When it comes to financial stress, few things compare to receiving a notice from the Internal Revenue Service. For individuals and business owners alike, tax debt can feel overwhelming, complicated, and impossible to overcome. In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht sits down with Steven Weisberg, founder and lead attorney of The Wax Group, to unpack how tax resolution works and why professional representation is essential for anyone facing the IRS.
Why Tax Resolution Matters Now
Tax resolution is one of the most valuable yet least understood services in the financial sector. It goes far beyond filing returns or planning deductions; it’s about helping taxpayers resolve debt, avoid penalties, and negotiate fair terms with the IRS.
As Roger Knecht explains at the beginning of the episode, accounting professionals often assist clients with preparation and planning, but few truly understand the legal and procedural depth of resolution work. For those with unpaid taxes, audits, or mounting penalties, it can be the difference between financial recovery and ruin.
Weisberg emphasizes that the IRS is not just another creditor. “The IRS is the largest and most powerful collection agency on the planet,” he says. “When you’re dealing with them as a layperson, you’re at a disadvantage. Having representation gives you leverage.”
Meet the Expert: Steven Weisberg, Founder of The Wax Group
Steven Weisberg’s journey into tax resolution began in Detroit during the economic downturn of 2008. After starting his career in corporate bankruptcy law, he found himself helping large automotive firms recover while small vendors were left behind. “I didn’t feel right watching the mom-and-pop vendors get one or two cents on the dollar,” he recalls. “I wanted to do work where I could actually see the impact I was making.”
That motivation led him to establish The Wax Group, a firm specializing in tax defense and resolution for individuals and small businesses. Over the past decade, Weisberg has built a reputation for combining legal expertise with a compassionate, client-first approach that delivers measurable results.
Understanding Tax Resolution: Beyond Tax Preparation and Planning
While tax preparation and planning are forward-looking, tax resolution focuses on fixing existing problems; back taxes, penalties, liens, or audits. According to Weisberg, this distinction is crucial. “Most people think tax work is all the same,” he says. “But tax resolution is a completely different skill set. It’s about solving disputes and helping clients move forward.”
Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), and Enrolled Agents (EAs) can all handle resolution cases, but attorneys bring an added advantage: legal negotiation. Weisberg explains, “We’re trained to argue and advocate for clients. That gives us an edge, especially when cases escalate to U.S. Tax Court.”
The Growing Need for Tax Resolution Services
The demand for tax resolution is on the rise. With IRS automation, artificial intelligence, and reduced human staffing, the agency now sends more automated notices and levies than ever before. Weisberg predicts this will only intensify. “AI will allow the IRS to issue more levies and garnishments automatically,” he says. “There will be fewer people to talk to, which makes it harder for taxpayers to resolve things on their own.”
This growing complexity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. For accountants and financial professionals, expanding into tax resolution can be a powerful way to meet an urgent need while strengthening client relationships.
Proven Strategies to Settle IRS Debt
Tax resolution isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Weisberg outlines several proven methods professionals use to help clients achieve relief:
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Installment Agreements: Monthly payment plans that spread out tax debt over time.
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Partial Payment Agreements: Negotiating smaller payments that don’t cover the full balance before the statute of limitations expires.
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Currently Non-Collectible Status: Temporarily halting payments for taxpayers facing financial hardship.
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Offer in Compromise (OIC): A formal agreement that allows taxpayers to settle their debt for less than they owe.
“These are legitimate options that the IRS recognizes,” Weisberg explains. “But most taxpayers don’t even know they exist. Having a professional who understands these tools changes everything.”
Why Taxpayers Need Representation
Ignoring tax debt comes at a high cost. The IRS can issue liens, levies, and wage garnishments without needing a court judgment. Weisberg warns that taxpayers who delay action risk losing control of their finances. “The IRS can levy your bank account or garnish your wages. They can even notify your employer or revoke your passport,” he says.
Representation from a qualified professional provides protection and strategy. “Once clients hire me, they can finally breathe again,” Weisberg shares. “They know someone’s on their side, and that alone gives them peace of mind.”
Ethical Marketing and Growing a Tax Resolution Practice
One of the most refreshing insights from Weisberg’s discussion is his stance on ethical marketing. Many national firms rely on fear-based advertising warning taxpayers their homes or assets could be seized. Weisberg takes a different approach.
“I don’t believe in fear-mongering,” he says. “The goal is to educate clients about the risks and show them the positive results that come with professional help.”
Instead of traditional advertising, he focuses on LinkedIn networking and referrals. “Most of my cases come through other tax professionals who don’t handle resolution themselves. They see my posts, read my articles, and refer clients who need legal help,” he explains.
This collaborative model builds credibility and trust, proving that education-driven marketing can be both ethical and effective.
The Emotional Impact of Tax Resolution
Beyond the numbers, tax resolution has a deep emotional impact. Weisberg often witnesses clients breaking down in relief once their cases are resolved. “People tell me they’re finally sleeping again,” he says. “Even just hiring someone to handle the IRS gives them peace of mind. It’s life-changing.”
For many clients, resolving tax debt isn’t just about money it’s about reclaiming stability and confidence.
Collaboration Between Accountants and Tax Attorneys
Weisberg and Knecht agree that collaboration between professionals is key to serving clients well. Accountants who focus on preparation and planning can partner with attorneys who specialize in resolution, creating a seamless experience for taxpayers.
“When CPAs and tax attorneys work together, everybody wins,” Weisberg says. “Clients get full coverage, and professionals can expand their services without overextending themselves.”
Such partnerships also foster trust and referrals within the financial community, strengthening both firms in the long term.
Final Takeaway: Act Early and Seek Professional Help
Both Roger and Steven stress the importance of taking action early. Waiting only reduces a taxpayer’s leverage and increases penalties and interest. “The worst thing you can do is stick your head in the sand,” Weisberg advises. “The longer you wait, the harder it gets to fix.”
For professionals, this episode is a call to explore tax resolution as a vital service line. For taxpayers, it’s a reminder that the right help can turn a daunting IRS situation into a manageable solution.
To hear the full conversation and learn practical steps for addressing IRS debt, listen to the complete episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm.
Continue Learning: Listen to the Previous Episode
If you found this discussion insightful, don’t miss the previous episode, “Why Most Growing Businesses Still Go Bankrupt.” That conversation explores the financial habits that lead companies into distress and how accountants can help business owners avoid those pitfalls. Together, both episodes offer a comprehensive view of financial resilience — from avoiding debt to resolving it strategically.
Offers:
Get in touch with Stephen on LinkedIn or visit his website taxdebtattorney.tax
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