Book Review: The IRS Problem Solver

The IRS Problem Solver by Daniel J. Pilla is one of the simplest ways to ease yourself into learning to deal with the complexities of the IRS. It is written for the layperson, but is entirely useful for the professional tax return preparer.

Here's a dirty little secret: Many CPAs have no clue about how to properly handle problems with the IRS. This book won't make you an expert on complex cases, but it will help you hit the ground running and will get you through the average IRS inquiry or notice.

Daniel Pilla is the Executive Director of the Tax Freedom Institute, Inc. which teaches CPAs and attorneys how to handle IRS problem resolution and has spent decades as a tax litigation consultant. He is admitted to practice before the US Tax Court, but it isn't clear whether he is an attorney, a CPA or an Enrolled Agent. He doesn't advertise any of those credentials, but his experience and reputation speaks for itself.

The book was published in 2004, but remains relevant today. And you can visit Pilla's website for updates.

Inside the book you'll find advice about IRS tax penalties and audits, structuring repayments, and preventing tax problems. You'll learn how the IRS works and how to respond to IRS inquiries and collection notices without making your problems worse. It contains quite a few sample letter responses to IRS notices, geared toward the simpler problems.

Start your journey to taming the IRS beast by purchasing The IRS Problem Solver for your tax library.