After 25 years in tax resolution, I’ve heard it all. “Am I going to jail?” “Will the IRS take my house?” “Can I really settle for pennies on the dollar like the radio says?”
Let me stop you right there. Take a breath. You’re not going to jail. The IRS isn’t showing up tomorrow with a moving truck. And those “pennies on the dollar” ads? Well, we need to talk about those.
I got into this business because I wanted to do more than just prepare returns. I wanted to help people when they needed it most. What I’ve discovered is that the biggest names in tax resolution are often the worst thing that can happen to someone already in trouble.
1. You’re Just a Dollar Sign to Them
When you call those big national firms, here’s what happens: They don’t care about your story. They don’t want to know about the medical bills that started this mess, or how your business struggled during COVID, or that your spouse handled the finances before the divorce.
They want one number: How much do you owe?
Why? Because they’re calculating their fees before they even know if they can help you.
When someone calls me, I listen. Really listen. To the whole story. Because that trucking company owner who got behind during the pandemic needs a different solution than the retiree who just discovered their tax preparer made a mistake three years ago. You can’t know the solution until you understand the problem.
2. The “Pennies on the Dollar” Lie That Keeps You Up at Night
Those radio ads make everyone think they qualify for an Offer in Compromise. Here’s the truth: Most people don’t. The IRS has strict formulas. If you have equity in assets or the ability to pay over time, they expect you to pay.
But these firms don’t tell you that when they’re collecting your $10,000 retainer. They submit your “income and asset information” (that they haven’t even reviewed) and then—surprise!—you get an installment agreement. Something you could have done yourself with a phone call.
I’ve built my practice on being straight with people. Sometimes I tell potential clients, “Look, you owe $5,000. You don’t need me. Call the IRS, ask for a payment plan, and save your money.” Sure, I lose some business. But I sleep well at night.
3. The Vanishing Act
Here’s the most common horror story I hear, and I mean THE MOST COMMON: Someone pays a big firm $10,000 for an Offer in Compromise. Months go by. Phone calls go unanswered. Emails bounce back. The company either vanishes completely or finally admits they’ve just set up a basic payment plan—something the taxpayer could have done for free.
I’ve had to step in when these firms ghost their clients. Imagine being terrified of the IRS, paying thousands for help, and then being abandoned. It’s not just bad business—it’s cruel.
My clients can reach me through our secure portal or email. I respond within 24 hours, maximum. When your case status changes, you know about it. If we’re in a holding pattern, I check in every two weeks. During the discovery phase? Weekly updates. You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your case.
4. Real Results from Someone Who Actually Cares
Just last month, I helped a trucking business owner who was drowning. Three years of unfiled returns. Penalties piling up. He’d been paralyzed by fear, convinced he was headed for disaster.
Here’s what we actually accomplished:
- Got all three years of returns filed
- Set up a manageable payment plan
- Abated $4,000 in penalties
No magic. No tricks. Just following the process and knowing which levers to pull. That’s what 25 years of experience looks like—knowing exactly what the IRS will accept and how to present your case to get there.
5. The Small Business Difference
I work with all types of clients, but I’ll be honest—small business owners are my specialty. Maybe it’s because my parents started this practice back in 1982 as small business owners themselves. Maybe it’s my Marine Corps background that taught me to leave no one behind.
Whatever the reason, I get it. The sleepless nights. The weight of payroll responsibilities. The feeling that you’re drowning in paperwork while trying to keep your business afloat.
You don’t need someone reading from a script. You need someone who understands that your tax problem is just one piece of a bigger picture.
6. Here’s What Makes Us Different
When you work with me, you’re not getting a call center. You’re getting a second-generation tax professional who learned this business from the ground up. Someone who served in the Marines and knows what it means to have your six.
As an Enrolled Agent, I can represent you anywhere in the country. I don’t need special state licenses or permissions. One point of contact, no matter where you are or where your tax issues originate.
And yes, I offer payment plans. Because I understand that if you had piles of cash lying around, you probably wouldn’t have tax problems in the first place.
7. The Process That Actually Works
There’s no secret formula. No magic words. Just a specific process that, when followed correctly, gets the best possible outcome. Every time.
It starts with understanding your complete situation. Not just the numbers, but the story behind them. Then we identify every available option—not just the one that generates the highest fees. Finally, we execute the plan, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Sometimes that means an Offer in Compromise. Sometimes it’s an installment agreement with penalty abatement. Sometimes it’s getting you into Currently Not Collectible status while you get back on your feet. The right solution depends on YOUR situation, not what some salesperson promised on the phone.
When You’re Ready for Real Help
If you’re tired of the sales pitches and empty promises, let’s talk. If you want someone who will tell you the truth—even when it means you don’t need to hire me—I’m here.
I can’t promise pennies on the dollar. I can’t make your tax debt magically disappear. But I can promise you’ll get straight answers, honest advice, and someone who actually cares about getting you to the other side of this.
Because after 25 years of fixing tax problems and cleaning up after the big firms’ messes, I’ve learned one thing: There’s always a path forward. You just need someone who knows the way.
Ready to get your life back? Let’s start with an honest conversation.
📞 Call me at (641) 753-4905
✉️ Email: mike@hamiltontaxsolutions.com
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
I’ll respond within 24 hours. That’s a promise from a Marine and a second-generation tax professional who’s seen it all.
Mike Hamilton is an Enrolled Agent with 25 years of experience in tax resolution. Following in the footsteps of his parents who founded the practice in 1982, Mike specializes in helping small business owners and individuals navigate their tax problems with honesty, integrity, and real solutions.
