We hope you hire our firm, but realize we are not a fit for all clients, if you don’t at least we can provide you some guidelines so you can find a good tax firm.

Here is what to watch out for when you are seeking help with a tax problem and how a reliable tax firm should treat you.
1. Do your due diligence and research and ask questions! Check up on any firm with Better Business Bureau; make sure they have been in business for at least FIVE years. (Remember the BBB may give an unproven company an A+ rating day one.) Not at least Five years in business and no BBB track record, forget them.
Don’t hire Tax firms that started within the last few months and are advertising heavily on the TV, Radio, and the Internet. Most of these fly by night companies close their doors after a few months of getting clients.
Don’t hire any firm that contacts you by phone or by letter before you contact them. These firms have purchased your name and you are being contacted by slick, commission hungry sales-people who over-promise, use scare tactics, threaten, and trick people into doing business with them.
Don’t get paralyzed with fear, do your research and find the help you need.
2. Don’t hire a firm that demands full payment in advance or even half now and the balance in 30 days without the completion of the services. You will most likely never see your money again. Don’t ever give these yoyos your credit card or checking account info over the phone before you get a written agreement to review.

Do expect to pay a reasonable retainer and pay as work is completed for you or in reasonable monthly payments. Only provide your payment information after you have time to review the agreement.
3. Do be cautions of firms that “guarantees or promises” the outcome of Offer-In-Compromises or make claims of instant reduction of your tax liability. These fast-and-loose with the facts companies ask some basic questions about your finances and by some miracle you qualify for an Offer-In-Compromise. The IRS and many Attorney Generals take a dim view on these guarantees or implied outcome promises and the IRS has even published warnings regarding this practice.

Do expect have your income; assets, and expenses reviewed in writing before any final decision on your options is made.
4. Don’t hire a firm that tells every potential client that they qualify for an Offer In Compromise or they can get taxes reduced without providing a factual, logical explanation. How can you tell? Have fun with them, call them back and give them twice the income with half the expenses, they will still say you qualify. These flaky firms are getting a bit smarter, now they are not calling it an Offer-In-Compromise anymore, but a “tax solution” so they can over-charge you ridiculous amounts for Installment Agreements.
Do hire a firm that explains your options and the fees associated for each option. Our firm finds that about only 2-3 out of 10 people who call should consider filing an Offer-In-Compromise. Ask yourself why those other firms all tell all 10 they qualify.
5. Do be aware that firms using scare tactics about losing your car, house, going to jail, these firms are exaggerating the truth are trying to manipulate you into making bad decision. The IRS and state tax authorities are interested in collecting money and resolving the case, not becoming the world’s largest car dealer or Real Estate Company.

Do get an explanation from an honest, reliable tax company of what the IRS and state can do to collect from you and how a reliable firm can protect you.
6. Don’t hire a firm that lumps all tax solutions into one fee structure. These firms like to call their service “Tax Resolution or some other phony official sounding heading” and list all services under that heading. Don’t pay the same for a service that takes less than 1 to 30-days to perform (Installment Agreement) as you would for one that takes up to eight months or more (Offer-In-Compromise)? If the agreement is ambiguous and confusing, don’t sign it and don’t give them a dime!

Do ask good questions, and receive a reasonable plain-language explanation in writing on the fees and most important of all…get it in writing and read it carefully.
7. Don’t fall for the Penalty and Interest Abatement sales tactic. The outcome of this service can’t be guaranteed either and there are some basic mitigating circumstances that client should have prior to filing for one. These everything can be done by the “Great and Wonderful OZ” firms are trying to sell you a bill of goods.

Do get a reasonable explanation of the criteria that should exist for a potential abatement so you can make an informed decision of if this correct path for you.

8. Do watch out for traveling salesperson firms who claim to have offices in all 50 states. What they have is traveling salespeople who are paid large commissions to sell/scare you and get you to pay huge fees in advance. They meet clients in temporary offices. The sell you and send your personal records to a central office. Most likely you will never ever talk to the “trusted” smooth talking salesperson again.

Try to first a local firm to help. Do speak to someone who will work on the case past the first phone call and the responsibility (not a salesperson or “tax specialist”) to make decisions on your case. How long have they worked there?

