Source: https://www.taxhelponline.com/tax-help-now/quick-solutions/solving-tax-collection-problems/160-resources-and-publications/194-taxpayers-defense-conference-audio.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 15:09:28+00:00

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Each year since 1993, Tax Freedom Institute founder and Executive Director, Daniel J. Pilla has presented the nation’s leading seminar for tax professionals, the Taxpayers Defense Conference. Designed specifically for tax pros in the business of helping taxpayers solve IRS audit, appeal and collection problems, Dan reveals the latest on exactly what to expect from the IRS and exactly how you can best help your clients weather the latest storm. To serve your clients in the best possible way, you need to know how to protect and defend your clients. That’s where Taxpayers Defense Conferences comes in.
takes place each fall after October 15th.
Each audio set is available as USB / MP3 format .
Most sets have self study continuing education credits available.
$249 with TBD 7 credits Order Now!
$249 with 6 CE credits Order Now!
$249 with 8 CE credits Order Now!
$249 with 9 CE credits Order Now!
2014 Collection Due Process "Our Jewel"
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Dan Pilla addresses the current enforcement initiatives announced by the IRS, with particular focus on crypto-currency enforcement. Pilla also analyzes the IRS’s new five-year strategic plan that outlines the agency’s long-term goals regarding enforcement and administration.
Dan Pilla analyzes new code §199A, created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This is the section that creates the 20% deduction for small businesses and self-employed persons. It is a complex calculation and the deduction is dependent upon a number of fact considerations. Pilla provides numerous examples to illustrate the calculations and reviews the new proposed regulations issued by the IRS on this matter.
Steve Klitzner explains the law allowing the IRS to certify certain taxpayers to the State Department as “seriously delinquent” if they owe more than $50,000. We examine what constitutes being “seriously delinquent,” the required “notice” process, what the exceptions are, and how the available appeal procedures work.
ry to establish entitlement to innocent spouse relief.
The attendees are broken into eight separate groups and each group is presented with a set of facts regarding a hypothetical innocent spouse case. All the facts are derived from actual cases. The groups must present arguments to defend the taxpayer and assert a potential innocent spouse defense based on the facts and applicable law of the case based on all the teachings of the previous day’s sessions. Each group will feature an experienced tax pro playing the part of an IRS officer.
Dan Pilla, Scott MacPherson and other TFI staff review, critique and analyze each of the mock negotiation sessions. We analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each presentation, evaluate the performance of each participant, and discuss potential alternative approaches under the circumstances.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed considerably the rules for deducting business entertainment expenses for years beginning in 2018. The narrow definition of “entertainment” expenses in §274 and its regulations raise serious ethical considerations for tax pros in the preparation of business tax returns. Pros must be aware of the applicable definitions, they must caution their clients regarding what is an “entertainment” expense (and thus non-deductible) and what is an otherwise allowable business expense (and thus fully deductible). Dan Pilla analyzes the various elements of §274, include the infamous §274(d), which carries very strict record-keeping rules for deducting business meals, travel and entertainment expenses. Tax pros must know these rules and must ensure that their clients know these rules order to, a) avoid claiming expenses that are not deductible, and b) taking the benefit of deductions that are otherwise perfectly legal.
This session addresses the current audit initiatives announced by the IRS, with particular focus on small businesses. Dan outlines the specific types of businesses targeted and the areas of audit the IRS is expected to focus on.
This session explains and analyzes of the rules governing real estate professionals under code §469; what constitutes a real estate professional, and the requirements for “material participation” under the statute. We also look at consequences of not meeting the rules for material participation.
This session explains the law regarding corporate statutory employees, the applicable employment tax rules when corporate officers and shareholders provide substantial services to their corporations, and the law regarding reasonable compensation for both regular corporation executives and subchapter s corporation executives.
This Session provides a full analysis of the provisions of code §183, regarding the necessity of a profit motive to allow business expense deductions, and code §280A, regarding the business use of a home. We address the statutory standards for the deductions and the peculiar recordkeeping requirements to prove entitlement to the deductions.
This session addresses the IRS’s “20 common law standards” for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. We address the burden of proof necessary to establish contractor status, and analyzes the relief available under §§530 and 3509 when workers are erroneously misclassified.
