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2020 IRS REPRESENTATION CONFERENCE - WEBCAST

Includes All Events Over Two Days!
Cost $287.50
CPE Credits 16.0
Subject Area 16.0 - Various (Federal Tax)
CE Credits 16.0 hours
Course Id# - Various
Course Level Basic
Instructional Method Group Internet Based
Prerequisites None
Advanced Preparation None
Course Description



Green & Sklarz LLC, Agostino & Associates, and The Green & Sklarz Foundation is pleased to present the Annual IRS Representation Conference. The IRS Representation Conference brings together representatives from the government and expert private practitioners to compare perspectives on various topics involving federal tax audits, appeals, and litigation. The conference covers a wide range of representation issues, from procedural seminars to substantive programs, estate & gift issues, ethical problems, current enforcement initiatives, sensitive audits, and civil and criminal tax penalties.

Featuring an interview with the IRS Commissioner Charles P. Rettig

This comprehensive, two full-day event focuses on the practical issues and how to handle them rather than theoretical issues.

CPE Credits: The full-day program provides 16 CPE credits: 15 in the field of Taxes and 1 in the field of Ethics.

Attend all or part of the event for one low price.

Login details will be provided to registrants by Green & Sklarz prior to the event.

November 19-20, 2020 | LIVE via Webcast

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, there is no in-person attendance for this year's event.

However, the Conference will still boast a robust two full days of exclusive learning content. Day one features the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic Workshop. Day two focuses on IRS representation.

The Conference is an opportunity to stay current on new developments, exchange ideas, and share practice tips that can contribute to a better functioning system. Be sure to register today to access all the events for one low price.

Hover over a time to view the session information and panelist details.

LITC (Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic) Workshop
Opening Remarks / Housekeeping Items

An overview of what to expect during the first day of the IRS Representation Conference.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

The IRS Collection Process: From Tax Return Filing to Offer Acceptance

To most taxpayers, IRS Collection seems random and frightening. The reality is that IRS Collection is very straightforward if you understand the rules. Our panel of experts will demystify the federal tax collection landscape and explain the IRS Collection process, how it works, step-by-step.

Moderator:

  • Sara V. Spodick, Esq., Director, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, Quinnipiac University School of Law, North Haven, CT

Panelists:

  • Amanda B. Evans, EA, Green & Sklarz LLC, New Haven, CT
  • Mary Beth Murphy, Former Commissioner, Small Business/Self-Employed, Internal Revenue Service, Boston, MA

View full details here

The Role of Hardship in IRS Collection Cases

When a taxpayer cannot pay his or her living expenses, they may have their account placed in hardship, known as "uncollectible" status. But what does uncollectible status mean, exactly, and how can a taxpayer request to have their account listed as such? Our experts will explain what uncollectible status is and what practitioners should do to help their taxpayers be placed in a hardship category, so enforcement activity ceases.

Moderator:

  • Eric L. Green, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, New Haven, CT

Panelists:


  • Nina E. Olson, Esq., Center for Taxpayer Rights, Washington, DC

  • Caren Zhan, EA, Agostino & Associates, PC, Hackensack, NJ

  • Beverly Winstead, Esq., Director, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, University of Maryland School of Law, Baltimore, MD, and Law Offices of Beverly Winstead, PC, Linthicum Heights, MD

View full details here

433-A, B, D, F & H: Which Form for What Case?

When taxpayers begin dealing with the IRS Collection Division, they are frequently told to complete a "433." There are multiple versions of the IRS Form 433, and our panel will explain why, and for what situation, each form is designed. This discussion is intended to help your clients complete Form 433 with the required exhibits to reach the best resolution for their tax liabilities.

Moderator:

  • Frank Agostino, Esq., Agostino & Associates, PC, Hackensack, NJ

Panelists:


  • Cynthia Cooper, Esq., Senior Program Analyst, SB/SE Collection Policy, Internal Revenue Service, Washington, DC

  • Fran Obeid, Esq., MFO Law, PC, New York, NY

View full details here

What Does the IRS Have? How to Make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request and Why

Maybe the client was audited; was assessed a trust fund recovery penalty, or is the subject of a criminal investigation after dealing with the IRS Collections Division. There are many reasons why it would be beneficial to look at what the IRS file says about the taxpayer and their situation. This panel will discuss the mechanics of drafting and filing a request under the Freedom of Information Act, including what records are available, what documents might be withheld pursuant to various exemptions, and how best to make use of that information to help your taxpayer.

Moderator:

  • Lisa E. Perkins, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, West Hartford, CT

Panelists:


  • Michael Sardar, Esq., Kostelanetz & Fink, LLP, New York, NY

  • Barbara Kaplan, Esq., Greenberg Traurig, LLP, New York, NY

  • Walter Pagano, CPA, CFE, Eisner Amper, LLP, New York, NY

View full details here

Micro-Captives and Conservation Easements: The Fine Line Between Good Tax Planning and Tax Evasion

The IRS continues to caution taxpayers to stay alert for abusive tax avoidance schemes and the unscrupulous individuals who promote them. Variations of these schemes–abusive micro-captive insurance shelters and abusive syndicated conservation easements-are featured in the IRS's "Dirty Dozen." Still, each of these areas can be legitimate planning tools. Our panel will review the applicable statutes and regulations, the forms these transactions often take, and how good tax planning crosses the line to tax evasion.

