Stop the IRS - and Prevent It From Happening Again

Our proven 4-step Resolution Process has helped hundreds of business owners and investors resolve IRS problems - fast, fairly, and permanently.

Whether you owe back taxes, haven't filed in years, or just received a notice - our licensed experts can help you resolve your IRS issues quickly and permanently.

You Didn't Plan for This — But You Can Control What Happens Next

Most IRS problems don't start with bad intentions. They start with:

  • Cash flow gaps that made estimated taxes impossible to pay
  • Business growth that outpaced your accounting systems
  • Life events — divorce, illness, business failure — that derailed everything
  • Bad advice from a bookkeeper, accountant, or "tax resolution company" that didn't deliver

Here's what you need to know: The IRS doesn't care why you're behind. But we do.

And more importantly, we know how to fix it — not with shortcuts or gimmicks, but with a clear, strategic process that's worked hundreds of times.

"If you're guessing at your tax outcome, you're already behind."
— Frank Alcini, CPA

Frank Alcini (CPA) and Lori Alcini (EA) have spent over 25 years helping real estate investors, construction contractors, and business owners solve IRS problems that felt unsolvable.

We're not a call center. We're not a "tax relief mill." We're a CPA + Enrolled Agent team with national-caliber technical depth (BDO Alliance) and real-world experience in the industries we serve.

We don't just resolve your problem. We prevent it from happening again.

How We Solve IRS Problems: The Strategic Planning Advisors Resolution Process

Every IRS case is different — but the path to resolution follows the same proven framework.

🔍

DISCOVERY

Understand the problem

→
✓

COMPLIANCE

Get current & clean

→
🤝

RESOLUTION

Negotiate & settle

→
🛡️

PREVENTION

Build lasting protection

🔍

STAGE 1: DISCOVERY

Understand the Problem — And the Path Forward

What happens:

You're not hiring us yet — you're getting clarity. In our 20-minute Discovery Call, we'll:

  • Identify the exact nature of your IRS problem (back taxes, audit, levy, lien, unfiled returns, etc.)
  • Review the IRS notices you've received (each notice means something specific — we translate IRS-speak into plain English)
  • Assess your financial situation (income, assets, expenses, ability to pay)
  • Determine the best resolution strategy (payment plan, Offer in Compromise, penalty abatement, audit defense, etc.)
  • Give you a realistic timeline and cost estimate (no surprises, no hidden fees)

You'll walk away with:

  • A clear understanding of what you're facing
  • A roadmap to resolution
  • Confidence that there is a way forward

Timeline: 20-minute call, followed by a written engagement proposal (usually within 24 hours)

💡 "Never be blindsided."

Most IRS problems are worse because people waited. The Discovery Call ends the waiting — and starts the solving.

✓

STAGE 2: COMPLIANCE

Get Current — and Stay That Way

What happens:

The IRS won't negotiate with you if you're not in compliance. That means:

  • All required tax returns must be filed (even if you can't pay what you owe)
  • Current-year estimated taxes must be up to date (if you're self-employed or have rental income)
  • Payroll tax deposits must be current (if you're a business owner)

This is the stage most "tax relief companies" skip — and it's why their clients fail.

We handle:

  • Preparing and filing any missing back tax returns (years 2019–present, or further if needed)
  • Reconstructing financial records if yours are incomplete or missing
  • Calculating and filing estimated taxes for the current year
  • Setting up payroll tax systems to prevent future issues
  • Communicating directly with the IRS on your behalf (you don't have to talk to them — that's why we're here)

Timeline: 2–6 weeks, depending on how many years need to be filed

💡 "You can't negotiate from behind."

Compliance isn't punishment — it's power. Once you're current, you control the conversation with the IRS.