Dan Pilla and a panel will review, critique and analyze each of the mock negotiation sessions. We analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each presentation, evaluate the performance of each participant, and discuss potential alternative approaches under the circumstances.
This session discusses the many conflict of interest considerations in audit situations, particularly where joint tax returns involve the business of just one taxpayer, and where corporate audits implicate the officers and shareholders of the corporation itself. We address the requirements in IRS Circular 230 to inform taxpayers of actual or potential conflicts of interest, and the requirement of written acknowledgements and waivers by clients in the case of potential conflicts.
2017 Conference attendees received 14 total CE credits, including 2 ethics credits.
Dan Pilla addresses the current problems with IRS administrative issues due to budget and staffing cuts. We discuss computer security problems, correspondence processing, and appeals case backlog. We address ways to navigate around these obstacles.
Explanation and analysis of the various computer transcripts and codes the IRS uses in the processing of all cases. Understanding these transcripts is an essential element of determining the posture of a given case and the procedures necessary to work to a resolution.
Dan Pilla explains exactly how the IRS begins enforced collection action in a given delinquency case, and exactly how to keep a case from progressing from the initial notice stage to the levy stage. Dan will explain the IRS’s Automated Collection Service procedures and how to deal with a revenue officer assigned to collect a tax. Focus will be on IRS code sections 6159 and 6343, regarding installment agreements and the prevention of levy and seizure actions.
Dan Pilla provides a full analysis of the IRS’s installment agreement rules, including analysis of relevant code sections and the Internal Revenue Manual. There will be heavy emphasis on determining what constitutes allowable living expenses for the purposes of determining the installment agreement amount.
Steve Klitzner, Attorney, analyzes the tax code and provisions of the Internal Revenue Manual that allow the IRS to enter into a two-year installment agreement that only partially pays the tax, which is the so-called Partial Pay Installment Agreement. We discuss the requirements that must be met for inclusion in the program, the forms and procedures needed to get a client approved, and the IRS’s requirement for ongoing financial analysis once the client is included in the program.
The attendees will be broken into eight separate groups and each group will be presented with a set of facts regarding a hypothetical delinquent taxpayer. All the facts are derived from actual cases. The group will determine the best course of action for attempting to negotiate a collection hold and establish an installment agreement, based on all the teachings of the previous day’s sessions. Each group will feature an experienced tax pro playing the part of an IRS officer.
Dan Pilla, Donald MacPherson, Attorney, and Paul Tom, Attorney will review, critique and analyze each of the mock negotiation sessions. We will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each presentation, evaluate the performance of each participant and discuss potential alternative approaches under the circumstances. We will also address ethical issues, including potential conflicts of interest, given the facts of the case.
Dan Pilla discusses the many ethical considerations in play when contemplating an installment agreement appeal. Most importantly of all the factors, an installment agreement appeal tolls the IRS’s collection statute of limitations, effectively giving the IRS more time to collect. We analyze the statutory tolling provisions (there are five them) which most tax pros are simply unaware of. IRS rules are specific and detailed on ethical issues in such cases, including income and asset disclosures, tax compliance with current and future filing and payment responsibilities, and counsel’s responsibility to provide accurate information. We also address the potential penalty under code section 6702 that applies to any “frivolous submission” to the IRS, which by law includes an Installment Agreement.
Group discussion of problems, questions and strategies based upon all earlier presentations. We will present and discuss hypothetical cases involving various aspects of IRS negotiations.
Dan Pilla’s lectures have been accredited by the Penn State Tax Institute, the Minnesota Chapter of Certified Public Accountants, the Minnesota Society of Enrolled Agents and the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Tax Professionals.
Steve Klitzner is an attorney licensed in Florida. He has been a consulting member of Tax Freedom Institute since 2002 and has been a past instructor at Tax Freedom Institute functions, as well as other tax resolution seminars.
