Leading Tax Controversy Experts

James is a CPA, IRS Enrolled Agent, and Tax Resolution Specialist at CanvaTax (canvatax.com), where he helps individuals and businesses resolve complex tax issues including IRS debt, back taxes, and penalty relief through programs like the IRS Fresh Start Initiative. With hands-on experience navigating IRS negotiations and tax compliance, James provides practical, results-driven guidance to clients facing financial uncertainty.

Do you or someone you know have state or federal tax problems? Perhaps a client or colleague of yours is behind on their taxes, or is being audited. I have helped thousands of people resolve their issues with the IRS and state tax authorities. We don’t just solve tax problems in Michigan, either. Our tax resolution efforts have successfully helped clients all over the U.S., including many expats. Tax problems - resolved. If you have a tax issue, call me - I'll be happy to give you free advice. My team of tax lawyers can help you with: * Tax Debt Relief – IRS or State * Offers in Compromise / Tax Settlements * Unfiled Tax Returns * Unpaid Business Taxes * IRS & State Tax Audit Defense * IRS Tax Appeals / Tax Litigation * Criminal Tax Fraud Defense * Foreign Asset Disclosures / FBAR Issues * Tax Preparer Defense ************************************************************************************* We help our clients get the fresh start they deserve! ************************************************************************************* Visit my website at www.ayarlaw.com or call us at (248) 262-3400 to schedule your appointment for your free legal advice.

I’m Eric Pemper, Managing Member at CuraDebt, where I help consumers understand (and compare) real-world options for getting out of high-interest debt and resolving tax debt. I specialize in debt settlement fundamentals, creditor negotiation dynamics, IRS/State tax resolution pathways, and the practical “what actually works” steps people can take to reduce monthly pressure and regain financial stability. I’m frequently focused on the details that matter to readers: eligibility basics, common mistakes, hidden fees to watch for, how to vet companies, how timelines and outcomes really vary, and how credit is typically affected short-term vs. long-term. I also bring a compliance-first lens (advertising/telemarketing rules, disclosures, and consumer protection), so quotes stay accurate and editorial-safe. I’m happy to provide concise, actionable comments, quick myth-busting, and clear explanations for everyday readers—especially around credit cards, personal loans, budgeting under stress, debt relief alternatives, and tax payment/settlement options.

Eric Epstein is a former senior federal agency counsel with more than three decades of experience drafting, implementing, and defending major federal legislation and regulations. Before retiring from federal service, he served as Senior Policy Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, where he was a principal advisor to executive leadership, the Attorney General, and White House officials on complex regulatory, legislative, and national enforcement matters. Over a 32-year career, he drafted and helped implement major federal firearms and explosives regulations and legislation, including the firearms trafficking provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and ATF’s “Ghost Gun Rule,” which was later upheld by the United States Supreme Court. He spent 15 years in the field working alongside ATF agents and investigators on criminal and regulatory cases, providing firsthand operational insight into how federal laws are enforced in practice. He also represented ATF before industry leaders at trade conferences and executive meetings, giving him direct experience with how federal regulatory policy affects manufacturers, importers, retailers, and other regulated entities. Throughout his career, he authored dozens of federal regulations and rulings, advised members of Congress on statutory language, and worked closely with the U.S. Solicitor General in Supreme Court litigation. His work shaped administrative records, national enforcement policy, and compliance strategy across regulated industries. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award, the highest honor for career federal employees, as well as the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Epstein is the founder and CEO of Commentari, an AI-based platform that helps individuals and organizations analyze legislation and agency rulemakings and draft substantive public comments grounded in the Administrative Procedure Act. His work focuses on regulatory and legislative strategy, public comment impact, and litigation risk in federal policymaking. He provides commentary on federal rulemaking, legislative drafting, administrative law, regulatory litigation risk, firearms and explosives legislation and regulation, and how federal agencies develop, defend, and enforce major policy decisions. He is available to provide clear and practical insight into complex regulatory and legislative developments. He is based in the Washington, D.C. area.

I have 24 years of experience in the credit counseling industry, specializing in operations, compliance, debt management, and consumer financial education. As Senior Manager of Compliance and Media at Money Fit, I ensure our programs meet strict standards for integrity, accuracy, and regulatory compliance. I am a HUD Certified Housing Counselor and serve on the Board of Directors for the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA). My work focuses entirely on nonprofit credit counseling. I help consumers understand the clear mechanics of regulated debt management versus the risks tied to for-profit debt settlement. Consumers deserve straightforward financial guidance that is realistic, responsible, and built for actual progress.