🤝

STAGE 3: RESOLUTION

Negotiate the Best Outcome — Fairly and Strategically

What happens:

Now that you're compliant, we negotiate your resolution. Depending on your situation, that might mean:

Resolution Strategy Best For Outcome
Installment Agreement (Payment Plan) Those who can afford monthly payments Spread your tax debt over 6–72 months
Offer in Compromise (OIC) Those who can't pay the full amount Settle for less than you owe (if you qualify)
Currently Not Collectible (CNC) Those with genuine financial hardship Temporarily pause IRS collections
Penalty Abatement First-time or reasonable-cause situations Eliminate or reduce penalties (often 25–50% of bill)
Audit Representation Those facing an IRS audit Defend your return and minimize additional taxes
Innocent Spouse Relief Tax debt from a former spouse Separate yourself from liability
Lien Withdrawal or Release Tax lien affecting credit/business Remove the lien once debt is resolved

We handle:

  • Preparing and submitting all IRS forms (433-A, 433-B, 656, 843, etc.)
  • Gathering financial documentation (bank statements, pay stubs, asset valuations)
  • Negotiating directly with IRS Revenue Officers or Automated Collection System (ACS)
  • Responding to IRS correspondence and requests for additional information
  • Protecting your rights throughout the process (you have more rights than you think)

Timeline: 4–12 weeks for most resolutions; up to 6–9 months for complex Offer in Compromise cases

📊 Real Result: Construction Contractor, Detroit Metro

Problem: $87,000 in back payroll taxes + penalties

Resolution: Penalty abatement ($22,000 eliminated) + 60-month payment plan

Result: Client saved $22K and avoided business closure

Timeline: 8 weeks from discovery to signed agreement

🛡️

STAGE 4: PREVENTION

Build Systems So This Never Happens Again

What happens:

Resolving your IRS problem is only half the job. The other half? Making sure it never happens again.

This is where most tax resolution firms drop the ball — but it's where we shine.

We help you:

  • Set up a proactive tax planning system (quarterly estimated tax calculations, not annual surprises)
  • Build cash flow reserves for tax payments (you'll never scramble at year-end again)
  • Review your entity structure (S Corp, LLC, sole proprietor — are you set up right?)
  • Implement bookkeeping and CFO systems (via BriteBooks360.com) so your numbers are always current
  • Schedule annual tax strategy sessions (via REITaxCPA.com) to minimize future taxes legally

Optional next step:

Transition to our Annual Service Plan (ASP) — a year-round partnership that includes tax prep, quarterly planning, entity review, and unlimited email/phone support. ASP clients never face IRS problems alone.

Timeline: Ongoing relationship, starting immediately after resolution

💡 "Proactive beats reactive — every time."

The best IRS problem is the one you never have. Prevention isn't optional — it's essential.

Why the Strategic Planning Advisors Resolution Process Is Different

Tax Relief Mills "My Accountant" Strategic Planning Advisors
High-pressure sales tactics Reactive, compliance-only focus Consultative, education-first approach
Non-CPA "tax experts" May not specialize in IRS representation CPA + EA dual credentials
One-size-fits-all solutions Limited resolution experience Customized strategy for each case
Hidden fees and upsells Charges by the hour (costs add up) Transparent flat-fee pricing
Resolves problem, then disappears Doesn't prevent future issues Includes prevention systems
National call center Local but often overwhelmed National reach + personal service

Real People. Real Problems. Real Results.

See how we've helped clients just like you resolve IRS problems — and build systems to prevent them.

