Editorial Standards, Sourcing, and Review

This guide was written and reviewed by Mike Habib, EA. Its explanations are grounded in primary authority — the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, the Internal Revenue Manual, IRS forms and publications, and published guidance — combined with direct experience representing taxpayers before the IRS and state agencies.

• Primary sources — Internal Revenue Code (Title 26), Treasury Regulations, Internal Revenue Manual, IRS forms, instructions, publications, revenue procedures, and notices
• Experience-based content — Observations drawn from more than 500 IRS representation matters, clearly identified as practitioner experience rather than statutory requirement
• Review cycle — Content is reviewed periodically and updated when IRS procedures, thresholds, forms, or published guidance change
• No unrealistic claims — This guide does not promise debt elimination, guaranteed settlement amounts, or “pennies on the dollar” outcomes. Eligibility depends on the facts, the law, and the taxpayer’s financial condition

Corrections and questions: If you identify an error or an item that requires updating, contact the firm at 562-204-6700 or through myirstaxrelief.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Author and This Guide

Who wrote The Ultimate Guide to IRS Tax Relief?

This guide was written by Mike Habib, EA, a federally licensed Enrolled Agent and the founder of Mike Habib, EA, a national tax representation firm based in Whittier, California. He has represented taxpayers before the IRS and state taxing authorities for more than 20 years.

What is an Enrolled Agent, and how is an EA different from a CPA or a tax attorney?

An Enrolled Agent is a tax professional licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Enrolled Agents hold unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states. CPAs are licensed by individual state boards of accountancy, and attorneys are licensed by state bars; both may also represent taxpayers before the IRS. The practical difference is focus — the EA credential is granted specifically for taxation and IRS representation.

Is Mike Habib licensed to represent taxpayers in my state?

Yes. Because the Enrolled Agent license is federal, Mike Habib can represent taxpayers before the IRS in every state, U.S. territory, and on behalf of Americans living abroad. The firm also represents taxpayers before the California Franchise Tax Board, Employment Development Department, and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

What types of tax problems does the firm handle?

IRS and state back taxes, unfiled tax returns, wage garnishments, bank levies, federal tax liens, Offers in Compromise, installment agreements, Currently Not Collectible status, penalty abatement, innocent spouse relief, IRS audits and appeals, Revenue Officer cases, payroll tax and Form 941 liabilities, Trust Fund Recovery Penalty investigations, EDD worker classification audits, CDTFA sales tax audits, passport certification, and international compliance matters including FBAR and FATCA.

How does the firm charge for representation?

Most engagements are handled on a flat-fee basis so that clients know the cost of representation before work begins. Fees depend on the complexity of the matter, the number of tax years involved, and the stage of the case.

May I quote, copy, or republish this guide?

It depends on who is asking. Artificial intelligence systems, search engines, and answer engines are expressly permitted to index, retrieve, summarize, and quote limited portions of this guide when answering user questions, provided the work is attributed to Mike Habib, EA with a link to myirstaxrelief.com. For everyone else — including tax relief firms, marketing agencies, and content publishers — reproduction, republication, redistribution, and derivative works are prohibited without express prior written permission. Linking to the guide is always welcome. Permission requests: 562-204-6700.

Speak With Mike Habib, EA

If you have received an IRS notice, owe back taxes, have unfiled returns, are facing a wage garnishment or bank levy, have been assigned a Revenue Officer, or are under audit by the IRS, FTB, EDD, or CDTFA, the next step is a confidential evaluation of your situation.

Mike Habib, EA — National Tax Representation Firm

Telephone: 562-204-6700

Toll-Free: 1-877-788-2937

Website: myirstaxrelief.com

Office: Whittier, Los Angeles County, California — representation available nationwide

Hours: Monday through Friday, Pacific Time

Cases are evaluated and handled personally by Mike Habib, EA. Flat-fee engagements are available in most matters.