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Elevate Your Expertise!
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving field of tax resolution, staying ahead isn’t just a goal—it’s required to keep your practice thriving and delivering exceptional results for your clients.
Welcome to the 2025 ASTPS Virtual Winter Conference, an immersive one-day event crafted exclusively for ambitious tax professionals ready to sharpen their skills, deepen their expertise, and stay on the cutting edge of the industry.
This year, we’ve brought together five of the most sought-after experts in tax resolution to share their insights, strategies, and actionable guidance on today’s most pressing challenges. From mastering high-stakes IRS negotiations to navigating the latest legislative changes, each session is designed to equip you with the tools and confidence to excel.
Invest a single day in this transformative experience and gain a wealth of knowledge, make valuable connections, and solidify your position as a leader in tax resolution. Don’t just keep up—set the standard.
5 ALL NEW PRESENTATIONS WITH Q&A!
Understanding the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP)
Presented by Larry Lawler, CPA, EA, CTRS
The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP) is one of the most severe collection tools in the IRS’s arsenal, often causing confusion and stress for those involved. As a practitioner, understanding the intricacies of TFRP assessments is essential to effectively advocate for your clients and navigate the resolution process.
In this session, we will dive deep into the critical elements of TFRP, exploring the lifecycle of an assessment and the strategies practitioners can use to address it. From the initial investigation to post-assessment options, you’ll learn how to manage these complex cases with confidence and clarity.
By the end of this course, you will understand:
- Who may be assessed and the criteria the IRS uses.
- How the IRS conducts TFRP investigations.
- The responses available to challenge a TFRP assessment.
- The Statute of Limitations (SOL) on TFRP assessments.
- How to appeal TFRP limitations and rulings.
- Post-assessment options to protect your client.
- Collection actions the IRS may take and how to address them.
- Defenses available to challenge the TFRP.
- How to identify if others have been assessed in the same case.
- Whether an installment agreement stops a TFRP assessment.
This session will arm you with actionable strategies and a clear understanding of the rules and procedures, enabling you to handle TFRP cases effectively.
About Larry – Larry is the National Director of ASTPS and has represented literally thousands of taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service and is a frequent public speaker, a writer on professional topics, and a regular trainer of tax professionals nationwide. He has become nationally recognized for his skills in solving tax problems, and has been a New York Certified Public Accountant since 1973. He is also a fellow of the NTPI and the managing partner of Lawler & Witkowski, CPAs, PC, the firm he established in 1973.
Due Diligence in Dealing with IRS ACS
(AKA Abominable Customer Service)
Presented by Zachary A. Boutin, CPA
Navigating the IRS Automated Collection System (ACS) can feel like an uphill battle, with long wait times, inconsistent responses, and frustrating roadblocks. Yet, representing taxpayers before ACS is a critical aspect of tax resolution, requiring precision, patience, and strategic planning.
In this session, participants will gain clear insights into best practices for handling cases with ACS and managing the challenges that arise. From understanding the types of cases ACS handles to mastering the art of effective communication with agents, this class will empower you with the tools needed to successfully advocate for your clients.
By the end of this course, you will understand:
- The types of collection cases that ACS is responsible for.
- The essential information to have prepared before contacting ACS.
- Best practices for engaging with ACS agents during phone calls.
- How to anticipate and respond to unexpected or unusual questions from ACS agents.
- When and how to assertively stand your ground in disputes with ACS.
- Steps to take when ACS misses deadlines or fails to provide decisions.
- How to keep your client informed while managing their expectations throughout the process.
This session will provide you with actionable strategies to navigate ACS with confidence, ensuring you deliver optimal outcomes for your clients.
About Zach – Zach is an Oregon licensed CPA and is the Managing Member of First Response Resolution, LLC located in beautiful Southern Oregon. Zach graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Business Administration and emphasis in public accounting from Southern Oregon University. Zach’s diverse background and experience in business and tax matters includes representing clients before the IRS and State Departments of Revenue in addition to having prepared tax returns for individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates, and hedge funds over the course of his public accounting career.
Doing Our Due Diligence to Avoid Preparer Penalties
Presented by Angelene Wierzbic, EA, CTRS
The IRS is intensifying its focus on identifying “Bad Preparers” and imposing penalties, leaving even well-meaning tax professionals at risk. While some bad actors knowingly commit fraud, many preparers face penalties simply due to a lack of proper due diligence. With the IRS shifting the preparer’s role to include more audit-like functions, practitioners are increasingly exposed to potential pitfalls.
In this session, Angelene Wierzbic will guide you through the evolving landscape of preparer responsibilities and the implications of failing to meet due diligence requirements. Learn how to protect yourself from exposure to penalties and ensure your practice aligns with the latest IRS expectations.
By the end of this course, you will understand:
- The key areas the IRS examines to identify “Bad Preparers.”
- Common pitfalls preparers encounter and how to avoid them.
- The most frequent types of preparer penalties and their consequences.
- Practical tips to safeguard against preparer penalties.
- How to educate preparer clients on proper practices.
- Strategies for representing a client who has fallen victim to a “Bad Preparer.”
This session will equip you with actionable strategies to strengthen your due diligence processes, reduce risk, and maintain the integrity of your practice in the face of heightened IRS scrutiny.