9. Avoid firms that charge based upon the amount of taxes you owe. The amount of tax debt is only one factor in determining the complexity of the case. This is how these firms over charge potential clients.

Do expect to pay for the time, effort, and expertise of seasoned professional firm to solve your problems. Overpaying is a rip-off and finding the lowest fee firm is a gamble.

10. Do find out if you need to hire a firm to begin with? If you have undisputed tax liability and it is under $10,000 it may make sense for you to attempt to resolve it first with the IRS or state. Many tax payers find that it isn’t too difficult or time consuming to set up simple installment agreements.

Don’t take the advice or recommendations of IRS or state collection agents without verifying that is in your best interest. Remember who they work and what their job is. Yes, many taxpayers can resolve their tax issues on their own, but if you are either uncomfortable doing so or found the communication with the tax agents not in your best interest, seek more information from a professional firm.

Find a firm that doesn’t succumb to any of the above. Clearly we would like to have you for a client, but we also recognize we are not a fit for all clients. There are number reliable firms that can help you. Ask good questions and you will find the help you deserve.

Be smart, Be safe.

IR-2012-23, Feb. 16, 2012

WASHINGTON –– The Internal Revenue Service today issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” ranking of tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud.

The Dirty Dozen listing, compiled by the IRS each year, lists a variety of common scams taxpayers can encounter at any point during the year. But many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns.

“Taxpayers should be careful and avoid falling into a trap with the Dirty Dozen,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “Scam artists will tempt people in-person, on-line and by e-mail with misleading promises about lost refunds and free money. Don’t be fooled by these scams.”

Illegal scams can lead to significant penalties and interest and possible criminal prosecution. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division works closely with the Department of Justice to shutdown scams and prosecute the criminals behind them.

The following is the Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2012:

Identity Theft

Topping this year’s list Dirty Dozen list is identity theft. In response to growing identity theft concerns, the IRS has embarked on a comprehensive strategy that is focused on preventing, detecting and resolving identity theft cases as soon as possible. In addition to the law-enforcement crackdown, the IRS has stepped up its internal reviews to spot false tax returns before tax refunds are issued as well as working to help victims of the identity theft refund schemes.

Identity theft cases are among the most complex ones the IRS handles, but the agency is committed to working with taxpayers who have become victims of identity theft.

The IRS is increasingly seeing identity thieves looking for ways to use a legitimate taxpayer’s identity and personal information to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent refund.

An IRS notice informing a taxpayer that more than one return was filed in the taxpayer’s name or that the taxpayer received wages from an unknown employer may be the first tip off the individual receives that he or she has been victimized.

The IRS has a robust screening process with measures in place to stop fraudulent returns. While the IRS is continuing to address tax-related identity theft aggressively, the agency is also seeing an increase in identity crimes, including more complex schemes. In 2011, the IRS protected more than $1.4 billion of taxpayer funds from getting into the wrong hands due to identity theft.

In January, the IRS announced the results of a massive, national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft perpetrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft. Working with the Justice Department’s Tax Division and local U.S. Attorneys’ offices, the nationwide effort targeted 105 people in 23 states.

Anyone who believes his or her personal information has been stolen and used for tax purposes should immediately contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit. For more information, visit the special identity theft page at www.IRS.gov/identitytheft.

Phishing

Phishing is a scam typically carried out with the help of unsolicited email or a fake website that poses as a legitimate site to lure in potential victims and prompt them to provide valuable personal and financial information. Armed with this information, a criminal can commit identity theft or financial theft.

If you receive an unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov.

It is important to keep in mind the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS has information that can help you protect yourself from email scams.

Return Preparer Fraud

About 60 percent of taxpayers will use tax professionals this year to prepare and file their tax returns. Most return preparers provide honest service to their clients. But as in any other business, there are also some who prey on unsuspecting taxpayers.

Questionable return preparers have been known to skim off their clients’ refunds, charge inflated fees for return preparation services and attract new clients by promising guaranteed or inflated refunds. Taxpayers should choose carefully when hiring a tax preparer. Federal courts have issued hundreds of injunctions ordering individuals to cease preparing returns, and the Department of Justice has pending complaints against many others.

In 2012, every paid preparer needs to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and enter it on the returns he or she prepares.

