Testimonials

  • Six years is a LONG time not to pay taxes, and I knew better. I just thought that if I filed some years without paying then the IRS was going to come after me.
  • The fact that I found you on the radio is a true testament to the fact that there is a God who watches over us...
  • When it comes to IRS representation, there are the men and there are the boys, and Travis Watkins is "the man" if you have witholding issues...
  • I visited with another lawyer before I came to see Travis Watkins. I got this heavy salesman feeling, like I just walked on a car lot...
  • I was recommended to Travis Watkins by my son, Michael, an excellent attorney himself in OKC...
  • I hired another firm before hiring the Law Office of Travis Watkins. Big mistake...

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Recognition

Can I represent myself before the IRS?

 

A: Can you, yes.  Should you, probably not.  You are entitled to representation for your IRS problem from a tax lawyer, CPA or EA (Enrolled Agent).  Representing yourself carries with it too much probability of collection agent overreaching.  There is simply too much to lose and too much damage that you can do, even if you hire a tax professional later.

Look, collection officials are underpaid and overworked.  Your case is 1 among many that the officer must move off his desk in a given month, or he must answer to superiors if he doesn't.  The quickest route from Point A to Point B for an agent is to find the carotid artery to the money.  That route is usually collecting enough information to formulate a bank or wage levy.  The rest is immaterial to them until they have tried those avenues, unless you have a plan in place.  For example, I had a client try to tell a collection officer how he did not owe the money, and the officer literally told him, "well, this is boring!"

Tax professionals have a couple of burning arrows that an individual usually does not think of or know about.  Those weapons are the Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing and the Appeal.  Very few taxpayers have the resolve to stand firm with these weapons in the face of insurmountable pressure by an officer to pay or else.  Attorneys are also in a unique position as a representative because they have the power to file a lawsuit in addition to the above strategies.

If you feel that you must represent yourself, please take a moment to read our 3 Things You Never Tell the IRS.  You will be glad you did!