2016 Conference attendees received 14 Total hours CE credits, including 2 hours of ethics credits.
The Offer in Compromise (OIC) is the IRS’s flagship settlement program. We discuss the four types of offers, the fact scenarios behind each one, the two different administrative procedure tracks for OICs, and we examine the forms and worksheets necessary to present and argue an OIC. We discuss the important strategy of using the Collection Due Process channel as the single best means to present an OIC. This strategy will give you the most leverage in getting your OIC accepted.
We discuss and explain of the essential element of the OIC, which is the taxpayer’s “reasonable collection potential.” We discuss the IRS’s extensive Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) provisions on this subject, including an analysis of the IRS’s fixed standards for living expenses. Most importantly, we explain how to defeat the arbitrary application of the IRS’s housing and transportation standards, something that bites taxpayers in nearly every OIC.
Dan Pilla explains exactly how an OIC hearing is conducted from both the perspective of the IRS and the taxpayer. He will address how to set up and present a case and how to present facts and evidence to an OIC examiner. This session includes live, mock OIC hearings in which the participants will function as counsel representing a taxpayer’s case before an OIC examiner. Experienced TFI members will assist with the mock hearings, functioning as OIC examiners. The hearings will be based upon several sets of hypothetical facts common to tax delinquency cases. Note: Portions not recorded.
Dan and the OIC examiners will review, critique and analyze each of the mock hearings. We will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each presentation, evaluate the performance of each participant and discuss potential alternative approaches under the circumstances. This is a highly educational process, as all participants will provide insight into their experience in the hearing.
Dan addresses the IRS’s so-called “Effective Tax Administration and “Special Circumstances” OICs. These are offer opportunities made available by IRS regulations that allow a person to present an offer in circumstances where he might not otherwise qualify. We examine the IRS’s regulations and the IRM provisions that govern this procedure. Knowledge of procedures is essential as it will give you opportunities to resolve even the most difficult cases.
Dan addresses the special rules that apply to citizens with fixed assets when entering into an OIC. Examples include liquid cash, retirement accounts, cash value of insurance policies, etc. IRS administrative procedures and Tax Court case law is specific on how such assets are to be considered and valued in an OIC, and these authorities address the consequences of a taxpayer liquidating such assets for less than fair market value prior to submitting an OIC.
Dan discusses the many ethical considerations of an OIC. IRS rules are specific and detailed on ethical issues, including income and asset disclosures, tax compliance with current and future filing and payment responsibilities, and counsel’s responsibility to provide accurate information. We address the detailed IRM provisions that allow the IRS to reject an OIC that might otherwise qualify for acceptance if acceptance is “not in the government’s best interest.” We also address the potential penalty under code section 6702 that applies to any “frivolous submission” to the IRS, which includes an Offer in Compromise.
Group discussion of problems, questions and strategies based upon all earlier presentations. We will present and discuss both hypothetical cases involving CDP administrative and judicial appeals. If you have a problem case, bring it to the defense conference. You will go home with a solution. This is often the most creative part of the conference, as experienced TFI members provide suggestions and ideas for solving even the most difficult problems. This session is not recorded.
Dan reviews and explains the IRS’s 2014-2017 strategic plan. This plan lays out the IRS’s strategies regarding audits, collection and tax law enforcement in general. We discuss the IRS’s policy and strategy changes that will affect how the IRS enforces the law in the foreseeable future.
Generally The right to a Collection Due Process (CDP) appeal is among the most important and powerful rights enjoyed by taxpayers. The more you understand about these rights, the more leverage you have to prevent harmful collection action (such as levies and seizures) and the better chance you’ll have of negotiating a reasonable settlement. Dan explains the CDP lien and levy appeal rights under code sections 6320 and 6330. We address the timely filing of CDP appeals, issues that can and cannot be addressed in CDP appeals, and the burden of proof in CDP cases.
Dan explains exactly how a CDP hearing is conducted from both the perspective of the IRS and the taxpayer. He will address how to set up and present a case and how to obtain discovery from the IRS prior to the CDP hearing. This session will include live, mock CDP hearings in which the participants will function as counsel representing a taxpayer before an IRS hearing officer. Certain participants will play the roles of IRS settlement officers. The hearings will be based upon several sets of hypothetical facts common to tax delinquency cases. Note: Role playing is not recorded.
