IRS Trouble Solvers - February 2023

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No Act of Kindness Is Too Small —

SPREAD IT AROUND!

Here in the South, we say, “Just sprinkle a little sugar on it.” It’s similar to the famous saying from Mary Poppins: ”Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” If the coffee is bitter, just add some sugar, and it will taste much better. Everything tastes better with sugar! Any negative taste, thought, or situation can always be improved with sweetness and positivity. As a young kid, my mom always told me that no matter the circumstances, I must always be sweet and friendly. She explained I can still be firm and get my point across while being kind, and even if I disagree with someone, I must always be nice because no matter the situation, I’ll always come out on top. On Feb. 17, we celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day, a day set aside to encourage everyone to be friendly, humble, and kind to each other. Together, we all must learn to exist in peace and harmony. Studies have shown that being kind to another person helps improve

their day and put a smile on their face and also benefits your health, confidence, and overall well-being! The best part is that kindness doesn’t cost a thing — it’s free! When many of you hear the term “IRS,” it may put a sour taste in your mouth. Here at IRS Trouble Solvers, we work with the IRS daily, and we always remember that while the IRS’ job is to advocate for the government, it is our job to advocate for you. Our conversations and correspondence with IRS representatives are never adversarial or negative. Instead, we take a kind and understanding approach. After all, you get more bees with honey, and if you kill them with kindness or sprinkle a little sugar on top, you will come out on top, too. When clients come to us, they are often worried, fearful, frustrated, and scared; they are bogged down in IRS debt or complications, and it’s our responsibility to deliver peace and a future for posterity. Without a sweet and kind attitude, as my mom told me to have many years ago, this would not be possible. Kindness is the root of all successes in life — sprinkle it everywhere, just like sugar! This month, and every month, I encourage you to spread kindness — whether you hold the door for a stranger, flash a smile at someone who looks like they may be having a bad day, or buy coffee for the person in line behind you, you’re making a difference in someone’s life and, in turn, making the world a better place! -Ben Golden

“KINDNESS IS THE ROOT OF ALL SUCCESSES IN LIFE — SPRINKLE IT EVERYWHERE, JUST LIKE SUGAR!”

FEB 2023

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In February of 1980, the U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team shocked the world when they upset the Soviet Olympic team 4-3 in the semifinals of the Winter Olympics. The Soviet team had won the previous four Olympic LEARN VALUABLE LESSONS BY WATCHING ‘MIRACLE’ One of the Greatest American Sports Stories

While researching ways to settle your unsettling debt to the IRS, you’ve likely heard the term “offer in compromise” tossed around. You know an offer in compromise can potentially settle your debt for just a fraction of what you owe, but do you know what it means and how it works in your favor? First and foremost, an offer in compromise comes with stringent qualifications, and only a fraction of people qualify for this type of tax debt resolution. To be eligible for an offer in compromise, one must have all their tax returns filed and have made all estimated tax payments for the current year. It should be noted that if the individual has the accessible funds to pay their liability, they will not qualify for an offer in compromise. In most cases, this resolution will only be considered for a taxpayer if paying the liability would create an economic hardship for them. IS AN OFFER IN COMPROMISE RIGHT FOR YOU?

gold medals and had defeated the Americans 10-3 in an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden three days before the beginning of the Olympics. American head coach Herb Brooks and team captain Mike Eruzione inspired their team to go undefeated in the opening round of play, forcing a rematch with the Soviets.

When applying for an offer in compromise, the IRS will ask a person to provide financials. Those financials must satisfy the exacting qualifications, including proof that economic hardship would be incurred.

The American victory occurred when political and military tensions were high between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. This victory proved meaningful in the Cold War’s grand scheme, though the players participating in it might not have realized it at the time.

Chocolate Pots de Creme

This fantastic story was immortalized in February of 2004 when Disney released the movie “Miracle.” The film, starring Kurt Russell, explored the events involving the hockey team before and during the 1980 Winter Olympics. “Miracle” shows how Brooks built the team and persevered through challenging obstacles to help his team win the gold medal. You can learn plenty about leadership and teamwork by watching “Miracle.” Herb Brooks’ pregame speech shows how powerful words can inspire others. He states, “Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that’s what you have here tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight, one game. If we played them 10 times, they might win nine. But not this game, not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them, and we shut them down because we can. Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world.” His powerful speech ignited the flame that led the Americans to victory and has been shown at sporting events worldwide during pressure situations to inspire great moments. You also learn about teamwork, as there were no true stars on the team. They were a group of college-aged amateur players who were able to compete with the greatest hockey force in the world. Without every player’s hard work and dedication, the Americans would never have made it as far as they did.