Chad C. Silver, Managing Partner of Silver Tax Group and is one of the most aggressive and respected tax attorneys in the United States. He specializes in tax defense work and has achieved numerous successes for his clients. Focusing his practice exclusively on tax matters, he provides representation in matters involving IRS audits and negotiates settlements and compromises with the agency on behalf of his clients. Mr. Silver also handles litigation in the United States Tax Court as well as criminal tax defense. With an aim to educate people about tax issues, regulations, laws and their rights, Mr. Silver published a book called "Stop the IRS" in 2014. His excellent ability as a tax attorney is evident in his track record of success. In one representative matter, Mr. Silver was able to negotiate with the IRS to reduce a tax debt from $682,437 to zero. In another matter, he was able to persuade the IRS to give his client a status of hardship and currently noncollectible for a $167,000 tax debt. Mr. Silver received his Bachelor of Science in political science from Oakland University in 2000. He then pursued his legal education at what is now known as Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School and was awarded his Juris Doctor in 2007. An active participant in the Taxation Section of the State Bar of Michigan, Mr. Silver is admitted to practice in Michigan and before the United States Tax Court. A strong believer in the importance of giving back to his community, Mr. Silver donates his time and services to several charitable organizations. He has provided pro bono services to Friends of the Macomb County Veterans' Treatment Court since 2011. He has also donated time to the Public Broadcasting Service as well as to the Anti-Defamation League.

Taxx Resolution Inc - Get the IRS off your back!Our typical client is an individual taxpayer, a self employed business or a small business who is behind in filing their taxes AND/OR has a balance due to the IRS and can't write one check to pay it off. or someone who is behind in their Tax Obligations and are under a threat of their assets being taken away. We offer a three step IRS Resolution Process:Step 1: Analysis of what the IRS has on you. Step 2: Tax Compliance and past Tax FilingsStep 3: Resolution: Negotiate the best possible Settlement under LawWould you go to court without an attorney? ....then why would you represent yourself before the IRS?Taxx Resolution Inc - call us 331-215-7663. Dont suffer any further! Amit is an Enrolled Agent credentialed with the IRS. As an Enrolled Agent and a seasoned Entrepreneur, he brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to assisting small businesses in achieving financial peace of mind. In today’s dynamic economic environment, businesses, particularly small enterprises, often find themselves entangled in intricate tax matters that demand specialized attention.From IRS disputes and audits to tax debt resolution, he helps alleviate the burdens that can impede the growth and success of businesses. With a keen understanding of tax laws and regulations, he strives to provide solutions specific to the client’s situation.

Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA, is a nationally recognized federal prison expert. He serves as Managing Director at Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. and Zoukis Consulting Group, where his federal criminal defense practice focuses on federal appeals, post-conviction relief, compassionate release, clemency, and Bureau of Prisons policy matters. Mr. Zoukis is the author of six books on federal criminal defense and prison policy, including The Habeas Citebook: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel (Prison Legal News Publishing, 3rd ed. forthcoming 2025), Federal Criminal Defendant’s Handbook (Middle Street Publishing, forthcoming 2025), Directory of Federal Prisons (2020), Federal Prison Handbook (2017), Prison Education Guide (2017), and College for Convicts (2014). His Federal Prison Handbook received numerous awards, including the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards Gold Medal, the Next Generation Indie Book Award, and the Chanticleer Book Awards Instructional & Insightful Nonfiction Award. College for Convicts received the Eric Hoffer Book Award’s Montaigne Medal for the most thought-provoking book of the year. Mr. Zoukis earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law, where he served as Articles Editor of the UC Davis Law Review and received both the Witkin Award and Reynoso Award for Academic Excellence. He also holds an MBA and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Adams State University. Major media outlets regularly seek his expertise. He has been quoted in CNN, Fox News, ABC News, Associated Press, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Bloomberg Law, and Vice News, among others. He has contributed articles to the Huffington Post, New York Daily News, Prison Legal News, and Criminal Legal News. Mr. Zoukis’s Prison Law Blog was named a Top Law Blawg by the American Bar Association, and he was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Award. He has assisted hundreds of clients with federal prison preparation, in-prison advocacy, and reentry matters, and is considered a leading voice on federal prison policy nationwide. Learn more about Chris at https://federalcriminaldefenseattorney.com/about/christopher-zoukis-federal-prison-consultant/

Tax Attorney and CPA, Former IRS Agent Host of TaxWhit's Wealth Protection Podcast Published Author and Presenter on Tax and Estate Planning Topics

I am a publicist, coder, music industry executive and TV Producer with a track record of securing premier media placements and managing high-stakes narratives. At Popularity PR, I help high-profile individuals and corporations across the entertainment, legal, and political sectors navigate the modern media landscape. With an entrepreneurial background that includes building AI-driven intellectual property tools and navigating complex civil litigation, I offer a multifaceted perspective on how business, law, and culture collide. Available for expert commentary on: Public Relations (crisis comms, brand strategy), Entertainment (industry, celebrity narratives), Law (litigation strategy, IP protection), and Entrepreneurship (tech development, startups). Personal Interests: Music, binge-watching Netflix, and diving into complex legal strategy.

