An IRS Agent Can Be A Wolf In A Lamb’s Suit
As I have written previously, most of experiences I’ve had with the IRS have been reasonable and most frequently, the agents present themselves in a respectful and helpful manner. It is, of course, important to understand that these agents are more often than not met with aggressive taxpayers who are frustrated and in trouble, unable to pay their bills and who thus present lies, scams, disrespect and lack of cooperation a vast majority of the time. It is easy to understand that agents therefore frequently take a negative position and respond aggressively to such action. It is only natural. It is also easy enough to understand that if this happens over and over, the agent may simply assume a negative disposition to every taxpayer.
More often than I would like, I have personally experienced the agents attempting to convince a taxpayer to jettison his third-party expert who is savvy and knowledgeable about the tax code and the options available to the taxpayer and thus is the undoing of the tax agent’s collection desires. Respectful treatment is typically returned, however, there is the exception to the rule, and I have seen this occur often enough to provide you with a warning: Sometimes the agent will seek out the taxpayer and outside of the presence of the taxpayer’s representative, the agent delivers the kiss of death, “You don’t want this guy representing you. I am not going to cooperate with him, you will do a lot better with just me, we can work this out together, you should get rid of him. I will be easier to deal with without him interfering and it’s not in your best interest.”
I have seen this happen many times and then, while acting friendly and pleasant, the agent designs a plan I would never allow requiring a payout far more than we could resolve the matter for. The code is tricky and complex, and in the hands of an agent against a taxpayer who is intimidated, scared and wanting the issue to go away, the net result is a disastrous plan that deprives the taxpayer of his rights and the best plan possible. In the end, the taxpayer exchanges a dramatically reduced payout for a very high payout but one they find easy to swallow because it’s quickly done, allowing him to go back to work and attempt to satisfy the needs of the service and the agent.
Unfortunately, this ploy works all too well. I have lost a number of clients who end up with disastrous plans, who have given up their rights because they were afraid to allow their third-party specialist to fight the battle, challenge the agent and protect their rights. I understand the plight of the taxpayer. He feels the agent is offering a better opportunity to resolve his issues and that is all he wants to do.
So, be aware, if the IRS agent begins to speak to you about the bad decision you have made to allow an expert third-party tax workout guy represent you, run for the hills! Call your representative and take cover. Let your rep handle the next discussion and allow him to continue to resolve your issues. This is the only way it will possibly work out well. Beware of the IRS agent cloaked in a sheep’s suit, he is really the wolf looking to eat you alive. Do not fall for this trap, it could be fatal.
