The IRS Problem Solver

December 1, 2003
Pilla, a tax attorney and IRS watchdog (Get Tax Amnesty; The Taxpayer's Ultimate Defense Manual), brings 25 years of tax-litigation experience to bear in this new work. He aims to give the taxpaying public insight into the attitude and workings of the Internal Revenue Service while also giving them the confidence to avoid what he sees as intimidation tactics. Coaching readers on avoiding problems and on handling them when they occur, Pilla ably addresses such issues as delinquent taxes, audits, tax interest, and penalties. A special chapter addresses business tax issues, and there is also a good discussion of the recent IRS restructuring and what it may mean for future tax collection practices. Pilla supplies sample forms, letters, and affidavits, cites actual Internal Revenue Code sections and form numbers, and backs his advice with concrete examples. Recommended for most public libraries.-Joan Pedzich, Harris Beach LLP, Rochester

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2003
Who among us doesn't dread an envelope bearing the official Internal Revenue Service seal? Well, stop quaking in your mailboxes--Pilla, a tax litigation consultant (" How to Get Tax Amnesty," 7th ed., 1998), is coming to the rescue again. Even though the IRS recently underwent a congressionally mandated restructuring, Pilla claims it won't be long before the government agency overcomes the improvements. Fortunately, he says, there are still many ways to fight back--and win--when faced with audits, letters demanding the payment of massive penalties, even levies or liens. He simplifies arcane language, underscores easy remedies (such as writing letters and photocopying all documents), and, best of all, showcases sample letters and supporting statistics throughout. With his nine secrets to handling an audit (from assuming you're right to preventing audit abuse), most taxpayers will not only regain possible assessments but also recognize that the IRS is no longer the all-powerful monster of taxpayers' nightmares. A great book for both individuals and business owners.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)