J Anton Collins – Why I Left the IRS
Jeffrey “Anton” Collins is the lead attorney for the tax defense firm, Tax Law Offices, Inc. In a short interview, he shared some little-known facts about himself. These facts help his clients to understand better who he is. Here he discusses why he is a “former” IRS professional.
About Attorney J Anton Collins, IRS Tax Attorney (Naperville IL)
Why Did I Leave the IRS?
I was at the IRS during the 90’s. My job was to interview small business owners, audit their business tax returns, and then help collect taxes. I helped to break family businesses. No “taxpayer” was ever happy to see me.
I was part of the evil empire.
Finally, I think I had enough one day in a grocery store when I ran into one of those families that I audited. The owner’s wife explained that the IRS audit created more problems. A state tax audit followed, which eventually caused the business to shut down.
I was not supposed to be the bad guy here. But then, the wife told me the words I will never forget.
She said, “I forgive you.”
That hurt. She forgave me? I was never supposed to be the bad guy.
I was already looking for other opportunities at the IRS. The best ones were not available at the time. I left the government for good soon after that grocery store incident. I started a small accounting practice to help business owners in dealing with the IRS. I have been working with small business clients ever since. I’ve done some other things, too.