🏘️

Real Estate Investor, Midwest

Residential rental properties (12 units)

The Problem:

  • Failed to file tax returns for 3 years (2020–2022)
  • Estimated tax debt: $140,000 (including penalties and interest)
  • Received IRS Notice of Intent to Levy (bank account seizure imminent)
  • Previous CPA retired and handed off incomplete files
  • Client was paralyzed by fear and didn't know where to start

The Discovery:

  • Client qualified for Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) — which could significantly reduce taxable income
  • Client had been treating rental losses passively when they should have been active
  • Penalties were eligible for reasonable-cause abatement due to CPA transition

The Resolution:

  • Compliance: Prepared and filed 3 years of back returns with corrected REPS treatment
  • Strategy: Applied for penalty abatement (first-time and reasonable cause)
  • Negotiation: Set up 72-month installment agreement

Outcome:

  • Tax liability reduced from $140K to $94K (cost segregation + REPS adjustments)
  • Penalties abated: $18,000
  • Final payment plan: $1,306/month for 6 years
  • Levy released within 10 days

Timeline: 9 weeks from discovery call to signed installment agreement

"I thought I was going to lose everything. Frank and Lori didn't just stop the IRS — they gave me a plan I could actually live with. I sleep at night now."

Prevention:

  • Client enrolled in Annual Service Plan (ASP)
  • Set up quarterly estimated tax system
  • Transitioned bookkeeping to BriteBooks360 for monthly financial clarity
🏗️

Construction Contractor, Southeast Michigan

Commercial concrete and masonry

The Problem:

  • $87,000 in unpaid payroll taxes (Trust Fund Recovery Penalty assessed personally against owner)
  • Business had experienced rapid growth but cash flow couldn't keep up
  • Owner had been "borrowing" from payroll tax deposits to cover job costs
  • IRS Revenue Officer assigned to the case (serious enforcement stage)
  • Business bank account levied — payroll almost missed

The Discovery:

  • Client was current on all filings but couldn't afford to pay what was owed
  • Business was still profitable — cash flow issue, not revenue issue
  • Penalties represented 32% of total debt

The Resolution:

  • Compliance: Verified all payroll tax deposits were current going forward (critical for negotiation)
  • Strategy: Applied for penalty abatement (first-time penalty abatement + reasonable cause)
  • Negotiation: Set up 60-month installment agreement with manageable monthly payment

Outcome:

  • Penalties abated: $22,000
  • Final debt: $65,000
  • Payment plan: $1,083/month for 5 years
  • Business bank levy released immediately
  • Personal liability reduced

Timeline: 8 weeks from discovery to signed agreement

"I was terrified I'd lose my business and my house. Lori handled the IRS so I could focus on running my company. She saved me."

Prevention:

  • Client enrolled in BriteBooks360 CFO services for monthly cash flow tracking
  • Set up dedicated payroll tax savings account (automatic weekly transfers)
  • Quarterly tax planning sessions to avoid future shortfalls
💼

Entrepreneur (Multi-Entity Owner), Nationwide

E-commerce + consulting business

The Problem:

  • IRS audit notice for 2021 tax year
  • Claimed $78,000 in home office and vehicle expenses
  • Inadequate documentation (no mileage logs, minimal receipts)
  • Previous tax preparer had been aggressive with deductions
  • Client feared owing $30K+ in additional taxes plus penalties

The Discovery:

  • Client had legitimate business expenses but poor record-keeping
  • Some deductions were overstated; others were under-claimed
  • Entity structure (sole proprietor) was costing client thousands in self-employment tax annually

The Resolution:

  • Audit Defense: Reconstructed expense documentation using bank statements, calendar entries, and invoices
  • Negotiation: Worked directly with IRS auditor to substantiate allowable deductions
  • Strategy: Proposed alternative calculations where original documentation was incomplete

Outcome:

  • Additional tax assessed: $8,400 (vs. $30K+ feared)
  • No penalties (reasonable-cause exception granted)
  • Audit closed within 4 months
  • Payment plan set up: 24 months

Timeline: 16 weeks from audit notice to closure

"Frank didn't just defend me in the audit — he showed me how to never be in this position again. Best money I've ever spent."