James A. Kraehenbuehl is an experienced business attorney, tax lawyer, and executive who has represented hundreds of clients, from individuals with simple tax preparation to global companies with complex legal issues. He started his own firm, Mid-Atlantic Law and Tax, so that he may partner with clients to help them grow and achieve their goals by addressing the annual need for tax preparation, assisting clients in mitigating and managing legal risk, and using financial data to help clients manage and improve their businesses. James’ experiences and the foundation of his family’s accounting business, which has prepared taxes for clients and advised clients on tax issues for over forty years, have enabled him to become this strategic and valuable partner. As a tax attorney, he has worked with clients to prepare simple to complex returns as well as resolve various inquiry letters or tax audits from the IRS and state equivalents. Moreover, in his prior experience as general counsel and executive for a U.S. defense prime contractor, Fincantieri Marine Group, James has directly managed and assisted his clients manage the wide variety of legal risks that businesses face. This includes issues such as managing contracting risk through negotiation and building good templates, investigating and resolving personnel-related risks, managing corporate structures and formalities, as well as managing environmental issues identified in industrial manufacturing settings. James started practicing law at Boies Schiller and Flexner LLP, a nationally known and respected litigation firm. Here, he represented a variety of individuals and major corporations in matters before regulatory agencies and litigated commercial and governmental disputes before a variety of state and federal courts. Prior to the law firm, James served as a law clerk to Judge D. Brooks Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He graduated from the University of Chicago Law School with Honors and of the Order of the Coif. While there, he served as Managing Editor of the University of Chicago Law Review and won the school’s moot court competition.

Damon Paull, AWMA® - Financial Advisor, Best-Selling Author, Military Veteran As a wealth management advisor and Amazon best-selling author in Money and Business, Damon Paull brings a military precision to financial journalism. His recent collaboration with former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss on "Empathetic Leadership" shows he can take complex financial concepts and turn them into stories that resonate with everyone. With over 8 years of industry experience and a background as a Marine Corps veteran and State Department contractor, Damon writes about: • Intergenerational wealth transfer • Corporate benefit plan optimization • Investment portfolio construction • Business succession planning • Veteran financial empowerment • Global market analysis through a geopolitical lens As a Wealth Management Advisor at Cetera Investors, Damon’s expertise goes beyond traditional financial planning. He uses cutting-edge financial technology and analysis tools to bring you fresh perspectives on emerging trends and investment opportunities. His writing style is data-driven with a storyline, making complex financial concepts accessible to sophisticated investors and general audiences. Regular contributor to discussions on wealth preservation, market dynamics and financial technology. Damon welcomes opportunities to provide professional commentary and in-depth analysis for financial publications looking for expert opinions on wealth management and investment strategies. For editorial inquiries or commentary: Damon Paull, AWMA Damon.Paull@ceterainvestors.com 832.535.2286 Glen Allen, VA Available for national and international commentary Cetera Investors. Damon Paull, Wealth Management Advisor. Securities and Insurance Products offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. 140 EASTSHORE DR. SUITE 105, GLEN ALLEN, VA 23059. 804-346-4670. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, not recommendations of Cetera Investment Services LLC or its representatives.

Writer, speaker author passionate about helping small business owners and consumers make…

Josh Hamlet is the founder of Clarity Tax Counsel PLLC, a New York boutique tax law firm representing clients in IRS controversy, state and local tax (SALT), and tax advisory. His practice focuses on industries the tax code wasn't written for such as professional gamblers, cannabis operators, content creators, adult platforms, and nonprofits in high-scrutiny sectors. He has published in Bloomberg Tax and Tax Notes on topics including the employee retention credit, taxation of digital products, and cannabis tax restrictions. Admitted in New York, the District of Columbia, and the United States Tax Court. LL.M. in Taxation, NYU.

Stepan Kazaryan is a Business Management Consultant focused on digital presence, professional evaluation, and how public information shapes decision-making in modern business environments. His work centers on helping organizations and professionals understand how they are perceived before direct interaction occurs. In search-driven systems, evaluation often happens silently and quickly. Stepan advises clients on building structured digital foundations that support credibility over time. His approach emphasizes clarity, consistency, and responsible positioning rather than short-term visibility tactics. He works with executives, founders, and professional service providers who recognize that digital footprints influence trust, partnerships, and opportunity flow. By aligning websites, public profiles, and third-party references, Stepan helps create stable professional narratives that reduce uncertainty during evaluation. Rather than focusing on reactive measures, his advisory framework prioritizes preparation. This includes analyzing how search results present a name, how information connects across platforms, and how inconsistencies affect perception. The goal is to strengthen long-term positioning in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Stepan frequently writes and speaks about digital identity, credibility signals, and the structural factors that influence professional trust in online environments. His perspective reflects a broader shift in how professionals are assessed in the age of search and public information accessibility. Through disciplined strategy and steady execution, Stepan Kazaryan helps clients maintain clarity in environments where perception often forms before conversation begins.

