Frequently Asked Questions

 Our team is led by Mina Marc Garas, EA, MST, a Federally Authorized Enrolled Agent with over a decade of experience specializing in tax compliance and strategic planning. Our professionals hold advanced degrees, including a Master of Accountancy in Taxation (MST), and have deep technical expertise in both the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) 

 Our multidisciplinary team includes:

• Enrolled Agents (EA): Federally licensed tax practitioners who have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
• Tax Specialists: Experts with advanced degrees (MST) who focus on complex tax-reduction strategies.
• Accounting Professionals: Specialists in GAAP-compliant bookkeeping and financial accounting.

 Yes. We have a proven track record of managing the tax and payroll needs for a diverse range of clients, from franchised restaurant groups (such as Smashburger, Cinnabon, and Popeyes) to law firms, healthcare practices, real estate developers, and online retailers. 

 Absolutely. Because our leadership includes Enrolled Agents, we provide full-service IRS and State Tax Representation. We specialize in controversy support and even provide Kovel Tax Assistance for sensitive matters involving criminal investigations. 

 At U.S. EAGLE TAX, our approach is proactive rather than reactive. We don't just record history; we help you write it. We treat tax planning as a year-round strategy designed to minimize your total lifetime tax liability while ensuring strict compliance with the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). 

Our methodology is built on three core pillars:

1. Strategic Entity Selection: We analyze your business structure (S-Corp, LLC, C-Corp, or Partnership) to ensure you are utilizing the most tax-efficient vehicle for your specific industry and income level.
2. Advanced Deduction & Credit Identification: Our team identifies underutilized federal and state tax credits—such as R&D credits, energy incentives, and specialized business deductions—that often go overlooked by generalist firms.
3. Technical Rigor & GAAP Alignment: Because our team has deep expertise in GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), we ensure your tax planning is integrated seamlessly with your financial reporting, providing a clear picture of your after-tax cash flow.

 We recommend quarterly strategy sessions. Tax laws are fluid and can change mid-year. By meeting regularly, we can adjust estimated payments, implement end-of-year "harvesting" strategies, and ensure there are no surprises when April 15th arrives. 

 Our planning services are ideal for:

• High-Net-Worth Individuals looking to protect assets and optimize multi-state income.
• Small to Mid-Sized Businesses without an in-house tax department.
• Franchisees and Multi-Unit Operators (like restaurant groups) who require complex payroll and multi-entity tax strategies. 

 What is an Enrolled Agent? An Enrolled Agent is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels—examination, collection, and appeals—of the Internal Revenue Service. 

https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/enrolled-agents/enrolled-agent-information

 Yes. While both are tax professionals, their focus and licensing differ:

• Scope of Practice: CPAs are licensed by individual states and often focus on broad accounting and financial auditing. EAs are federally licensed and specialize exclusively in taxation and IRS representation.
• Federal Authority: Because EAs receive their right to practice from the federal government, they can represent clients in all 50 states for any IRS matter.
• Testing: EAs must pass a comprehensive three-part examination covering individual and business tax returns, or have significant experience as an IRS employee. They must also undergo a background check conducted by the IRS.

  The most important step is to never face the IRS alone. As Federally Authorized Enrolled Agents, U.S. EAGLE TAX provides professional representation, meaning you typically never have to speak with the IRS directly. We handle all correspondence, defend your deductions, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the audit process. 

 Yes. We specialize in resolving delinquent tax liabilities. Depending on your financial situation, we can negotiate a variety of settlements, including:

• Offer in Compromise (OIC): Settling your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe.
• Installment Agreements: Setting up manageable monthly payment plans that fit your budget.
• Penalty Abatement: Requesting the removal of failure-to-file or failure-to-pay penalties due to "reasonable cause."
• Currently Not Collectible (CNC): Temporarily halting collections if paying the debt creates an unfair financial hardship.

 A levy or garnishment is a serious action that requires immediate intervention. We act fast to contact the IRS or state authorities to negotiate a release of levy. By demonstrating compliance and establishing a resolution plan, we can often stop the seizure of your wages or bank funds before they are sent to the government. 

 EAs are often called "Tax Specialists." Because we focus solely on the tax code, we "Speak the IRS Language" more fluently than generalist accountants. When your freedom or finances are at stake in an audit or criminal investigation support (Kovel), you want a professional whose entire career is dedicated to the intricacies of the Internal Revenue Code.

 In sensitive matters where there is a potential for criminal tax charges, we provide Kovel Assistance. This is a specialized arrangement where our tax experts work under the direction of your legal counsel. This structure helps extend the Attorney-Client Privilege to our accounting work, ensuring that your financial data and communications remain protected during the defense process. 

 Yes. While the IRS is the federal authority, we also represent clients before state taxing agencies (such as the NJ Division of Taxation). Whether you are dealing with sales tax audits, state income tax discrepancies, or payroll tax issues, we provide comprehensive defense at both the state and federal levels. 

 Many business owners lose hours every week to manual data entry. Our bookkeeping services provide GAAP-compliant financial reporting that gives you a clear view of your profit margins. We don't just "do the books"—we provide clean, audit-ready financial statements that are essential for securing bank loans, attracting investors, or preparing for tax season. 

 Yes. We have extensive experience managing the complex accounting needs of multi-unit franchise operations, including restaurant groups like Smashburger and Cinnabon. We handle the intricacies of:

• Intercompany transfers and multi-entity accounting.
• High-volume transaction reconciliation.
• COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) analysis to help monitor food and labor costs.

  We offer a full-suite payroll solution designed to mitigate the risk of costly IRS and State payroll tax penalties. Our services include:

• Automated Tax Filings: We handle federal, state, and local payroll tax deposits and filings (Forms 940, 941, etc.).
• W-2 and 1099 Processing: Accurate year-end reporting for employees and independent contractors.
• Direct Deposit & Employee Portals: Modern, paperless systems for your team.
• Workers’ Comp Audit Support: Ensuring your payroll data aligns with insurance requirements.

 When your payroll, bookkeeping, and tax planning are handled under one roof, nothing falls through the cracks. For example, we can immediately adjust your estimated tax payments based on real-time payroll data or ensure that your S-Corp officer compensation meets IRS "reasonable salary" requirements to avoid red flags. 

  Absolutely. We specialize in "Catch-Up Bookkeeping." If you are months (or years) behind, our team will reconstruct your financial records, reconcile bank statements, and bring your accounts into compliance so you can file back taxes and regain peace of mind.