Sean M. Golding

After over 20 years of marriage my foreign spouse told me she has seven bank accounts overseas in her home country. I checked online about this predicament and can tell you that I was scared witless after reading about the Streamlined Procedure and the Voluntary Disclosure Program -- and what the Tr...easury and IRS can do! I met with a local lawyer and was not impressed with his understanding of these programs; an international CPA whom my wife trusts recommended we find a lawyer who specializes in tax law, so I searched the internet and found Golding & Golding, a law firm specializing in international tax. After my first consultation with Sean I was fairly certain I wanted to hire him; right away he knew what I was talking about, knew the forms I mentioned, and knew how much 5% was going to cost me if I opted for the Streamlined Procedure. After listening to my story he said I had two possibilities: Streamlined Procedure or a Reasonable Cause Letter. Before contacting Sean I had ruled out the Reasonable Cause because who would believe my story? Well, Sean believed me and told me we *might* qualify for Reasonable Cause. My wife and I considered what Sean said and thought over his proposal, then finally decided to hire him on 23 March -- a few short weeks before income taxes were due). We had a teleconference during which he explained to us what is involved in the Streamlined Procedure and the Reasonable Cause path; and, the benefits and detriments of each course of action. After hearing our story again, Sean felt that the Reasonable Cause path was possible, but he insisted the decision was *ours* to make. My wife and I conferred off-line a bit, then we selected the Reasonable Cause Procedure. Sean's paralegal sent us a questionnaire so they could better understand our predicament. After agreeing to terms and paying the fee we were sent an in-depth questionnaire regarding the number of accounts, total funds, and bank addresses. Sean quickly was able to collate all our data onto the six FBARs and three 1040Xs and sent drafts for our review and correction. Additionally -- Sean gave me a bonus by agreeing to peruse my current 1040 to ensure I had not made any errors about claiming foreign accounts. I sent my final packet with wet signatures to Golding & Golding on 14 April; on 16 April (Sunday) Sean informed me that he has already submitted our Reasonable Cause Letter. To say that I was surprised at Sean's professionalism and promptness is an understatement. I am impressed. I can't tell you how relieved my wife and I are now that you he is representing us; it's as if a huge load has fallen from our shoulders. We are really pleased with the swift attention Golding & Golding dedicated to our problem, and how Sean has allayed our fears. We won't be looking over shoulders for the IRS like others might. We are comforted by Golding & Golding's dedication to stand by us and represent us if contacted by the IRS. Many thanks for the peace of mind you've given us. We both affirm that this was money well-spent.