On 3/8/04, we contacted the offices of Roni Lynn Deutch for assistance with our tax problem. We laid out the situation in detail, over the phone. We spoke to several people, Kerri Voss, Lori Valier, and Ashley. During the multiple phone calls, we provided extensive financial information.
At the conclusion of two days of conversation with these people, we came to an agreement. Roni Lynn Deutch would submit an "Offer in Compromise" in the amount of $420.00. (Our tax debt is in excess of $62,000.00.)
We agreed to pay a total of $3,900.00 for this service. Down payment of $500.00 was required to be wired immediately, and it was wired on 3/10/04. The installment payments of $340.00 were due on the 11th of each month for 10 months. A few days later we received a packet of paperwork that required even more detailed, personal financial information, which was required to be sent via Federal Express at our expense ($16.99). We received yet another request for even more personal financial information, which also was required to be sent via Federal Express at our expense ($18.99).
On 4/8/04, we received a phone call from Scott, who stated that our installment of $340.00 was due on 4/11/04. Scott stated that mailing a check was unacceptable because there is a five-day delay between our location and theirs. He insisted that the money be wired to them or that I authorize an electronic transfer directly from my account. I gave him the information necessary for the electronic transfer. I also told him that he was making it highly inconvenient to make payments. He said that he knew that, but this was a Federal matter, and they took it very seriously.
When I got home from work that very evening, the Offer in Compromise was sent DHL, and was sitting in my mailbox. Obviously, Scott knew that this offer would arrive that day and wanted payment before I saw the Offer in Compromise in the amount of $48,381.00 - more than 115 times the amount we agreed upon, which was $420.00. I sent a letter to the Attention of Shannon Ahlstrom at the Law Offices of Roni Lynn Deutch on 4/8/04, return receipt requested, firing them as my legal counsel.
I also called my bank to put a stop payment on my account, and against any fees that office tried to charge to my account.in addition, a copy of that letter has been sent to several authorities, both here in Nevada and in California. This company made many promises. They told us they would settle our account with the IRS for $420.00. They promised us that my income would have no bearing on the case for two reasons:
1. The debt originated in 1988, nine years prior to our marriage:
2. We always filed separate returns, so I never assumed responsibility for Mike's tax debt. They promised that they would eliminate all penalties and interest. They told us that my wages were not in danger of being garnished.
The original debt that multiplied to a nightmare was $12,692.00. This company has failed us on all of the promises made to us. My wages are in danger of being garnished, according to Scott, it is a remote possibility. The penalties and interest have not been erased. My income DOES have a bearing on the debt.
The amount offered has multiplied, in direct conflict with our agreement. Desperate people such as ourselves need to research more thoroughly before responding to an ad on TV or the yellow pages. We also need to address our complaints with such companies with the proper authorities.
The Better Business Bureau of both states; the State Bar Associations; the Department of Justice, Public Inquiry Unit; the State Bureau of Consumer Protection, Office of the Attorney General, Telemarketing, Securities and Deceptive Trade Practices.
When enough people contact these authorities, an investigation may put a stop to the shady business practices of companies that take advantage of people such as us. Those of us who have been victimized by these predators have an obligation to make others aware of these ripoffs.in addition, we recently bought a large motorhome which is the size of a billboard (we owe more than it is worth) and have the contacts to create a banner advertising the BAD name of the Law Offices of Roni Lynn Deutch, and of how we were ripped off. "We can settle your IRS problems for pennies on the dollar. 99 cents on the dollar. You do all of the work. We will do nothing but demand information and money." If this company has actually helped some people, God bless them. As far as we are concerned, this company made promises that it had no intention of keeping.indeed, I do not think this company is capable of helping any but those that do not have an IRS nightmare.
JeannetteLas Vegas, Nevada
U.S.A.
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