I'm a specialist commercial finance broker with 16 years of experience helping Australian business owners access commercial property finance. As founder of Smart Business Plans, I've overseen $550 million in commercial finance across more than 3,300 clients, with a 92% approval rate working across a panel of 60+ specialist lenders. My expertise sits at the intersection of commercial property, business finance, and wealth strategy — particularly for small to medium business owners looking to buy their own premises, invest through their SMSF, or fund development projects. I work exclusively in the commercial space, which means I specialise where the major banks often can't or won't go. I'm also the author of The Premise Effect (2026), which makes the case for why Australian business owners are leaving millions on the table by renting rather than owning their business premises. I'm available to comment on: commercial property finance, SMSF borrowing, business lending, commercial mortgage rates, Australian property market trends, and small business wealth building.

After 30 years inside the IRS, I retired under the Elon-Musk deal and opened my own tax and bookkeeping business. I see tax strategy and tax compliance from a lens of experience and work tirelessly to protect my clients and help them grow their business.

Peter Reagan is a respected financial strategist at Birch Gold Group with more than 15 years of experience in the precious metals market. His market commentary has been featured in outlets including Newsmax, ZeroHedge, and GoBankingRates. At Birch Gold Group, he helps investors understand how gold and other precious metals can strengthen long-term financial security. His clear guidance and commitment to education have made him a trusted voice in an evolving economic landscape. Known for his practical approach and genuine commitment to investors’ success, Peter makes financial concepts feel accessible and empowering. He brings clarity to uncertainty, helping people make confident decisions about their future. Whether sharing insights in the media or supporting clients one-on-one, he remains focused on education, integrity, and building lasting trust with those he serves.

Nisan Zaghi is an Associate Attorney at Consumer Attorneys whose practice is dedicated to protecting consumers from credit-reporting errors, unfair debt-collection practices, and background-check inaccuracies under statutes such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Before joining the firm, he sharpened his litigation skills at a boutique patent-litigation practice and later represented individuals in consumer-protection cases, gaining a valuable mix of technical insight and client-focused strategy. Nisan is motivated by the belief that businesses must be held accountable when they cut corners or defraud everyday people. Restoring a client’s reputation - and often their livelihood - gives him genuine professional satisfaction. To deliver the best possible client experience, he stays readily available, answers questions promptly, and keeps each client fully informed as their case unfolds. He earned his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law on a substantial scholarship and holds a B.S. in Biology from Brooklyn College, where research-heavy coursework honed the analytical mindset he brings to complex credit-report disputes. Admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey state courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, he is positioned to litigate most consumer-protection claims arising in the Northeast. Nisan is an active member of the New York State Bar Association, staying current on developments in consumer law and collaborating with advocates across the state. Outside the office, Nisan enjoys hiking, swimming, and spending quality time with his wife and children - pursuits that keep him grounded and energized for his clients’ battles.

Ray Johnson is a retired FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, attorney, and educator whose career spans the courtroom, the classroom, and the command post. Over nearly 30 years in state and federal law enforcement, he has led complex criminal investigations, commanded SWAT operations, overseen national shooting‑incident reviews, and managed critical incidents and mass‑casualty events across the United States. Johnson is a veteran member of the Southern Nevada law enforcement community, with deep senior‑level experience coordinating federal, state, and local responses to both crises and major planned events. He has delivered high‑impact training on active shooter behavior, ethics, and leadership to thousands of public‑safety leaders and is frequently called in after major incidents to help agencies navigate culture, accountability, and public trust. As Division Counsel in multiple FBI field offices, Johnson provided legal oversight on investigations, ethics, and compliance and helped shape the FBI’s Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide. Internationally, he has mediated between Ukrainian anti‑corruption agencies and advised on governance and rule‑of‑law issues during Operation Enduring Freedom, earning recognition from the U.S. Ambassador for advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. Now an adjunct faculty member at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law, he focuses on how law, leadership, and policy perform under real‑world pressure. His research and writing center on use of force, investigative accountability, organizational ethics, and the intersection of policing, immigration, and civil rights. He regularly helps journalists and the public make sense of complex law‑enforcement issues. He is coauthoring two forthcoming Criminal Investigation and Criminology texts as well as a companion leadership playbook for front‑line leaders working in high‑pressure, high‑visibility environments. Johnson’s honors include multiple high‑level executive leadership awards from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, as well as recognition from U.S. diplomatic leadership for international anti‑corruption work. He continues to consult with courts, law‑enforcement agencies, and organizations on use of force, crisis leadership, and organizational culture under scrutiny.