Prevention:

  • Client converted to S Corp structure (saving $12K+ annually in self-employment tax)
  • Enrolled in Annual Service Plan (ASP) with quarterly tax planning
  • Implemented proper expense tracking system (Receipt Bank integration)
👤

Divorced Individual, Innocent Spouse Relief

Former spouse owned construction business

The Problem:

  • $210,000 tax debt from jointly filed returns (2018–2020)
  • Ex-spouse had underreported business income and hidden cash transactions
  • Client had no knowledge of tax fraud (signed returns trusting spouse)
  • Wages being garnished at 25%
  • Client's personal credit destroyed by tax lien

The Discovery:

  • Client qualified for Innocent Spouse Relief (Form 8857)
  • Clear evidence of lack of knowledge and benefit from unreported income
  • Divorce decree assigned tax debt to ex-spouse

The Resolution:

  • Strategy: Prepared detailed Innocent Spouse Relief request with supporting affidavits, financial records, and divorce documentation
  • Negotiation: Submitted request with comprehensive evidence package

Outcome:

  • Full relief granted — $210,000 liability eliminated for client
  • Wage garnishment released immediately
  • Tax lien removed from client's credit report
  • Ex-spouse remains liable for full debt

Timeline: 11 months from initial filing to final determination (IRS Innocent Spouse cases are lengthy, but worth it)

"Lori gave me my life back. I was drowning in debt that wasn't even mine. Now I'm free."

Prevention:

  • Client now files separately
  • Annual tax review to ensure ongoing compliance

Your IRS Questions — Answered

We've helped hundreds of clients resolve IRS problems. Here are the questions we hear most often.

How long does the IRS resolution process take?

It depends on the complexity of your case and the resolution strategy:

  • Payment plans (Installment Agreements): 4–8 weeks
  • Penalty abatement: 4–12 weeks
  • Offer in Compromise (OIC): 6–9 months
  • Audit representation: 3–6 months
  • Innocent Spouse Relief: 6–12 months

The compliance stage (filing back returns) usually takes 2–6 weeks. Once you're current, we can move forward with negotiation. Bottom line: Most cases resolve within 2–4 months from start to finish.

Can the IRS take my home, car, or business?

The IRS can seize property, but they rarely do — it's expensive and time-consuming for them. However, they will levy bank accounts, garnish wages, and place liens on property if you ignore the problem.

The good news: Once you engage professional representation (like us), the IRS typically pauses aggressive collection activity. We step in, communicate on your behalf, and work toward a resolution before any seizure happens.

Our promise: We've never had a client lose their home or business while working with us.

What if I can't afford to pay anything right now?

You have options:

  • Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status: If you're experiencing genuine financial hardship, we can request that the IRS temporarily pause collections. You'll still owe the debt, but they won't actively pursue you until your financial situation improves.
  • Offer in Compromise (OIC): If you can't pay the full amount and likely never will, you may qualify to settle for less than you owe.
  • Partial Payment Installment Agreement: Pay what you can afford monthly, even if it doesn't cover the full debt before the collection statute expires.

The key: Don't ignore the IRS. Even if you can't pay, we can negotiate protection.

Will you guarantee my IRS problem will be solved?

We don't make guarantees — no ethical tax professional does. Anyone who guarantees a specific outcome (like "We'll settle your $100K debt for $5K!") is lying to you.

What we do promise:

  • We'll analyze your case honestly and tell you what's realistic
  • We'll use every legal strategy available to minimize your tax debt
  • We'll represent you professionally and aggressively
  • We'll communicate clearly and keep you informed every step of the way

Our track record: We've successfully resolved IRS problems for hundreds of clients over 25 years. That's not a guarantee — it's a proven history.

What's the difference between a CPA and an Enrolled Agent (EA)?

Both can represent you before the IRS, but they have different backgrounds:

  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Broad accounting expertise; licensed by state boards; focuses on tax strategy, business advisory, and financial planning.
  • EA (Enrolled Agent): Federally licensed by the IRS specifically for tax representation; often specializes in IRS problem resolution, audits, and compliance.

