Why Choose Lothamer as your Tax Resolution Firm?
Our Firm vs Another Firm
There are many differences between Lothamer and other firms specializing in tax representation. Listed below are some of those differences and why we believe we are Michigan's leading tax resolution firm.
In-State Representation vs Out-Of-State
Many firms are not located in the state where you live, thus making representation less personal and cumbersome. At Lothamer it is our goal and commitment to develop a state-wide practice for Michigan residents. We believe in face-to-face contact with the client. To that extent, we currently have offices in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Flint. Lansing is our base of operations. That is where all of our staff is currently located. Grand Rapids and Flint have "satellite offices" strictly for the purpose of being able to meet clients, gather information, and discuss their cases. Ongoing communication between representative and client is vital to resolution of a case, and being able to meet with clients sets us apart from other firms.
Licensing
Another major difference between our firm and others is that we are licensed professionals. Lothamer is a licensed firm of Certified Public Accountants. Not only do we have our clients to answer to, we also have the Michigan State Board of Accountancy to answer to. This is also true for an attorney practicing in this area, but it is not true for "Former IRS Agents" or "Enrolled Agents. "Former IRS Agents" and "Enrolled Agents" typically do not have state licenses. As far as a CPA vs. an attorney, there are pros and cons. Most tax representation is done at the "administrative" level of the IRS or State, as opposed to the ''judicial" level. Out of all tax problem cases, very few end up in court. An attorney has the advantage of taking your case to court if that is the best way to resolve your tax problem. However, as a general rule, one has to attempt to resolve their tax problem at the "administrative" level of the IRS or State prior to taking their case to court. It is this administrative level that a CPA may be more adept at handling, since CPAs practice in the accounting and tax area more than attorneys do. This is not to say that an attorney may not be required or advisable in your case. Lothamer does work closely with the legal community for those cases that should have legal representation. Lothamer's founder and president is a practicing CPA, who also has a law degree.
Free Financing of your case
Fees and payment options vary dramatically among different firms. Some firms require that all fees, or a large retainer, be paid up front before starting your case. Others will require the client to sign a Promissory Note, and charge interest. At Lothamer, we estimate the cost of services to be provided, allow our clients to pay for services over a reasonable period of time, and we do not charge interest. Nor do we require our clients to sign a promissory note. It is our belief, and experience, that clients are treated fairly and respectfully, we will get paid in due time. Our results build loyalty with our clients. We strongly believe in representation for anyone who desires to end their tax problems for good. All clients are provided an "Engagement Letter", which spells out what we are going to do, how we charge, and how you, as the client, will pay.
Experience
Lothamer has been doing tax representation for over 25 years. We have literally thousands of satisfied clients. We generally know from the beginning of your case what your options are, and what the outcome will likely be. We do not believe in promising unattainable results. Not everyone qualifies for "Pennies on the Dollar". Therefore, we will not sign you up for an Offer in Compromise if it is our belief that you do not have a strong case or if you are incapable of following through with the offer. Very little is accomplished with an Offer in Compromise if your taxes are reduced from $50,000 to $10,000 and you still cannot pay the $10,000, or you run up more tax debt while trying to solve the problem. Planning and getting current are key parts of our representation. Clients who can plan and are willing to make changes, will generally, reach a more favorable result. Therefore, it is imperative to "Get the situation under control" before attempting resolution. Getting your case under control may include the filing of a Collection Due Process Hearing. Many tax resolution firms fail to realize how important it is to show a client how to get current before solving their tax problem, thereby limiting a client's options, or worse yet, having their case thrown out many months later. At Lothamer, we employ definite proven strategies to resolve your case and put you back on track with your taxes. There are many strategies available for reducing a tax debt besides the filing of an Offer in Compromise, such as Penalty Abatement, Taxation Bankruptcy (Chapter 7, 11 & 13), Riding Out The Statute of Limitations, Amending Tax Returns, Innocent Spouse, and Audit Reconsideration for past audits and IRS prepared returns. Once a tax debt is reduced, there are also options available to deal with repayment.