Many of you may know me from Tax Talk, where I try to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in representation and complex tax subjects. Although my wife may contest it, I’d like to believe that my counsel and advice have proven valuable to a number of people.
I’ve been involved in complex tax work for over twenty-five (25) years and an Enrolled Agent for the last decade. My practice concentrates on what I lovingly call, “The Five R’s” – Research, Representation, Remediation, Resolution and Really ugly situations. We gravitated towards representation and haven’t turned back. The engagements are not only high value to us, but to our clients as well. We
Our practice intercedes between tax agency and taxpayers, easing what many find to be one of the most stressful experiences in their life.
When our practice delivers 5-, 6-, and even 7-digit reductions in tax liability – or refunds of prior taxes paid – the conversation changes. Price becomes a detail, not a major factor. We turn the corner from ‘necessary evil’ to ‘trusted advisor’ in an instant. We generally are asked first about almost everything, allowing us right of first refusal on the types of work we feel best suits us.
As part of this process, our firm has worked with the Tax Rep Network (“TRN”; https://www.taxrepllc.om/) for a number of years. This organization, founded by tax attorney Eric Green (founding partner of Green & Sklarz law firm in Connecticut), provides all aspects of training and support to those of us who represent clients in tax matters.
I have been fortunate to be able to introduce the TRN and NSA teams, and to be involved in some of the conferences allowing the members of both to benefit from cooperation between the organizations. NSA members are entitled to complementary Bronze-level membership, without charge, and substantial discounts on enhancements to that membership. NSA leadership will be sending out information shortly regarding this benefit.
Aside from delivering many dozens of CE/CPE/CLE training classes annually, TRN hosts a number of multi-day conferences. The training sessions include deep dives into specific. TRN also publishes over a half-dozen books on the topics; our library copies are heavily ‘dog-eared’ from regular use. Their library of on-demand tax education (videos) is particularly extensive.
I’ve personally come to depend upon the help desk at TRN, in which I can ask detailed and in-depth questions – including about specific client fact pattern – in situations where I’m exploring the ‘undiscovered country’ (i.e.: something nobody in my firm has done before), dealing with excessively complex problems or just want to make sure we’re headed in the right direction. Aside from NSA Tax Talk, TRN’s help desk and user community is one of my most frequently used ‘go-to’ sources of knowledge.
TRN also developed a number of online tools, including RepWorks (an online case management/docketing tool). Also, TRN created an AI portal drawing on the copious training and publications they developed and curated over the years. All of this is available through a single, consolidated TRN membership portal
This year, our firm added an in-house general counsel – a licensed attorney – allowing our clients to avail themselves of federal judicial process; frequently drawing on the resources available from TRN he finds the insight and support just as valuable as I do. This attorney often joins me at the TRN CE/CPE/CLE classes.
I look forward to hearing about my colleagues NSA deriving value and revenue growth from this unique benefit.
Be well, and God bless.
Sincerely,
Howard
Howard W. Bleiwas, E.A.
National Taxpayer Advocates LLC
1.845.693.0300 Ext. 101
Direct: 1.845.447.6955
Fax: 1.845.230.3100
Admitted to practice before the IRS and States’ tax authorities