Prior to joining as a customer of TTP, Norma Cruise and her husband mortgaged their home to pay a tax debt the IRS claimed the couple owed. "We received a notice from the IRS, took it to our accountant and ended up owning $10,000 in taxes, penalties and interest. All we could do is borrow the money and pay-up."

Then the Cruises heard about TTP and joined. The Cruises used a free TTP service where TTP's Tax Dream Team, comprised of tax experts and ex-IRS agents, who defend taxpayers, reviews prior year tax returns for possible amendments. The couple sent TTP the same prior year return of which the IRS claimed the Cruises owed $10,000 in back taxes and were shocked to find the IRS actually owed them over $11,0001x TTP completed the paperwork and the Cruises received their refund check.

Mrs. Cruise admits, "We really didn't believe it until we took the check to the bank and it didn't bounce. Out of fear, we went into debt and struggled to pay the IRS when really, they owed us. We overpaid for years because of fear and ignorance of the laws. I don't fear the IRS any more."

Thomas W. Steelman, one of the TTP Tax Dream Team leaders, graduated from Southern Missouri State University with both BS and Masters degrees in business/accounting tax. He passed his CPA exam in 1978 as a revenue agent and was promoted through the highest ranks of the IRS until he chose to retire after 28-years. Now, as an enrolled agent, Steelman represents and defends taxpayers in IRS situations without the individuals being present.

To this point, Steelman says, "We have won all cases involving taxpayers and the IRS. We expect to continue to do so."

A very bold statement considering TTP is inheriting whatever burdens the taxpayers bring along. Steelman continues, "Many times the records and returns of our new customers are in shambles. Returns are a mess until the taxpayers get in here and learn the system. We have even had success with those hard to resolve cases between the IRS and taxpayers because the experts we have representing the taxpayers are extremely adequate counsel."

Mr. Steelman talks about another service The Tax People offer, "Our current and retroactive audit protection gives our customers the confidence that if they have made a mistake or are targeted for IRS abuse, they are covered whether we have prepared their taxes or not. Over 99% of the time, we are able to resolve audits and issues and the taxpayer never has to personally meet with the IRS."

Jeff Schnepper, author of "How to Pay Zero Taxes" (17th edition, McGraw-Hill) is a tax strategist and consultant to TTP. Mr. Schnepper was a contributing tax expert for the best-selling software packages "Turbo-Tax Deluxe" and "Microsoft Money." He holds two law degrees and an MBA in finance.

"Before joining, I attended a TTP convention in Missouri with over 1000 people present. What really impressed me was how TTP changed the lives of its customers. I saw people who went from the brink of poverty to getting massive checks on a monthly basis. I saw them with their families and children and tears of gratitude in their eyes."

Mr. Schnepper continues, "I have clients who pay me $500 an hour to tell them how to reduce their taxes. TTP offers the same level of service to the little guys, that I've been selling to the big guys. TTP guarantees they will find you at least $5,000 in additional deductions or the company will return the money you have invested in their services."

Mr. Schnepper concludes, "TTP helps the people who need it the most. . . the middle class. If I have a couple that is making $60,000 a year and I save them $5,000 a year, it's meaningful to them. If I have a couple making $2,000,000 and I save them $100,000 that year, they're happy; but their lifestyle hasn't been improved. I want to get the people who are making $30,000 year and turn them into people who are making $3,000,000 a year."

By Lori Prokop

Copyright ? 2000 by Who You Are International, Inc. All rights reserved.