Putting the IRS in Perspective

One of the tax consultants that works for us here at Tax Masters shared some particularly sad news with me this week. He had been working with a potential client to customize a solution that would eventually free the potential client from some significant IRS tax problems.

Unfortunately before we could get the process started to help this individual, we learned from family members that he had taken his own life. The family cited the man’s IRS tax problem as a key contributing factor in the suicide.

First, we want to offer our condolences to the family. Losing a loved one is always difficult. But to lose a loved one because of IRS problems or financial problems must be incredibly difficult. We wish you peace and healing in this time of loss.

Next, I want to express to everyone reading this that no matter how bad your IRS problems seem, they are never bad enough to cause you to take your own life. Particularly as tax day approaches, many people are feeling the stress and anxiety of having to deal with the IRS. Don’t let mistakes from your past get the better of you. No matter how you wound up with the tax problems you have–whether you failed to file a return, made honest mistakes about deductions, or even if you outright lied to the IRS or are being prosecuted for tax evasion–there’s always a way out. While that way out may not be exactly the outcome you wanted, we all know that life is not perfect. Mistakes happen. Don’t let tax debt turn into something more than it is. At the end of the day, it’s just debt.

If you are having tax trouble, seek representation. We would prefer that you call us, but even if you don’t, call someone and get the help you need before it gets to be too overwhelming. Whatever mistakes have led to your tax problems, they can be overcome with the right help. As a good friend said to me recently, it is always easier to regret a poor decision than to make the right decision in the moment. Doing the right thing is seldom easy and is often the most difficult path. But there are people who can help.

When you get to the point where you can’t see a way out and you feel like you have no one you can talk to, there’s a number I want you to call. If you are considering taking your own life, please make a call first to the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-784-2433. They are always on and always ready to talk and to listen. If you are a person of faith, I would encourage you to call or visit a spiritual leader in your community just to talk about the things going on in your life. Sometimes talking things through helps you see the best way through a crisis.

If you want to talk specifically about your tax issues, we are here. You can reach any of the departments at Tax Masters listed below:

Tax Evaluations: 888.497.5937 | Billing and Finance: 877.668.8082 | Operations: 800.682.3679

In particular, if the IRS is harassing you unlawfully, we can generally get them to curb their behavior. And if we can’t do it on our own, we know how to deal with the National Taxpayer Advocate’s Office, or your Congressman,  to get them to rein in unlawful and outlandish collections behaviors of agents at the IRS.

I would just like to close this email with a final simple statement.

You have been given a life to use as you wish. It is yours and no one else’s. You can do what you want. But before you take drastic action, please consider the effects your actions will have on those you love and on those who love you.

Patrick Cox