Dan and those performing as settlement officers will review, critique and analyze each of the mock hearings. We will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each presentation, evaluate the performance of each participant and discuss potential alternative approaches under the circumstances. We will also address ethical issues, including potential conflicts of interest, given the facts of the case. This session will be a tremendous opportunity to prepare for and participate in a CDP hearing under the tutelage of highly skilled and experienced tax pros.
In this session, Dan addresses recent case law issued by the United States Tax Court on the question of the taxpayer’s burden of proof in CDP appeals. We evaluate both winning and losing cases and discuss the body of evidence needed to prevail in the case.
Adverse CDP decisions are appealable to the United States Tax Court. This is a key reason why a properly prepared tax pro has great leverage in CDP cases. In this session, Dan addresses the specific procedures for a judicial appeal of an adverse CDP decision. He explains the Tax Court’s jurisdiction and lays out the essential elements of a Tax Court Petition for review of a CDP determination. He also explains the manner in which CDP cases are resolved by the Tax Court, including remands, summary judgment and court trials.
Here Dan discusses the special rules that apply to CDP appeals involving delinquent employment taxes, including the collection stay provisions of code section 6330, the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty and other related issues.
Group discussion of problems, questions and strategies based upon all earlier presentations. We will present and discuss both hypothetical cases involving CDP administrative and judicial appeals. Note: This session is not recorded.
Dan Pilla reviews the most recent plans of the IRS regarding audits, collection and tax law enforcement in general. He discusses IRS’s policy and strategy changes that will affect how the IRS enforces the law.
Dan reviews the IRS’s new policy providing for automatic abatement of delinquency penalties in certain cases. He reviews all the rules and procedures necessary to take advantage of this policy, including the rules for businesses and the frivolous submissions penalty. He also discusses the appeals procedures involving the assessment of these penalties.
Dan explains the details of the IRS’s Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative. This is the IRS’s program of “voluntary disclosure” that allows certain taxpayers to disclose their prior use of foreign bank accounts, pay delinquent taxes and reduced penalties, and thereby avoid criminal prosecution and additional penalties for failure to report foreign income and pay the taxes. This is a critical issue for many taxpayers but the IRS’s policies have many people “frozen in place” because they don’t know how to proceed.
One of the nation’s most experienced criminal tax defense attorneys, Donald (Mac) Macpherson reviews the strategies that must be followed in cases where the client’s facts suggest a potential for criminal investigation or prosecution. We examine the statutory limitations to the tax preparer privilege, the nature of and process for setting up Koval agreements, how to evaluate the client’s options in such a case, and more.
Tax Attorney and bankruptcy expert Paul R. Tom presents a discussion on the developments in the law of the rules regarding the discharge of federal income taxes in bankruptcy. Of particular interest are the cases of Hindenlang and McCoy, both circuit court opinions directly impacting the extent to which taxes can be discharged in non-filer cases. This information is vital in the context of developing effective strategies when facing collection problems.
Dan explores the IRS’s program of seeking advance classification of a company’s “workers.” This program is designed to allow companies intending to use independent contractors to seek an advance ruling from the IRS of whether those workers will in fact qualify under the law as independent contractors. By using this program, companies can avoid the uncertainty and risk involved with using independent contractors in potentially questionable circumstances.
Dan discusses the new rules allowing for a home office “standard deduction.” He also reviews the rules and procedures for claiming and proving a home office deduction, whether using the new “standard deduction” or using the traditional method of proof.
Tax Attorney Steven Klitzner goes over the Appeals Office Memo on the AJAC Project and how it will affect appeals in the future.
This year, besides Dan Pilla, our guest seminar speakers were Donald (Mac) MacPherson and Paul R.Tom.
Mac is an attorney licensed in the State of Arizona and California. He has practiced law for more than thirty-five years. He is board certified in tax and criminal law. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court.
Paul is an attorney licensed by the States of Oklahoma and Arkansas. He practices tax and bankruptcy law throughout Oklahoma and is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. Both Mac and Paul are Consulting Members of the Tax Freedom Institute and have been for years. Both have been past Taxpayers Defense Conference instructors.

References: §199
 §274
 §274
 §274
 §469
 §183
 §280