About Dick Norton

Selecting the appropriate tax professional to handle your tax returns or represent you during audits, collection procedures, and administrative appeals can pose a significant challenge. With my extensive background in IRS technical and managerial realms and over twenty years of expertise as a Tax Resolution Specialist, you can rest assured in my capacity to address any issues with the IRS or state tax agencies and offer comprehensive tax-related services tailored to your needs.

The experience acquired during my 34-year tenure across three divisions of the IRS, coupled with technical and managerial roles within each division, surpasses what can be gleaned solely from academic settings or non-IRS professional experiences. Holding an Enrolled Agent license granted by the U.S. Treasury Department, I possess the expertise and qualifications necessary to represent you globally in navigating tax disputes, including guiding you through the administrative appeals process.

Should your case escalate to the U.S. Tax Court or the U.S. District Court, I maintain professional affiliations with former IRS Trial Attorneys, facilitating seamless collaboration in advocating for our client’s interests during litigation.

Work History
• Spent five years as an IRS Revenue Officer, ensuring individuals, partnerships, and corporations adhered to filing and tax payment obligations.
• Advanced to the role of an IRS Revenue Agent, conducting audits on a wide array of Federal tax returns. Participated in coordinated teams of Revenue Agents examining tax filings for major corporations across the United States. This included experience as a Computer Audit Specialist writing mainframe programs to extract key data from taxpayer data storage devices.
• Elevated to the Field Examination Group Manager position, overseeing Revenue Agents teams across the West Los Angeles and former Hollywood IRS Offices.
• Appointed as the Associate Chief of the IRS Los Angeles and Glendale Appeals Offices, where I managed groups of Appeals Officers responsible for negotiating with taxpayers and their representatives, such as CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and Attorneys, to develop settlement proposals for resolving IRS tax controversies with the Examination Division, Collection Division, or IRS Service Center.  This position enhanced my ability to evaluate evidence to determine potential litigation risks for unresolved cases bound for the U. S. Tax Court or District Court.

Awards and Recognition
• Represented the IRS as a panel member in a televised media presentation.
• Presented to the distinguished Tax Executive Institute information and guidance concerning recently released regulations on electronic record retention.
• Received distinguished and outstanding awards for almost every year during my 23 years in IRS Appeals management.
• Honored with the National Appeals Manager of the Year award preceding retirement.

Membership Organizations
• National Association of Enrolled Agents
• California Society of Enrolled Agents

Geographic Area of Representation
As an Enrolled Agent, I am authorized to represent taxpayer clients before the IRS and all State tax agencies.  I have represented and assisted clients internationally in England, Spain, Oman, the Virgin Islands, and other places around the globe.

Scope of Practice
I specialize in individual tax return preparation and offer comprehensive consulting services for various tax-related concerns. Additionally, I extend representation services to eligible clients navigating tax agency audits and enforcement proceedings, including administrative appeals. Furthermore, I provide litigation support as an expert witness in cases requiring legal action to attain resolution in court.

I limit my client base because I believe in providing personalized attention to each case. When you work with me, you work directly with me—not with a junior or temporary staff member. This ensures I can readily address any inquiries or requests from clients and tax agencies. In contrast, larger firms often delegate cases to less experienced and knowledgeable employees, potentially depriving clients of the comprehensive expertise needed to explore all possible options and negotiating strategies crucial for achieving the best resolution.

Getting Help
If you have been notified of a pending audit or collection action, wish to appeal the result of such actions, and want to discuss your general options, I am available for an initial free telephone consultation.   Please click the Services – Tax Matters Consulting link above for more information.   Normal consultation rates apply for specific recommendations pertinent to the facts and options applicable to your or your business’s unique tax controversy.  However, if you subsequently retain me to represent you following a paid consultation, I will credit up to one hour of your paid consultation time toward your representation retainer.

Contact me to obtain my assistance in preparing your current or delinquent personal income tax returns. I will respond promptly to discuss your situation.