★★★★★ 4.7 on Google (55 reviews) 📍 2 Commercial Blvd, Suite 101-D, Novato, CA · Mon–Fri 9–5
[ IRS-LICENSED ENROLLED AGENTS ] NOVATO, CA · ALL 50 STATES

Stop IRS & California Tax Stress—For Good.

Most people leave our free consultation with a plan. Some leave with the problem solved.

We'll get the IRS and the state on the phone with you, often in your very first meeting. Then our Enrolled Agents handle the levies, garnishments, unfiled returns, and negotiations, so you never have to face the government alone. No commissioned salespeople. No judgment.

  • ✓ IRS + California FTB, EDD & CDTFA
  • ✓ $140K → $2,352 Offer in Compromise
  • ✓ Employer EAP referrals since 2005
Licensed, accredited, and trusted by clients
Enrolled Agent
Enrolled AgentsLicensed by the U.S. Treasury
American Society of Tax Problem Solvers
ASTPS MembersTax Problem Solvers
BBB Accredited Business, A+ rating
BBB A+ · Accredited Since 20114.7★ from 55 Google reviews
[ AT A GLANCE ]

Fix Your Tax Problem, Inc. is a tax resolution firm at 2 Commercial Blvd, Suite 101-D, Novato, CA 94949, founded in 2010. Led by CEO John Bove, EA (Master's in Accountancy, Sacramento State) and President Robert “Bob” Crane (25+ years in tax resolution), its Enrolled Agents resolve IRS and California tax debt, levies, garnishments, liens, unfiled returns, and Offers in Compromise for clients in all 50 states.

[ WHERE ARE YOU STARTING FROM? ]

Every Tax Problem Is Different. Here's Your Way Out.

Whether the IRS froze your account this morning or you haven't filed in eight years, there's a judgment-free path forward. Pick the one that sounds like you.

[ URGENT ]

A Levy, Garnishment, or Final Notice

“The IRS or the FTB just froze my bank account, or sent a garnishment to my employer.”

After an IRS bank levy, your bank holds the money for 21 days before sending it to the Treasury. Once you sign a power of attorney, we deal with the agency directly to stop collection and release what we can.

✓ Tracy T. avoided W-2 jobs for years, afraid her wages would be garnished. In her first meeting, Bob called federal and state to find out exactly what she owed.
Get Help With a Levy Today →
[ UNFILED RETURNS ]

2, 5, or 10+ Years Unfiled

“I fell behind years ago, lost my W-2s and 1099s, and I'm scared of what happens when I come forward.”

Take a breath. You don't need a shoebox of receipts. We pull your income records directly from the IRS, file the years that matter, and claim every deduction you're entitled to.

✓ A retiring farmer with more than 10 years unfiled: Bob filed every year and dramatically reduced what he owed (T D, Google review).
Get Caught Up, Judgment-Free →
[ DEBT RELIEF ]

I Owe More Than I Can Ever Pay

“Penalties and interest keep growing. I'll never pay this off.”

We run the real IRS math on your income, expenses, and assets, then pursue the option you actually qualify for: an Offer in Compromise, a payment plan, penalty removal, or a hardship pause.

✓ $140,000 settled for $2,352 (Tim M.) · $50,000+ reduced to $3,000 (Traci T.)
See If You Qualify →
[ REFERRED TO US ]

My Employer, CPA, or Realtor Sent Me

“My company's benefit program, or my CPA, bookkeeper, attorney, or realtor, told me to call Bob Crane.”

You're in the right place. Since 2005, we've helped thousands of employees referred through Employee Assistance Programs, including My Secure Advantage, plus clients sent by professionals across the Bay Area.

✓ “His fee is reasonable and I was able to get a discount through my EAP.” (April Davis)
Referred Clients Start Here →
[ BEFORE YOU HIRE ANYONE ]

Why People Leave the TV “Tax Relief” Companies for Us

Much of this industry runs on late-night ads and commissioned salespeople who sell fear. We built Fix Your Tax Problem to do the opposite: honest math, licensed Enrolled Agents, and real people who call you back.