Signals to watch for when you are dealing with an unscrupulous return preparer would include that they:

Do not sign the return or place a Preparer Tax identification Number on it.
Do not give you a copy of your tax return.
Promise larger than normal tax refunds.
Charge a percentage of the refund amount as preparation fee.
Require you to split the refund to pay the preparation fee.
Add forms to the return you have never filed before.
Encourage you to place false information on your return, such as false income, expenses and/or credits.
For advice on how to find a competent tax professional, see Tips for Choosing a Tax Preparer.

Hiding Income Offshore

Over the years, numerous individuals have been identified as evading U.S. taxes by hiding income in offshore banks, brokerage accounts or nominee entities, using debit cards, credit cards or wire transfers to access the funds. Others have employed foreign trusts, employee-leasing schemes, private annuities or insurance plans for the same purpose.

The IRS uses information gained from its investigations to pursue taxpayers with undeclared accounts, as well as the banks and bankers suspected of helping clients hide their assets overseas. The IRS works closely with the Department of Justice to prosecute tax evasion cases.

While there are legitimate reasons for maintaining financial accounts abroad, there are reporting requirements that need to be fulfilled. U.S. taxpayers who maintain such accounts and who do not comply with reporting and disclosure requirements are breaking the law and risk significant penalties and fines, as well as the possibility of criminal prosecution.

Since 2009, 30,000 individuals have come forward voluntarily to disclose their foreign financial accounts, taking advantage of special opportunities to bring their money back into the U.S. tax system and resolve their tax obligations. And, with new foreign account reporting requirements being phased in over the next few years, hiding income offshore will become increasingly more difficult.

At the beginning of this year, the IRS reopened the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) following continued strong interest from taxpayers and tax practitioners after the closure of the 2011 and 2009 programs. The IRS continues working on a wide range of international tax issues and follows ongoing efforts with the Justice Department to pursue criminal prosecution of international tax evasion. This program will be open for an indefinite period until otherwise announced.

The IRS has collected $3.4 billion so far from people who participated in the 2009 offshore program, reflecting closures of about 95 percent of the cases from the 2009 program. On top of that, the IRS has collected an additional $1 billion from up front payments required under the 2011 program. That number will grow as the IRS processes the 2011 cases.

“Free Money” from the IRS & Tax Scams Involving Social Security

Flyers and advertisements for free money from the IRS, suggesting that the taxpayer can file a tax return with little or no documentation, have been appearing in community churches around the country. These schemes are also often spread by word of mouth as unsuspecting and well-intentioned people tell their friends and relatives.

Scammers prey on low income individuals and the elderly. They build false hopes and charge people good money for bad advice. In the end, the victims discover their claims are rejected. Meanwhile, the promoters are long gone. The IRS warns all taxpayers to remain vigilant.

There are a number of tax scams involving Social Security. For example, scammers have been known to lure the unsuspecting with promises of non-existent Social Security refunds or rebates. In another situation, a taxpayer may really be due a credit or refund but uses inflated information to complete the return.

Beware. Intentional mistakes of this kind can result in a $5,000 penalty.

False/Inflated Income and Expenses

Including income that was never earned, either as wages or as self-employment income in order to maximize refundable credits, is another popular scam. Claiming income you did not earn or expenses you did not pay in order to secure larger refundable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit could have serious repercussions. This could result in repaying the erroneous refunds, including interest and penalties, and in some cases, even prosecution.

Additionally, some taxpayers are filing excessive claims for the fuel tax credit. Farmers and other taxpayers who use fuel for off-highway business purposes may be eligible for the fuel tax credit. But other individuals have claimed the tax credit when their occupations or income levels make the claims unreasonable. Fraud involving the fuel tax credit is considered a frivolous tax claim and can result in a penalty of $5,000.

False Form 1099 Refund Claims

In this ongoing scam, the perpetrator files a fake information return, such as a Form 1099 Original Issue Discount (OID), to justify a false refund claim on a corresponding tax return. In some cases, individuals have made refund claims based on the bogus theory that the federal government maintains secret accounts for U.S. citizens and that taxpayers can gain access to the accounts by issuing 1099-OID forms to the IRS.

Don’t fall prey to people who encourage you to claim deductions or credits to which you are not entitled or willingly allow others to use your information to file false returns. If you are a party to such schemes, you could be liable for financial penalties or even face criminal prosecution.