About Angelene – Angelene is an IRS Enrolled Agent as well as a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist. She has spent nearly two decades in the trenches alongside industry experts Larry Lawler and LG Brooks working on complex tax resolution cases. She has worked and consulted on many hundreds of cases in her career and is an instructor in the famous ASTPS Tax Resolution Accelerator (formerly known as the Boot Camp).
Understanding Kovel Agreements
Presented by Steven Klitzner, Esq., CTRS
Tax practitioner-client privilege is a powerful tool, but its scope is limited compared to attorney-client privilege. Enter the Kovel Agreement—a legal framework that extends privilege protections to CPAs and Enrolled Agents, enabling them to work alongside attorneys while maintaining client confidentiality.
In this session, Miami Tax Attorney Steven Klitzner will provide practical guidance on understanding and using Kovel Agreements. Attendees will learn how to leverage these agreements to enhance collaboration, protect sensitive client information, and tackle complex IRS matters with greater confidence.
By the end of this course, you will understand:
- The privilege protections afforded by a Kovel Agreement.
- When it is appropriate to use a Kovel Agreement in practice.
- The specific protections these agreements offer.
- Step-by-step guidance on how to prepare and implement a Kovel Agreement.
Join this session to unlock the potential of Kovel Agreements and elevate your ability to safeguard your clients while navigating challenging tax cases.
About Steve – Steve is the CEO of Florida Tax Solvers. His practice in Miami is 100% focused on IRS Tax Resolution. Steve has presented at many ASTPS conferences in the past and is the newest member of the Boot Camp Training Team. He is admitted to the United States Supreme Court, United States Tax Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He currently sits on the IRS Advisory Council, and is a frequent lecturer on Tax Resolution topics and has presented to thousands of practitioners around the country. He is well known for the humor he brings to his presentations!
Administrative Summons: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Presented by David M. Tudor, MBA, MSA, EA, USTCP
The IRS Administrative Summons is a powerful tool, often used to compel taxpayers to provide records or testimony. But should your client voluntarily agree to be questioned, or is it in their best interest to resist? Understanding the implications of a summons, as well as the legal frameworks and court rulings that define its use, is essential for making informed decisions in these cases.
In this session, we’ll examine the pros and cons of an Administrative Summons and explore the procedures, enforcement mechanisms, and legal considerations surrounding its use. We will also review key Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) sections and case law to better equip you to navigate summons-related situations.
By the end of this course, you will understand:
- The pros and cons of complying with an Administrative Summons
- When it might be wise for a client to decline voluntary questioning
- Key sections of the IRM relevant to summonses
- Significant court cases shaping the use and limits of summonses
This session will provide actionable insights and legal context, empowering you to advise and protect your clients effectively when faced with an IRS Administrative Summons.
About David – David M. Tudor is a distinguished tax professional with extensive experience and credentials. An Enrolled Agent (EA) with the Internal Revenue Service, David is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court, demonstrating his expertise in representing taxpayers at the highest levels.
– The Winter Conference Ends With –
1 Hour Q&A with all 5 Speakers
Larry Lawler, Ang Wierzbic, Steve Klitzner, Zachary Boutin, and David Tudor
We will end our jam packed day of training with a one hour question and answer session. Any questions that didn’t get answered during the individual sessions will get addressed during the Q&A. Attendees will also be able to ask new questions.
Event Details:
Thursday, Jan 9th
10:00 – 11:00 | Understanding Kovel Agreements
11:00 – 11:10 | Break
11:10 – 12:40 | Understanding the TFRP
12:40 – 1:40 | Lunch
1:40 – 2:40 | Administrative Summons
2:40 – 2:50 | Break
2:50 – 3:50 | Due Diligence in Dealing with IRS ACS
3:50 – 4:00 | Break
4:00 – 5:30 | Avoiding Preparer Penalties
5:30 – 6:30 | All Speakers Q&A Session
ALL TIMES IN EASTERN
Webinar Platform: Zoom
Continuing Education: 7 Hours of CE/CPE
Handout Material: Delivered Virtually
Event Recording: Yes, 12 Month Access
Membership Discounts: Discounts apply to the member and their staff/w2 employees only. Registration under the wrong membership type will result in the registration being refunded and you will lose your spot and need to reregister.
Multiple Registrations: If registering 3 or more members of the same firm please contact ASTPS for additional discounts.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund 30 days prior to the event. 50% Refund 30-14 days prior. 14 days or less will receive a full credit.
7 HOURS OF CE/CPE
12 MONTH ACCESS TO RECORDINGS
More knowledge = more profit
It’s simple – The more you know and understand about tax resolution, the quicker and more efficiently you can work cases. This should result in more profit per case!
Confidently Represent
What was once difficult eventually becomes routine. As you gain confidence in your tax resolution abilities you can command higher fees and increase your capacity to take on work. More clients means more revenue.
Learn from Real Experts
If you’ve decided to commit a major part of your career to tax resolution you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. By attending a program like the winter conference you are going to learn best practices from seasoned professionals.
Member Discounts Apply
Membership discounts apply to this program. 15% for Premium members and 5% for Standard members.