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

If you’re looking for an inspiring movie to watch with the family this winter, give “Miracle” a try.

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WIN OF THE MONTH If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again CASE SNAPSHOT Client: California Resident With a Business in Nevada Type of IRS Issue: Payroll and Business Income Taxes Tax Year in Question: 2018 IRS Claimed Liability: $39,834.18 Savings: $32,904.69 This client came to us under audit by the IRS for the tax year of 2018. The client had inherited a mobile home park in Nevada but was a resident of California. After filing his personal taxes, he received notice that the IRS audited the Schedule C document used to report an income or a loss from a business he operated. The IRS auditor, located in San Diego, California, was not interested in taking on the case and requested it be moved to Nevada. The auditor was pushing to have the Assessment Statute Expiration Date extended and essentially refused to discuss the case with our practitioner until we had the Assessment Statute Expiration Date (ASED) signed, thus the audit could not be moved to the state of Nevada. Here at IRS Trouble Solvers, we did not sign the extension, and the auditor kept the case. She sent the proposed changes (unchanged) eight months after our first contact and document submission. We escalated to the manager, who said the auditor’s caseload was high and just made excuses for the auditor’s lack of communication and hostile manners. We decided filing an appeal was the best option for our client. Among other things, the original auditor disallowed management fees paid to a C-Corp that were reported as income by the C-Corp. We successfully appealed the disallowances and saved the client 82.6% of the previously assessed taxes.

Once an offer in compromise is set into motion, the taxpayer must remain compliant for five years. This means taxes must be filed and paid on time, and all payments on the offer in compromise must also be made on time. Lastly, for those five years, any refunds received will be automatically paid to the IRS to be put toward the incurred liability. Suppose during those five years, the individual fails to do any of the above. In that case, the IRS will revoke the offer in compromise, and all the previous liability will be reapplied (less the payments already applied), plus interest and penalties.

But if an individual meets all these qualifications, the results can be astronomical and life- changing! For more information on an offer in compromise and to see if you’re a candidate, give us a call today — we are ready to help!

INGREDIENTS

9 oz high-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided

5 tbsp granulated sugar (add an extra tbsp if using bitter chocolate)

• •

• •

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp powdered sugar

6 large egg yolks

DIRECTIONS

1. Place chopped chocolate into a blender. 2. In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, whisk the milk, 1 cup of cream, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt over medium heat. Cook, constantly stirring with a spatula until the mixture is almost boiling, 5–6 minutes. Immediately pour the milk mixture over the chocolate in the blender. 3. Cover and blend until smooth. 4. Divide the mixture among ramekins or small cups and refrigerate until set (about 2 hours). 5. Whip the remaining 1/2 cup cream and the powdered sugar with a mixer until soft peaks form. 6. Top chilled pots de creme with whipped cream and serve.

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1 Random Acts of Kindness Day 2 Learn Life Lessons Watching Disney’s ‘Miracle’ Is an Offer in Compromise Right for You? Chocolate Pots de Creme 3 Win of the Month 4 How to Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance INSIDE THIS ISSUE

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT, TOO

DEVELOPING A HEALTHY WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Take time to unplug. If the first thing you do in the morning is go online and check emails, or if you’re responding to work texts at the family dinner table, you’ve certainly crossed the line on balancing your work and home life. Quality

Often, the desire to succeed in our professional lives can take precedence over everything else in our private lives, including our well- being, family, friends, and hobbies. Moreover, finding a healthy balance between the two can be challenging as they can begin to blend. Here are the four best ways to keep your work and personal life separate while excelling at both!

time at home should be focused solely on your family, and hours at the office are for business activities. Once you mix the two, it can be tough to turn back. Take breaks. Even 30-second breathers throughout your day can make a drastic difference in improving stress levels, building your concentration,

Love what you do . Loving your job is easier said than done, right? If you can land an enjoyable career that isn’t restraining, you’ll find it’s much easier to leave work at work and home at home. When you’re unhappy with your job, it can affect your overall happiness, and feelings of despair can carry into your personal life. Don’t be a perfectionist. Career burnout can drastically impact your personal life, so stop trying to control everything. In reality, perfectionism is out of reach. Constantly striving for perfection can be exhausting, draining, and destructive; at home and in the office.

and helping you to feel more engaged — it can even help you to enjoy your job a bit more!

By implementing these tips into your routine, you’ll be on your way to a healthier work-life balance, which translates into feeling less stressed, having fewer health issues, being more productive, and having a happier life at work and home.

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