Frivolous Arguments

Promoters of frivolous schemes encourage taxpayers to make unreasonable and outlandish claims to avoid paying the taxes they owe. The IRS has a list of frivolous tax arguments that taxpayers should avoid. These arguments are false and have been thrown out of court. While taxpayers have the right to contest their tax liabilities in court, no one has the right to disobey the law.

Falsely Claiming Zero Wages

Filing a phony information return is an illegal way to lower the amount of taxes an individual owes. Typically, a Form 4852 (Substitute Form W-2) or a “corrected” Form 1099 is used as a way to improperly reduce taxable income to zero. The taxpayer may also submit a statement rebutting wages and taxes reported by a payer to the IRS.

Sometimes, fraudsters even include an explanation on their Form 4852 that cites statutory language on the definition of wages or may include some reference to a paying company that refuses to issue a corrected Form W-2 for fear of IRS retaliation. Taxpayers should resist any temptation to participate in any variations of this scheme. Filing this type of return may result in a $5,000 penalty.

Abuse of Charitable Organizations and Deductions

IRS examiners continue to uncover the intentional abuse of 501(c)(3) organizations, including arrangements that improperly shield income or assets from taxation and attempts by donors to maintain control over donated assets or the income from donated property. The IRS is investigating schemes that involve the donation of non-cash assets –– including situations in which several organizations claim the full value of the same non-cash contribution. Often these donations are highly overvalued or the organization receiving the donation promises that the donor can repurchase the items later at a price set by the donor. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 imposed increased penalties for inaccurate appraisals and set new standards for qualified appraisals.

Disguised Corporate Ownership

Third parties are improperly used to request employer identification numbers and form corporations that obscure the true ownership of the business.

These entities can be used to underreport income, claim fictitious deductions, avoid filing tax returns, participate in listed transactions and facilitate money laundering, and financial crimes. The IRS is working with state authorities to identify these entities and bring the owners into compliance with the law.

Misuse of Trusts

For years, unscrupulous promoters have urged taxpayers to transfer assets into trusts. While there are legitimate uses of trusts in tax and estate planning, some highly questionable transactions promise reduction of income subject to tax, deductions for personal expenses and reduced estate or gift taxes. Such trusts rarely deliver the tax benefits promised and are used primarily as a means of avoiding income tax liability and hiding assets from creditors, including the IRS.

IRS personnel have seen an increase in the improper use of private annuity trusts and foreign trusts to shift income and deduct personal expenses. As with other arrangements, taxpayers should seek the advice of a trusted professional before entering a trust arrangement.

From the IRS site.
Update: We are aware that some taxpayers who have filed electronically and received an acknowledgement from the IRS are concerned when they visit “Where’s My Refund” and are told that we have no information regarding their return. This is a temporary situation, and we expect to resolve the matter in a few days. At that time, taxpayers will be able to get an expected refund date when they visit “Where’s My Refund.”

If a taxpayer received an acknowledgment message that their e-filed tax return has been received, they can be assured that the IRS has the tax return even though “Where’s My Refund” does not reflect that. Taxpayers should not call the IRS unless specifically directed by “Where’s My Refund,” as there is no new information to give them.

We expect the vast majority of tax refunds to continue to be issued within the historical range of 10 to 21 days. The IRS is taking steps to update information so that Where’s My Refund has current information. The IRS apologizes for any inconvenience and will provide updated information as soon as possible.

The bad news is that about 30 new Tax TV ad companies have sprung up from the ashes of JK and will start their own rip-off campaigns. The same thing happened when the Tax Lady bit the dust.

Attached article below-reporter is justifiably indignant, but perhaps a bit naive about tax problems and what people need when their paycheck or bank account has be levied, or wife/husband just walked out the door because of tax problems. Yes, the IRS has systems in place, but don’t ignore what their primary function is-collect taxes to pay for the running of our country. Many people can solve their tax problems, other’s prefer to hire a firm. It isn’t the fault of the client that JK closed and didn’t do what they were hired for, is ONLY the fault of the firm that ripped them off.

What is the next big TV Tax firm to go under? State Attorney Generals see suing these dirt bags as income source and it makes for nice press during an election year. Best of all it is the right thing to do.

