"cmh" <cmh[at]cmh.com> wrote:

- quote -

You shouldn't necessarily need an attorney to prepare an
OIC, but I would recommend you get some professional help.
I'd recommend you find an Enrolled Agent or EA and talk to
them about the particulars of your case. You can go to
www.naea.org and search for an EA near you. You might also
try your state's CPA society for a CPA. Whether you call an
EA or a CPA make sure you ask if they have experience in OIC
and collection work - some do, some don't.

The biggest advantage to using an attorney in dealing with
the IRS is that you get the benefit of privileged
communications - what you say to the attorney is not usually
discoverable by the IRS later. This will NOT apply with any
nonattorney including EA's and CPAs. Of course, EA's and
CPAs don't usually go running to the IRS to tell on you -
but the IRS can issue a summons and can compel an EA or CPA
to produce records much easier than they can from an
attorney.

If you circumstances are such that there are things that you
would not like the IRS to find out about, things that could
lead to criminal indictments, then please spend a few
dollars and find a good tax attorney.

If you were just stupid or unlucky, then you may be better
served by going the EA/CPA route.

If you are unsure of how to best proceed call a few
attorneys in your area and ask them if they work with any
CPAs or EAs, then see if you can pay the attorney a nominal
retainer and have then retain the EA/CPA for you. If
something comes up then with the EA/CPA it might be covered
by privilege since it was the attorney and not you who
retained the EA/CPA.

Generally speaking, any decent EA with anything more than
just a passing acquaintance with collections work should be
able to tell very early on in your interview whether you
need to stop talking and go see an attorney. HINT - If you
meet with an EA or CPA and they say "STOP TALKING" please
stop talking immediately. They are trying to help preserve
your rights.

Good luck,
Gene E. Utterback, EA

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"cmh" <cmh[at]cmh.com> wrote:

- quote -

First of all, you don't have to engage an attorney for this
purpose. I suggest you find a local CPA or EA and have them
handle this for you.

Wayne Brasch, CPA, M. S. Taxation

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I am a private individual that has managed to end up owing
the IRS around 2.5X my net worth.

It appears that all that can be done is an OIC. And that
having an attorney do that would gaion me little than large
legal fees.

Can someone enlighten me on what benefit an attorney could
provide?

Also, if you have a reference, I live in Boulder County ,
CO.

Thanks

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