Moderator:

  • Shelby Wilson, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, Westport, CT

Panelists:


  • Anthony F. Vitiello, Esq., Connell Foley LLP, Roseland, NJ

  • Barry Fischman, CPA, Marcum, LLP, New Haven, CT

View full details here

Avoiding a Criminal Referral for Employment Tax Violations

Statistically, nearly 80% of small businesses fail, often owing payroll taxes. The IRS resolves many of these situations with its civil enforcement tools, but some are referred to IRS Criminal Investigation. So, what makes one case a civil matter and another case ripe for criminal investigation and prosecution? Our panel of experts will review the statutory framework, applicable rules, and regulations, and steps employers can take if they find themselves falling behind on their employment tax obligations to avoid a criminal referral.

Moderator:

  • Eric L. Green, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, New Haven, CT

Panelists:


  • Caroline D. Ciraolo, Esq., Kostelanetz & Fink, LLP, Washington, DC

  • Damon Rowe, Director, Fraud Enforcement Office, Internal Revenue Service, Washington, DC

  • Joleen D. Simpson, Acting SAC, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office, Boston, MA

View full details here

The Consequences of Conviction: The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Restitution, Forfeiture, and Collateral Consequences

Whether by plea or verdict, a determination of guilt does not end the client's criminal tax matter. This panel will address the collateral consequences of a conviction, including civil tax liabilities, restitution, forfeiture, professional licensing, and immigration issues.

Moderator:

  • Jeffrey M. Sklarz, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, New Haven, CT

Panelists:


  • Frank Agostino, Esq., Agostino & Associates, PC, Hackensack, NJ

  • Sandra R. Brown, Esq., Hochman, Salkin, Toscher & Perez, PC, Beverly Hills, CA

  • Christine Sciarrino, Esq., Asst. United States Attorney, Department of Justice, New Haven, CT

View full details here

IRS Representation Conference
Opening Remarks / Housekeeping Items

An overview of what to expect during the second day of the IRS Representation Conference.

Friday, November 20, 2020

IRS Enforcement Update

Voluntary compliance and enforcement of the tax laws are at the heart of our tax system. Over the past several years, the IRS has been challenged to develop new and more efficient ways to ensure that all taxpayers report and pay the correct tax amount. These panel interviews provide us with an update on recent developments at the IRS.

SB/SE: Eric Hylton, Commissioner, SB/SE Division, Internal Revenue Service, interviewed by Jeffrey M. Sklarz, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, New Haven, CT

Collections: Eric Hylton, Commissioner, SB/SE Division, Internal Revenue Service, interviewed by Eric L. Green, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, New Haven, CT

Criminal: James Lee, Chief, Criminal Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, interviewed by Kathy Keneally, Esq. Jones Day, New York, NY

Office of Chief Counsel: Michael Desmond, Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service, Washington, DC, Interviewed by Caroline D. Ciraolo, Esq. Kostelanetz & Fink, LLP

Panel Discussion

Moderator:

  • Bryan Skarlatos, Esq., Kostelanetz & Fink, LLP, New York, NY

Panelists:


  • Eric Hylton, Commissioner, SB/SE Division, Internal Revenue Service

  • James Lee, Chief, Criminal Investigation, Internal Revenue Service

  • Michael Desmond, Esq., Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service

View full details here

Ethical Issues When Representing the Accountant in an IRS Investigation (Ethics)

The accountant or tax preparer plays a crucial role in any tax investigation. The panel will discuss ethical and strategic issues concerning when and how the accountant should be represented and the extent to which the accountant may, must, or should cooperate with the taxpayer. The panel will also consider the role of the accountant in a sensitive tax examination.

Moderator:

  • Sanford J. Boxerman, Esq., Capes, Sokol, Goodman & Sarachan, PC, St. Louis, MO

Panelists:


  • Miri Forster, Esq., Eisner Amper, LLP., New York, NY

  • Sara G. Neill, Esq., Capes, Sokol, Goodman & Sarachan, PC, St. Louis, MO

  • G. Michelle Ferreira, Esq., Greenberg Traurig, LLP, San Francisco, CA

View full details here

COVID-19 Update: Where Are We Now?

These are unprecedented times, and the country is still suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, with not just the loss of family and friends but also the economic and tax fallout. This panel will review the CARES Act and other initiatives by the IRS and Congress designed to address the pandemic’s impact, the current state of affairs, and what practitioners should be thinking about to help their clients through the continuing effects of COVID-19.

Moderator:

  • Jason A. Marsh, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, New Haven, CT

Panelists:


  • Philip Wilson, CPA, Marcum, LLP

  • Jennifer Auchterlonie, Office of Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service, Washington, DC

  • James Grimaldi, Esq., Citrin Cooperman, New York, NY

View full details here

Interview with Charles P. Rettig, IRS Commissioner

Frank Agostino will interview acting IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig during this special "lunch" session. Mr. Rettig will discuss the shifting leadership at the IRS, its goals, and the challenges faced by the organization today.

