Please start by visiting the Start Here module in the Classroom channel. If you'd like to introduce yourself to the community, do so by replying to this post. I'll go first... I'm Jim Buttonow — CPA, CITP, based in North Carolina. I spent 19 years at the IRS in various positions before moving to private practice in 2006. Since then, I've represented thousands of taxpayers and worked with tax professionals on post-filing IRS issues. I author the Tax Problems and Solutions Handbook and have testified before Congress in partnership with the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Office. The two IRS problems I see most often: 1) practitioners who are excellent at compliance and planning but have never had to navigate collections, penalties, or resolution, and 2) taxpayers with an IRS issue not knowing where to start. That's what I built this community for. I look forward to engaging with you, answering your questions, and helping you navigate IRS practice and procedure.

If you're dealing with a real IRS problem, don't sit on it. If you're researching an IRS topic, this is for you, too. Head to the ❓ Ask Jim section under the Classroom tab and submit your question. Here's how it works: → Fill out the Google Form - Give as much context as you can — what's the issue, how long has it been going on, what's been done so far → Anonymize all personally identifiable info (no names, SSNs, EINs, or identifying information) → Jim reviews every question submitted → Questions get answered on a Google Meet live meeting — and every session is recorded and posted to the Classroom No question is too basic. If you're dealing with it, someone else in this community could be, too. → Click here to go to the Ask Jim channel — Jim

Welcome to the Tax Informed Community — a space built for people who want to sharpen their understanding of IRS practices and procedures for an issue of their own or in the pursuit of helping others. To keep this community valuable and professional for everyone, please follow these guidelines: 1) 🚫 No Self-Promotion or Solicitation: No "DM me for help with your IRS case" or "I offer resolution services" posts. This community is for learning and collaboration, not self-promotion. 2) 🔗 No Linking Your Own Website, Firm, or YouTube Channel: Keep the focus on the content and discussion. External links to your own platforms are not permitted. 3) 🏷️ Title Your Posts Specifically: Instead of "IRS question," write something like "FTA eligibility — client has one prior penalty year but missed a payment." Specific titles get better answers, faster. 4) 🔍 Search Before You Post: Jim has covered a wide range of IRS topics and will regularly publish more information over time. Use the search bar to check whether your question has already been answered in the Classroom or in a prior post. 5) ⚖️ Keep It Professional: Treat every member with the same respect you would extend to a colleague. 6) 🔒 Protect Confidential Information: Just as our video case studies do not include client info, we require all community members to do the same about their own situations or client cases. Never post Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as EINs, SSNs, or any identifying details. This is not just a community rule — it is a professional obligation. 7) ❌ Posts That Break These Rules Will Be Removed: Violations are removed without warning. Repeat violations may result in removal from the community. If you have questions about the rules, reply to this post or reach out directly. Let's make the Tax Informed Community the go-to resource for IRS resolution practice — built on real cases, real strategies, and real results. 🚀