1,000+ Taxpayers: Why 'Ask Your Accountant' May Fall Short in Bergen County

Bergen County, New Jersey. Taxpayers receiving IRS notices or facing state audits frequently default to a single response: checking with their existing accountant. While this step seems logical, local tax resolution specialist Dmytro Arshynov argues that routine return preparation and tax controversy require distinct skill sets.

Arshynov, a federally authorized enrolled agent, notes that many professionals prepare returns but rarely handle revenue officers, liens, or levies. He explains that an accountant may be excellent at filing but have limited experience with penalty abatement, installment agreements, or financial disclosures.

The risk increases when the issue stems from a position taken on a prior return, a missed filing, or payroll problems handled by the same professional. Arshynov suggests that a fresh review is valuable in these cases, comparing the situation to medicine where a family doctor is ideal for general care but a specialist is needed for heart surgery.

Taxpayers are advised to verify if their representative has actual experience resolving cases similar to their own, rather than relying solely on their history of preparing returns. Arshynov, who serves individuals and business owners in the area, emphasizes that waiting while a collection problem escalates often becomes the most expensive option.

He is currently representing clients in IRS and state matters. His firm, Tax Relief Negotiators, holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. For those seeking a second opinion, Arshynov can be reached at (888) 375-2848 or through his website, taxreliefnegotiators.com.

The advice targets residents in Bergen County who find themselves in disputes with federal or state revenue agencies. The core recommendation remains to seek a representative with specific controversy resolution experience before finalizing a response to any tax notice.