For almost 10 years-We have been telling people with tax problems the same thing-Read our Tax Do’s and Don’ts.

JK Harris to file bankruptcy – Shutdown fueled by taxpayer complaints
By Jay Petrillo
Examiner.com
January 6, 2012
Visitors to jkharris.com are being greeted by the following message from John K. Harris, CEO:
I would like to let our clients and prospective clients know that we are working as fast as possible to get through this new GM/Chrysler style reorganization process. The court has responded to every request in an expedited manner and we anticipate announcing the approval of a sale motion in the next week or so.
JK Harris, one of the nation’s largest tax representation firms, suspended all active operations Thursday in front of a potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
A report from CBS Affiliate WCSC Channel 5 out Charleston, SC, gives a testimonial that is widely reflected in multiple consumer complaints about the tax representation giant.
Customer Patricia Ballman said she drove to the Goose Creek location searching for answers from corporate headquarters. The Texas resident was surprised to see workers pushing out desk chairs.
. “I think they are scurrilous, I think they are thieves,” said Ballman.
Ballman said she hired the company three years ago to help with a tax crisis.
“They never intended to do anything for me. The contract was written erroneously. It was based on resolving state tax issues. We don’t have state taxes in Texas. I wanted my money back,” said Ballman.
Since October, John K. Harris had been attempting to restructure and possibly sell the business and two affiliates under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
“This is truly the most devastating event I have been forced to deal with in my 58 years on this earth,” Harris said in an email to all employees. “I am not sure it will reach that level for all of you, but I know that for some of you it will be as personally devastating for you as it is for me.”
Perhaps not as devastating as the 5,000 taxpayers who have brought on JK Harris in an attempt to settle their tax debts with the IRS. Consumeraffairs.com lists hundreds of grievances against the firm, the majority of those citing bloated fees and little to no help in return.
JK Harris led the way in robust advertisement that it could resolve tax debts for “pennies on the dollar,” a popular catch-phrase that refers to an IRS Offer in Compromise – A program designed for taxpayers to do themselves.
The nationwide firm has dogged by cash-flow problems and the cost of large settlements related to multiple claims that it misled consumers. In case after case, attorneys general complained that the company told consumers it could resolve their tax problems, and took their payments, when no such relief was possible for those particular clients.
The company sought bankruptcy protection to head off an attempt by the Texas attorney general’s office, related to such consumer claims, to force the company into receivership.
This is by far the first time JK Harris has been targeted for a failure to deliver. In 2007, a $6 million class action lawsuit was driven by consumer complaints about JK Harris’ heavily advertised tax-resolution coupled with a negligence in their part to actually assist taxpayers.
The next step for JK Harris & Co. is expected to be a Jan. 10 bankruptcy court hearing, where the company will ask a judge to appoint a trustee.
The next step for JK Harris & Co. is expected to be a Jan. 10 bankruptcy court hearing, where the company will ask a judge to appoint a trustee.
The IRS has always encouraged taxpayers to contact them directly. There are no options available to any third-party tax resolution firms that are not available to a taxpayer directly.

We decided to make the name change for a few reasons. When we selected our company name in 2004 our business model was somewhat different than it is today and people were just starting to use smart phones .
Our firm has been very fortunate and has grown over the years. In addition to helping individuals and businesses solve their tax problems, our firm prepares tax returns for individuals and businesses that do not have any tax problems, set up corporations, and provide payroll and booking services. The old company name only described the tax problem portion of our business.

Millions of people now search online via their smart-phones for
IRS phone numbers, to request missing W-2s, ask the IRS about refunds, and numerous other questions about their tax matters. When they search for the IRS on their phones, Google and other search engines highlight the first three letters of IRS/State Tax Relief Associates in our company name and our phone number; the user clicks on our number, resulting in hundreds if not thousands of calls. You can imagine how happy our receptionist is about the
name change.

We thank you for your business and look forward to continuing to help you as Sound Tax Consulting, Inc.

Remember tax season is just around the corner, contact us if you have any questions.

Updated as of November 1, 2011
The Form 2290 is available now. If your truck was first used in July, August, September or October 2011, you are required to file Form 2290 by November 30, 2011. You will not be liable for any late filing penalty or interest if you meet this due date. Beginning November 1, 2011, IRS will provide a stamped (receipted) Schedule 1 to those who file and pay their tax.

e-filing and Paying Your 2011 Excise Tax
IRS e-file for 2290 is now available for the tax period beginning July 1, 2011. Contact our firm to e-file.