What matters Typical call-center “tax relief” firm Fix Your Tax Problem
Your first call A salesperson reads a script and asks for a big retainer before anyone looks at your IRS records. A calm conversation with Bob Crane, often with the IRS or the state on the line to find out exactly what you owe.
Who works your case Your file moves between departments, and nobody owns it. The same small team, start to finish: John Bove, EA, Cheri Patterson, EA, and Offer in Compromise specialist Ivana Gvozdic.
Honesty “Pennies on the dollar” for everyone, even people the IRS rules will never approve. The truth, even when it costs us the job. If you can fix it yourself, Bob will tell you how. Clients say so in their reviews.
Seeing what's happening A black box. You don't know what's been filed or when. A secure client portal where you can see every document, return, and filing, any time.
California & nationwide Federal templates that don't account for California's own tax agencies. IRS and California, handled together: FTB, EDD, and CDTFA, plus IRS representation in all 50 states.
“I worked with a compartmentalized tax agency before which was a terrible experience - so I would recommend Bob instead.” — Christian B., ★★★★★ Google review
“He explained to me the illusion behind some of the more predatory tax remedy organizations marketed online and over the airwaves.” — Michael Kelly, ★★★★★ Google review
[ CLIENT RESULTS ]

Real Results, Not Radio Promises

Here's what happens when licensed Enrolled Agents and an experienced Offer in Compromise specialist work your case.

Owed: about $140,000 Settled: $2,352 Offer in Compromise

Years Unfiled, Liens & Levies

“Ivana (Total Rock Star) submitted an Offer in Compromise and after a counter by the IRS my tax liability went from about $140k down to $2,352... Thank you Bob, John, Ivana and Ed for getting me back my life!”

Tim M. · California
Owed: $50,000+ Reduced to $3,000 Balance reduction

A Five-Figure Debt, Brought Down to Size

A balance of more than $50,000 reduced to $3,000, with Bob guiding the case from start to finish.

Traci T. · Client story
Original tax bill $65,000 Saved Tax bill reduction

Total Transparency

“This wasn't ‘pay zero for a million dollar tax mess’ but a realistic and attainable goal... everything we did was on the server and I could see it 24/7. FYTP got my bill down $65k.”

T'Oneil · California · referred by his bookkeeper
A large tax debt Settled for <2% Offer in Compromise

“Happiest Guy in Idaho”

“They guided me through a foreclosure and were able to settle a large tax debt for less than 2% of the debt! The money I saved through the OIC was more than 6 times more than the legal fees!”

Demien R. · Idaho

Past results don't guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on the taxpayer's income, expenses, assets, and eligibility.

[ WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH ]

We've Been There, and We Know How Hard This Is.

You'll work with the same small, credentialed team from your first call to the day your case is resolved.

Robert “Bob” Crane, President of Fix Your Tax Problem, Inc.
[ WHY BOB DOES THIS WORK ]

Two Hurricanes Taught Bob What a Tax Problem Feels Like. That's Why Nobody Here Judges You.

Before tax resolution, Bob Crane ran a kayak tour business on Kauai for 18 years. Hurricanes Iwa (1982) and Iniki (1992) changed everything and led him to sell the business. He learned firsthand how a life event you can't control can turn into a problem with the IRS.

For more than 25 years since, he has helped thousands of people across all 50 states get through theirs, with calm, plain English and a sense of humor his clients mention again and again.

ROBERT “BOB” CRANE · PRESIDENT · SAN RAFAEL, CA · CO-AUTHOR OF SUCCESS REDEFINED WITH JACK CANFIELD
John Bove, EA, CEO
CEO · Enrolled Agent

John Bove, EA

27+ years in tax resolution and a Master's in Accountancy from Sacramento State. John leads complex IRS and California cases.

Robert “Bob” Crane, President
President · 25+ Years

Robert “Bob” Crane

Your first call. 15-year BNI member and Director Consultant for BNI San Francisco Bay Area. Voting member of the Recording Academy.

Fix Your Tax Problem team member Fix Your Tax Problem team member Fix Your Tax Problem team member
Enrolled Agent · Offer in Compromise · Client Care

Cheri Patterson, EA, Ivana Gvozdic, Biljana Kelly & Angela Wright

Cheri prepares current and back-year returns for individuals and businesses. Ivana builds the Offers in Compromise clients call life-changing (“Ivana, Total Rock Star”). Biljana and Angela keep every case moving, and clients say Angela “makes scheduling a breeze.”

🏛️ IRS-Licensed Enrolled Agents 🅰️ BBB A+ · Accredited Since 2011 🧩 ASTPS Members 🤝 BNI San Francisco Bay Area 🏢 Employer EAP Referrals Since 2005 📘 Success Redefined with Jack Canfield
[ WHAT WE DO ]

IRS & California Tax Help Under One Roof

Once you sign a power of attorney, the IRS and California's tax agencies deal with us instead of calling you or your employer.