Moderator:

  • Frank Agostino, Esq., Agostino & Associates, PC, Hackensack, NJ

Panelists:


  • Charles P. Rettig, IRS

View full details here

Dealing with the Undocumented Worker

Employers who chose to hire undocumented workers sometimes do not understand the potential mess they have created for themselves and their employees. Our panel will unpack the myriad of issues these employers face, including employment taxes, labor violations, and immigration issues. The panel will also discuss potential ways to clean up the situation before the IRS initiates contact.

Moderator:

  • Lisa E. Perkins, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, West Hartford, CT

Panelists:


  • Megan Brackney, Esq., Kostelanetz & Fink, LLP, New York, NY

  • Josh O. Ungerman, Esq., Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch & Ungerman, L.L.P., Dallas, TX

  • Noelle Geiger, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, New York, NY

View full details here

Out For Money & Blood? How to Bring a Whistleblower Case

The Whistleblower Office is a branch of the IRS that receives and processes information and applications from individuals who spot tax problems in their workplace or elsewhere. This panel will discuss how the Whistleblower Office functions, how tips are processed, and how practitioners can help clients bring information to the whistleblower office in the hope of receiving an award.

Moderator:

  • Eric L. Green, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, New Haven, CT

Panelists:


  • Walter Pagano, CPA, CFE, EisnerAmper, New York, NY

  • Lee D. Martin, Director, Whistleblower Office, Internal Revenue Service, Washington, DC

  • Michael A. Villa, Jr., Esq., Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch & Ungerman, L.L.P., Dallas, TX

View full details here

Defenses to Tax Crimes: Attacking Willfulness

Tax crimes are specific intent crimes-requiring the violation of a known legal duty. The panel explores when a potential mental impairment should be considered a defense or mitigation during sentencing.

Moderator:

  • Frank Agostino, Esq., Agostino & Associates, LLP, Hackensack, NJ

Panelists:


  • Sharon McCarthy, Esq., Kostelanetz & Fink, LLP, New York, NY

  • Anastasia King, Esq., Asst. United States Attorney, Department of Justice, New Haven, CT

  • Peter D. Hardy, Esq., Ballard Spahr LLP, Philadelphia, PA

View full details here

Docketed vs. Undocketed Appeals? A Look at the Case From the Perspective of IRS Counsel and Appeals

There is more than one way to get your client's case to the IRS Independent Office of Appeals. The taxpayer can file a protest with Appeals after an audit (i.e., "undocketed"), or they can request consideration by Appeals after filing a petition in the United States Tax Court pursuant to a Statutory Notice of Deficiency (i.e. "docketed"). Our final panel will review these procedures, outline the scope and standard of review, explain when a conference is granted with Appeals in a docketed case, and review the authority to settle under either scenario.

Moderator:

  • Jeffrey M. Sklarz, Esq., Green & Sklarz LLC, New Haven, CT

Panelists:


  • Andrew Keyso, Acting Chief, Independent Office of Appeals, Internal Revenue Service, Washington, DC

  • Erica Cormier, Esq., Office of Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service, Boston, MA

  • Diana L. Erbsen, Esq., DLA Piper, LLP, New York, NY

View full details here


Frequently Asked Questions
  • To receive CPE credit, you must register for the webinar before it starts.
  • CPE is available to all eligible participants within 24 hours of each webinar.
  • To receive CPE for multiple attendees, at least one person must sign up for the webinar. The post-webinar email contains a link to instructions for the proctor letter. Alternatively, you may log in to your account following the webinar and click on the MY ACCOUNT button to find a link to instructions. For paid courses, payment needs to be made for each attendee before credit will be issued.
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CPAacademy.org 1685 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite #205, Denver, CO 80222

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EA Approved

CPAacademy.org (Sponsor Id#: HURS9) has entered into an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service, to meet the requirements of 31 Code of Federal Regulations, section 10.6(g), covering maintenance of attendance records, retention of program outlines, qualifications of instructors, and length of class hours. This agreement does not constitute an endorsement by the IRS as to the quality of the program or its contribution to the professional competence of the enrolled individual. Credit earned by attendees with a PTIN will be reported directly to the IRS as required of all providers. To ensure your CPE hours are reported, update your profile in My Account to include your PTIN number. Please note: IRS CE is only mandatory for EAs and ERPAs. For all other tax return preparers, CE is voluntary.

CPAacademy.org 1685 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite #205, Denver, CO 80222

About Our Presenter

Greensklarz
Green & Sklarz LLC is a boutique law firm that focuses on representing businesses and individuals with complex tax planning needs and representation. The firm’s attorneys have established a reputation for excellent and efficient representation of clients who have complex transactions, planning needs or have encountered difficult circumstances. As planners we handle corporate transactions and significant land use issues, as well as sophisticated estate planning and succession planning for our individual and family clients. As crisis managers, we assist clients with identifying and attempting to achieve core goals, in order to protect businesses, employees and families. We draw on a cross-disciplinary approach to ensure our client’s needs are addressed in order to reach the best possible solution to problems.