An Option for Getting Your Tags and/or Registering Your Vehicle
You can get your tags for the tax period beginning July 1, 2011 because existing regulations require states to register a heavy highway vehicle when the application for registration is received between July 1 and November 30, 2011. If you have your receipted Schedule 1 for the previous year’s taxable period, in this case, July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, states can continue to accept it as proof of payment through November 30, 2011.

An Option for Registering Your Newly Acquired Vehicle
Through November 30, 2011, states also must register newly acquired heavy highway use vehicles without proof of tax payment if:

you present the original or a photocopy of a bill of sale showing that the vehicle was purchased by the owner during the 150 days before the date the state received the application for registration; and,
the vehicle has not been registered in any state subsequent to the date of purchase.

In February, we had our taxes done by the same local tax service we had counted on for years. Except this time, they said we owed over $26,000 in State and Federal taxes! We were devastated and could not understand how this could happen. After I was able to collect myself a little bit, I did some research and found IRS Tax Relief. I called their 800 number and Jeff answered. We talked for over 1/2 hour, he was very professional…and patient! I was impressed from the start. We sent our information from 2009 and 2010 as requested. They started contacting me with questions right away. They are so very thorough!

After a few weeks and many conversations/emails, Jeff called and we were informed that we had to pay back $3800 State and Federal from 2009. For 2010 we were getting a refund of $4000 from Federal and had to pay $800 to State. We also had approximately $1800 in penalties and interest due to the error in 2009 and delay for 2010. So we went from $26,000 (plus penalties and interest) to approximately $2800!

First there was an $8,000 correction as a result of Ali instituting appropriate accounting practices for a construction company (which we incorrectly counted on our original book keeper to know how to do this) The remaining difference was the result of an error on our 2009 tax return. Our small business had $47,000 in business expenses and our previous tax preparer accidentally reported it as $17,000. That little documentation error made a HUGE impact on our taxes!!!

It is hard to describe the immense relief we felt when they called with the news. We were ecstatic to say the least! I must have thanked them two dozen times over the phone and via email and that still doesn’t feel like enough!

Needless to say, Jeff and Ali will be handling our taxes from now on! As far as we are concerned the are the best in the business and we highly recommend them.

Sincerely,
K. in Michigan

Contact our firm or the IRS to find out if your business is eligible. Interested employers can apply for the program by filing Form 8952, Application for Voluntary Classification Settlement Program, at least 60 days before they want to begin treating the workers as employees.
Employers accepted into the program will pay an amount effectively equaling just over one percent of the wages paid to the reclassified workers for the past year.
No interest or penalties will be due, and the employers will not be audited on payroll taxes related to these workers for prior years. Participating employers will, for the first three years under the program, be subject to a special six-year statute of limitations, rather than the usual three years that generally applies to payroll taxes.

It might be in your best interest to research this program to make sure you fully understand the benefits and potential pittfalls before contacting the IRS on your own.

The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2011. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and other purposes.
The rate will increase to 55.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2011. This is an increase of 4.5 cents from the 51 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2011, as set forth in Revenue Procedure 2010-51.
In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2011. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year.
“This year’s increased gas prices are having a major impact on individual Americans. The IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the recent increase in gas prices,” said IRS

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/04/20/3568022/state-ag-says-tax-lady-roni-deutch.html

Please, please don’t if you have tax problems, DON”T hire firms that advertise heavily on TV, Radio, et. The likelihood of getting positive result is slim. Due your due diligence

“The Minnesota attorney general says many of the company’s employees are skilled tele-marketers who have little knowledge of the complicated tax issues faced by people who have fallen behind in filing their returns or making tax payments.

“When you call, you think you’re talking to a tax professional,” said Swanson. “You’re really talking to just a salesperson who’s trying to get you to sign up.” ”

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/taxmasters-accused-fraud-deception/story?id=13364502

Why does CNN and Fox and local radio stations continue to run the commericals.

To be fair and ethical, the follow link is the response from TaxMasters to the news article.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/statement-tax-masters-founder-patrick-cox/story?id=13374548&page=2