  The CP503s are different.  The CP503 notification is the second notice and a reminder of an unpaid tax balance due.  If you have a tax liability when you submit your tax return, you’ll receive a CP14.  Then, if the balance hasn’t been paid, the IRS will issue a CP501 (the first notice for balance due).    IRS CP504 Notice Timalyn explains that the IRS CP504 notification is the one you really need to be concerned with, if you receive it.  This is a final notice and balance due.  The CP504 is also notification of the IRS’ intent to levy.  In Episode 5, Timalyn answered the question, “What Is a Tax Levy?”    Basically, the Intent to Levy is the IRS telling you they have the legal right to take money owed from your personal bank account or business bank account.  The IRS also has the legal right to contact your employer to request a garnishment (funds to be withheld) from your paycheck, which are then sent to the IRS.  The latter can happen regardless of whether you are a W-2 employee or 1099 independent contractor.  The IRS can also require the employer to make backup withholdings.  Don’t Put Your Head in the Sand If you have received notifications from the IRS, don’t ignore them.  In many situations, the IRS is willing to work with you.  However, if you don’t open the letters and fail to respond, you’re going to run out of options and the IRS will run out of patience. How to Read the IRS Notice The office address of the IRS will tell you which actual office is sending the notification.  It also signifies the level of importance of this particular IRS notice.  If the address has a local address and the name of an IRS representative, your case has been assigned to an IRS revenue officer.  Your assigned IRS revenue officer is the only person you’ll be able to communicate with, going forward.  He/she is the only IRS contact with whom you can correspond or speak with on the phone about your tax debt situation.  These revenue officers are already overloaded with cases, you just added to his/her workload.  At the top right of your IRS notice, there is a designation of the type of notice you’re receiving.  This could be the CP501, CP503 or the dreaded CP504 (the Intent to Levy).  Timalyn comments that there are other types of notices, but these are the more common ones being issued, at this time.  Remember, there are also notices of Accuracy-Related Penalties if you failed to report all of your income or miscalculated a deduction/credit.  The IRS Notice also provides information regarding the deadline for you to respond.  There may still be a way to deal with this, even if the deadline has passed.  However, you need to take action, quickly.  You can appeal an IRS decision if you’ve received an IRS CP504 (Intent to Levy) notification.  You have the option of trying to contact the IRS via telephone (good luck).  You may also want to pull your tax transcripts to identify where you might disagree with the IRS and what information they are using to support their claim.  The IRS Notice should also include a copy of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.  It grants you the right to tax representation.  In Episode 10, Timalyn explains how to set up a payment arrangement with the IRS. Bowens Tax Solutions specializes in tax representation.  Consider booking a consultation to speak about your tax debt situation and potential options.  In Episode 37, Timalyn explains the Tax ...
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    15 mins