Our advantage: Frank (CPA) + Lori (EA) = dual expertise. You get strategic tax planning and specialized IRS representation in one team. That combination is rare — and powerful.

How much does IRS resolution cost?

It depends on the complexity of your case. Typical ranges:

  • Back tax return preparation: $500–$1,500 per year
  • Payment plan negotiation: $2,500–$5,000
  • Offer in Compromise (OIC): $5,000–$10,000+
  • Audit representation: $3,000–$8,000+
  • Penalty abatement: $1,500–$3,000

What's included:

  • Initial discovery call and case analysis (free)
  • All IRS communication and negotiation
  • Preparation of required forms and documentation
  • Ongoing support until your case is fully resolved

No surprise fees. We quote a flat fee upfront based on your specific situation. No hidden charges, no hourly billing that spirals out of control.

Will I ever have to talk to the IRS?

No. Once you hire us, we file a Power of Attorney (Form 2848) with the IRS. From that point forward:

  • All IRS communication goes through us
  • The IRS contacts us, not you
  • You never have to speak to an IRS agent unless you choose to

That's the power of representation. You get to focus on your business and your life while we handle the IRS.

I haven't filed taxes in years. Can you help?

Yes. This is one of the most common situations we handle.

Here's what happens:

  • We prepare and file all missing returns (usually 3–6 years, sometimes more)
  • We calculate your actual tax liability (the IRS's estimate is almost always wrong and inflated)
  • We set up a payment plan or other resolution once you're compliant
  • We build systems to keep you current going forward

Critical: The longer you wait, the worse it gets. Penalties and interest compound. The IRS's patience runs out. Start now.

Can I settle my tax debt for pennies on the dollar?

Maybe — but probably not as dramatically as those ads suggest.

Offer in Compromise (OIC) reality check:

  • The IRS accepts only about 25-40% of OIC applications
  • You must prove you can't pay the full amount (based on income, expenses, and asset equity)
  • The IRS's calculations are strict — they don't care about your lifestyle, only basic living expenses
  • If you can pay via installment plan, they'll reject your OIC

When OIC works:

  • You have little to no assets
  • Your income barely covers basic living expenses
  • You're retired or permanently disabled
  • You have legitimate long-term financial hardship

We'll tell you honestly whether you qualify. If you don't, we'll find the next-best solution (payment plan, CNC status, penalty abatement, etc.).

I'm being audited. Should I be worried?

Not if you have professional representation.

Most audits fall into two categories:

  1. Correspondence audits (by mail) — Usually questioning specific deductions. Response time: 30 days. We prepare documentation and respond directly.
  2. Field audits (in-person) — More serious; IRS agent comes to your location or requests an office meeting. We attend on your behalf.

What we do:

  • Review your return and identify areas of IRS concern
  • Gather supporting documentation (receipts, logs, invoices, etc.)
  • Prepare written responses or reconstruction of records
  • Negotiate with the IRS examiner to minimize additional taxes
  • Appeal unfavorable determinations if necessary

Key: Don't panic. Don't ignore it. Call us immediately when you receive an audit notice.

Ready to End Your IRS Problem — and Prevent the Next One?

You've read how the process works. You've seen real client results. You know what's possible.
Now it's your turn.

Option 1: Schedule Your Free Discovery Call

20 minutes with Frank or Lori. No obligation. No sales pitch. Just clarity.

Schedule Your Discovery Call Now

Option 2: Download Our Free Guide

"The Business Owner's Guide to Resolving IRS Problems — Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Assets)"

Download Free Guide
Strategic Planning Advisors, LLC

FixIRSTax.com | Tax Resolution Division

Disclaimer:

FixIRSTax | A Division of Strategic Planning Advisors LLC provides IRS resolution services. Information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute formal tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult your advisor before making financial decisions.

Information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute formal tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult your advisor before making financial decisions.

© 2026. Strategic Planning Advisors LLC. All rights reserved.