When Your Business Needs an Advocate, Not Just an Accountant
IRS conflicts, payroll tax debt, and asset seizure threats require specialized intervention— not the same professional who files your annual returns. Understanding this difference could save your business.
Prepares returns, handles bookkeeping, provides tax planning advice
Defends against IRS collection, negotiates debt, protects business assets
Why Your Current Accountant May Not Be Enough
Your CPA is likely excellent at what they do: preparing accurate returns, maintaining your books, and providing strategic tax planning. But when the IRS transitions from assessment mode to collection mode, the skills required change dramatically.
The Critical Difference
Most CPAs receive zero training in IRS collection procedures, levy release protocols, or Offer in Compromise negotiations. When your business bank account is frozen or the IRS is threatening to seize equipment, a general accountant is often as unprepared as you are.
This isn't a criticism of CPAs—it's a recognition that tax preparation and tax resolution are fundamentally different disciplines. One requires accuracy and compliance knowledge. The other requires negotiation skills, IRS procedural expertise, and the ability to protect your business under pressure.
General CPA vs. The Tax Pro Advisor
A side-by-side comparison across the five critical areas that matter when your business is facing IRS collection actions.
IRS Power of Attorney & Representation
The ability to legally represent you before the IRS without your presence
General CPA
LimitedCan file returns and respond to basic notices, but rarely handles IRS Collections or Appeals. Many CPAs refer complex cases out.
The Tax Pro Advisor
ExpertEnrolled Agent with unlimited IRS representation rights. Handles Collections, Appeals, and Exam directly—you never speak to the IRS alone.
Payroll Tax (941) Specialized Knowledge
Expertise in resolving unpaid employment taxes and Trust Fund Recovery Penalties
General CPA
BasicPrepares 941 filings but rarely deals with payroll tax debt resolution. May not understand TFRP personal liability exposure.
The Tax Pro Advisor
SpecializedDeep experience with 941 debt, Trust Fund Recovery Penalty defense, and business owner personal liability protection. Knows Revenue Officer tactics.
Asset Protection (Levy/Lien Defense)
Ability to stop IRS seizure of business bank accounts, receivables, and equipment
General CPA
Not EquippedNot trained in levy release procedures or lien subordination. Typically refers to tax attorneys at hourly rates.
The Tax Pro Advisor
ComprehensiveSame-day levy release filings. Expert in CDP hearings, lien discharge, and subordination. Protects operating capital and business continuity.
Strategic Debt Negotiation (OIC/Installment Agreements)
Negotiating settlements for less than owed or sustainable payment plans
General CPA
Not EquippedMost CPAs don't handle Offers in Compromise or complex installment agreements. Lack training in IRS financial analysis.
The Tax Pro Advisor
ExpertNTPI Fellow with advanced OIC training. Structures agreements based on actual IRS collection potential, not just stated balance.
Audit Defense Experience
Representing businesses in IRS examinations and challenging proposed assessments
General CPA
BasicMay assist with document gathering but often lacks courtroom or Appeals experience. Tends to accept IRS positions.
The Tax Pro Advisor
Comprehensive30+ years of audit defense. Challenges IRS positions aggressively, negotiates settlements, and knows when to escalate to Appeals or Tax Court.
The Bottom Line
When your business is facing IRS collection, you need specialized intervention—not general accounting.
Is Your Business at Risk?
3 signs you need a Resolution Specialist—not just your regular accountant
You've received multiple IRS notices that are escalating in severity
CriticalProgression from CP14 → CP504 → LT11 means the IRS is moving toward enforced collection. A generalist accountant often doesn't recognize this escalation pattern until levies begin.
Your accountant is suggesting you 'just pay it' without analyzing alternatives
Business tax debt often has negotiation options: penalty abatement, installment agreements, or Offers in Compromise. If your CPA isn't discussing these, you may be paying more than necessary.
You have payroll tax (941) debt and your accountant hasn't discussed personal liability
CriticalThe Trust Fund Recovery Penalty makes business owners personally liable for unpaid employee withholdings. This debt survives bankruptcy. If no one has explained your personal exposure, you need specialized help.
Recognize any of these situations?
Why Peter Mitchell Is Different
As an Enrolled Agent, Peter has unlimited rights to represent businesses before the IRS—the same authority as CPAs and tax attorneys, but with a focus specifically on tax resolution.
- NTPI Fellow – Advanced training in IRS representation
- 30+ years resolving IRS conflicts for Texas businesses
- Specialized focus on payroll tax (941) debt resolution
- Direct experience with Austin-area IRS Revenue Officers
- Same-day response for levy and seizure emergencies
Enrolled Agent • NTPI Fellow
Peter Mitchell, EA
Serving Austin & Leander Businesses
Don't Wait Until Your Accountant Says "I Can't Help"
If you're facing IRS notices, payroll tax problems, or collection threats, get a consultation with someone who handles these situations every day—not once a year.
Related Comparison:
Why Local Boutique Beats National "Tax Relief" Chains