JK Harris & Company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| JK Harris & Company | |
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| Type | Corporation |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.; with over 450 locations in 43 states. |
| Key people | John K. Harris |
| Industry | Taxation |
| Products | Tax Preparation, Tax Resolution, Financial Counseling |
| Website | www.jkharris.com |
JK Harris & Company, founded in 1997, is one of the largest tax representation firms in the United States. Based out of Charleston, South Carolina; with over 450 offices in 43 states it has served over 200,000 taxpayers around the nation.
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[edit] History
In September of 1997 John K Harris launched a tax resolution practice. In April of 1998, after a 6 month trial in six cities, the company opened 450 sales offices and eight regional operations centers over the following three years. During that time the company created a Financial Planning Division to assist clients who need help with tax liabilities and long-term financial goals as well as a Small Business Services Division.
In February of 2001 the company consolidated its eight regional operations centers to the corporate office in North Charleston, South Carolina. The company purchased a National Call Center in South Florida in October of 2002 to centralize appointment setting, inside sales and other functions.
[edit] Operations
JK Harris & Company is comprised of a tax team which includes CPAs, attorneys and Enrolled Agents, skilled in the fields of taxation and its laws. The company secures Limited Power of Attorney designation, becoming the client’s ally, representative, and negotiator to resolve the tax liability with the IRS.
Assistance with tax crises, compliance and the process of debt settlement are offered. This is usually done through an Offer in Compromise when it is unlikely the tax liability can be collected in full. The Offer amount is based upon the client's financial position and their ability to repay the debt. If accepted, the IRS will work out a payment arrangement, usually with installment or lump sum payments.
[edit] Controversy
[edit] South Carolina Lawsuit
In July a South Carolina judge approved a $6 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit that had been brought against JK Harris. The suit claimed that JK Harris & Company was charging customers fees for resolving back tax debts, but then failing to deliver on their promises. The company denied the allegations but agreed to settle the lawsuit in April 2007.
Judge Perry M. Buckner III approved the settlement in early July which would give about $69 to each of the 58,000 consumers involved in the lawsuit. JK Harris also agreed to fulfill other terms of the settlement including changing more than a dozen business practices related to their advertising and billing, claimed the company’s vice president of legal affairs Monica Linder.
