IRS and New York State tax help for Westchester County
If you live or run a business in Westchester and the IRS or New York State is after you, you probably want two things: someone who knows this work, and someone who will actually pick up the phone. I'm Solomon Grosinger, an Enrolled Agent based in Brooklyn, and I work with people in White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and the rest of the county.
An Enrolled Agent is licensed by the IRS to represent taxpayers in collections, audits and appeals. When you work with me, you deal with me. Not a call center, not a sales rep.
Problems I help Westchester residents with
IRS bank levies. When the IRS levies your account, the bank freezes the money and generally holds it for 21 days before sending it. That's the window to work on a release.
Wage garnishments. An IRS wage levy takes part of every paycheck until there's an arrangement, the debt is paid or the levy is released. New York State uses an income execution, generally up to 10% of gross wages.
Federal tax liens. A lien is the IRS's claim on your property. It can get in the way of selling or refinancing. The IRS releases a lien within 30 days after the debt is paid. In some cases there are other options, like discharge from a specific property, subordination or withdrawal.
New York State tax warrants. A warrant is equivalent to a civil judgment. It's filed with the Department of State and the county clerk and becomes a public lien on your property.
Driver's license suspension. If you personally owe $10,000 or more in past-due New York tax, the state can recommend that DMV suspend your license after a 60-day notice.
Unfiled returns and IRS substitute returns. If you haven't filed, the IRS may file a return for you that may not give you credit for deductions you're entitled to. Filing your own correct returns is usually the first step to fixing everything else.
Payment plans, Offers in Compromise, Currently Not Collectible, penalty abatement and innocent spouse relief. I look at your real numbers and tell you which options I think may fit.
Appeals. If the IRS gets it wrong, there are appeal paths, including Collection Due Process hearings. Many of them have strict deadlines.
A note for Yonkers residents
If you live in Yonkers, your city income tax surcharge is figured on your New York State return and handled by the state. So an unpaid Yonkers balance usually shows up as part of a New York State balance. I handle it together with the rest of the state side.
How working with me goes
Free 30-minute call. You tell me what's happening. I tell you honestly what I think.
Authorization and records. If we work together, you sign the forms that let me talk to the IRS and the state for you. I pull your transcripts and account records.
The plan. I explain the options I see and what each one would mean for you.
The work. I deal with the IRS and New York State for you and keep you updated until your case is resolved or closed.
Who I help, and who I don't
I take clients who are committed to resolving their tax problem and who have a real chance at a better result. That means sending documents on time, answering my calls and staying current going forward.
I don't take criminal tax cases. If that's your situation, you need a tax attorney, and I'll tell you so. I also don't promise outcomes. Nobody honest can tell you what the IRS will do.
For Westchester accountants and CPAs
If you have a client with a collection problem, I'm glad to help. Clients you refer stay yours for tax preparation and planning. I handle the IRS or state problem and send them back. I'm happy to put that in writing.
Common questions
Do you have an office in Westchester? I'm based in Brooklyn. Much of this work is done by phone, email and secure document upload, so you don't need to be nearby. Book a free call and we'll figure out what works for you.
Can you handle the IRS and New York State at the same time? Yes. Many of my cases involve both, and it often makes sense to work them together.
I got an LT11 or Letter 1058. What should I do? Call quickly. It's the IRS's final notice before levy, and it gives you 30 days to request a Collection Due Process hearing.
I haven't filed in years. Will I go to jail? Most unfiled-return cases are civil, and the fix starts with filing. If there are signs of a criminal issue, I'll tell you to see a tax attorney.
How much will it cost? It depends on what your case needs. On the free call, I'll tell you what I think the work involves before you commit to anything.
Let's talk
Book a free 30-minute call to go over your case. For a quick question, you can call (718) 510-3166. Tell me what you received and I'll tell you straight where you stand.
General info, not advice for your specific case. Every case is different, and past results don't predict yours.