IRS Opens Dedicated Phone Line for Gulf Oil Spill Victims

The Internal Revenue Service today announced the opening of a special telephone line for taxpayers affected by the Gulf oil spill.

Individuals who have questions about the BP payments or who are experiencing filing or payment hardships because of the oil spill should contact the IRS at 866-562-5227.

The special services phone line will operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

In certain cases, the IRS can assist oil spill victims by suspending collection and examination actions. Taxpayers who need this assistance must request it. Others may decide to continue making payments because interest will continue to accrue on outstanding balances, even if some penalties are abated.

In addition to postponing collection actions, the IRS continues to have a number of other ways to help taxpayers deal with oil spill issues or other economic hardships, including:

*
Added flexibility for missed payments on installment agreements and offers in compromise for previously compliant individuals.
*
Consideration of a taxpayer’s current income and potential for future income when negotiating an offer in compromise.
Accelerated levy releases.
*
Assistance of the Taxpayer Advocate Service for those experiencing economic harm and seeking help resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels.
*
Special Assistance on July 17 at Gulf Coast Offices
In addition to the new telephone line, the IRS will conduct a special assistance day on July 17 for oil spill victims in seven cities.

Taxpayers and tax preparers will be able to work directly with IRS employees to resolve tax issues, including specific topics related to the oil spill. The IRS will hold the Gulf Coast Assistance Day in the following cities:


Mobile, Ala.
*
Panama City and Pensacola, Fla.
*
New Orleans, Houma and Baton Rouge, La.
*
Gulfport, Miss.


Times and addresses will be announced soon.

Negotiating: Happy 4th of July

As we spend this 4th of July weekend with family and friends, let’s pause for a moment and think about what this Independence Day really means. As our country goes through hard times, let us remember that the sacrifices of those that have gone before us paid so we may enjoy the opportunities and freedoms which make this the best country in the world.

Happy 4th of July to you and yours, and don’t eat too much BBQ.

James A. Gage

Negotiating Tips: Tip 2 of 8

2. :Develop "negotiation awareness" Successful negotiators are assertive and challenge everything. They know that everything is negotiable.

"Challenge" means not taking things at face value. It means thinking for yourself. You must be able to make up your own mind; as opposed to believing everything you are told. On a practical level, this means you have the right to question the asking price of that new car. It also means you have an obligation to question everything you read in the newspaper or hear on television. You cannot negotiate unless you are willing to challenge the validity of the opposing position.

Being assertive means asking for what you want and refusing to take "no" for an answer. Practice expressing your feelings without anxiety or anger. Let people know what you want in a non-threatening way. Practice 'I' statements. For example, instead of saying, "You shouldn't do that," try substituting, "I don't feel comfortable when you do that."

It should be noted... To read the rest of the article Click Here

Negotiating Penalties & Interest With The IRS

Hello All:

Here is your Negotiating Article of The Month for June 2010. This month we will venture into the subject of the IRS ! Enjoy...

James A. Gage

Negotiating Penalties & Interest With The IRS: Click Here

Negotiating Tips: Tip 1 of 8

Hello All:

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you will know that I have given a lot of negotiating tips to you to use in your personal and professional lives. That being said, I would like to give you another 8 tips over the next eight posts; these too will allow you to have the edge on your opponent when negotiating!

Be willing to Negotiate:

Some people are too shy to talk about money. Others think it's rude or demeaning. And in many cases they're right. However, when it comes to doing a deal - and we all have to sometimes - being unwilling to engage in "money-talk" can be a very expensive business.

There are a lot of experienced negotiators out there. If you're buying a house or a car, or taking a new job, you can be sure you'll have to deal with such a person. If they can see you're timid about the whole business, many will take advantage of that fact.

You also shouldn't be shy about turning something that may not immediately appear to be a negotiation into one. If I'm buying a few expensive things from the same store, I'll often ask them to throw something in for free or reduce the price. Just because there's no sign saying you can do that, doesn't mean you can't. Often, simply by asking for something extra I'll get a better deal.

Until next time be well.

James A. Gage

Click Here for more great articles.

Negotiating Tip of The Month Feb 2010

Never be the first person to name a figure

This is an expensive lesson to have to learn, but a good one. I do a lot of contract work, and one of the first questions I'm usually asked is "What's your hourly rate?". This is a high pressure question, and I often found myself blurting out a figure that was lower than what I really wanted.

These days, I've learned the importance of getting the other person to say a number first. Now, I respond to that question by asking "What's the budget for this contract? Or, what were you expecting to get for this....". Often, I'm surprised to discover they're offering me a better deal than I thought they were.

For more negotiating tips Click Here

Negotiating Tip: Arriving at The Negotiations

Hello Everyone:

Today we will talk about arriving at the location you will be negotiating at. Now I know a lot of negotiations are done over the telephone, but today we will concentrate on in person negotiating.

When arriving at a location designated for the negotiations keep these tips in mind:

--> Always call the day of the negotiations to confirm! Nothing worse then to be the only one showing up!

--> Arrive 5-10 minutes early so you can scan your surroundings

--> Dress appropriately, always dress like a professional

--> Always present your business card to the receptionist

--> Shut off all cell phones and electronic devices

these are just a few tips you should keep in mind.

For more great negotiating tips Click Here

Until next time - be well.

James A. Gage