[ SETTLE FOR LESS ]

Offer in Compromise

Settle your tax debt for less than you owe when your income and assets can't realistically pay it.

  • Honest eligibility check before you spend a dollar
  • Expense advocacy for high-cost California households
  • Appeals if the first offer is rejected
Learn About Offers in Compromise →
[ STOP COLLECTIONS ]

Levies, Garnishments & Liens

Release frozen bank accounts, stop paycheck garnishments, and clear liens that block a home sale or refinance.

  • Bank levy and wage garnishment releases
  • Collection Due Process appeals
  • Lien withdrawal, discharge, and subordination
Stop a Levy or Garnishment →
[ CALIFORNIA ]

FTB, EDD & CDTFA

California's Franchise Tax Board can collect for 20 years. We handle the state and the IRS at the same time.

  • FTB garnishments and bank levies
  • EDD payroll tax and audits
  • CDTFA sales tax and suspended entities
California Tax Relief →
[ GET CAUGHT UP ]

Unfiled & Back-Year Returns

Behind 2 to 10+ years? We pull your records from the IRS and replace inflated IRS-prepared returns with accurate ones.

  • Income records pulled directly from the IRS
  • Replace IRS “substitute” returns
  • Self-employed, rental, and business returns
Get Caught Up →
[ PAYMENT OPTIONS ]

Payment Plans, Penalties & Hardship

Penalties and interest can make up a large share of a tax bill. We fight to remove them, and set up payments you can live with.

  • First-time and reasonable-cause penalty removal
  • Affordable IRS and state payment plans
  • Currently Not Collectible hardship status
Reduce Penalties →
[ AUDITS & SPECIAL CASES ]

Audits, Innocent Spouse & Business Tax

Representation for IRS audits, relief from a spouse's tax debt, and payroll tax problems that put business owners personally at risk.

  • IRS audit representation
  • Innocent spouse relief
  • 941 payroll tax and trust fund penalty defense
Get Audit Help →
[ WHERE WE HELP ]

Rooted in Marin. Helping Taxpayers in All 50 States.

Click a region on the map, or a tab below, to see how we help clients there, in their own words.

[ TAP A PIN ]

Our Novato Office & Where Clients Come From

ALL 50 STATES Federal IRS representation EAP members since 2005 Clients as far as Idaho Novato Office Petaluma SF Bay Area Sacramento Southern California
📍 2 Commercial Blvd, Suite 101-D, Novato, CA 94949 · right off US-101
[ 4.7★ ON GOOGLE · 55 REVIEWS · ALL 50 STATES ]

Based in Novato. Helping Taxpayers Across California and the Country.

    Visit this area's page →

    What Clients Say

    ★ 51 of 55 Google reviews are 5 stars
    [ HOW IT WORKS ]

    From Panic to Peace of Mind in 5 Steps

    Once we represent you, the government calls us, not you. Here's exactly what happens after your free consultation.

    01

    Free Evaluation

    Tell us your story. We review your notices, income, and expenses, and match you to the right option among 11 federal and state solutions.

    02

    Your Secure Portal

    We set up your private client portal and a clear written agreement, so you can see every document and milestone, any time.

    03

    Power of Attorney

    Once you sign, we step between you and the IRS or state. Collection calls and letters come to us.

    04

    Compliance Review

    We pull your official IRS and state records, find any missing returns, and give you a simple checklist.

    05

    File & Negotiate

    We file your back returns, negotiate your resolution, and keep you compliant going forward.

    [ SERVING EAP MEMBERS SINCE 2005 ]

    Referred by Your Employer's Benefit Program?

    If your company's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or a My Secure Advantage coach sent you, you're in the right place. Since 2005, we've helped thousands of referred employees resolve back taxes, audits, and IRS notices, wherever they live.

    • Free consultation with Bob Crane
    • Member discounts available through participating programs
    • Confidential, judgment-free help with IRS and state problems
    Book My EAP Member Consultation →
    [ FOR CPAs, ATTORNEYS & REALTORS ]

    Have a Client With a Tax Problem?

    A tax lien blocking an escrow, six years of unfiled returns, an IRS revenue officer at the door: send them to us. Bob Crane is a 15-year BNI member and a Director Consultant for BNI San Francisco Bay Area.

    • Fast help for tax liens holding up a sale or refinance
    • We fix the tax problem and send the client back to you
    • Clients come to us from Bay Area realtors, bookkeepers, and attorneys
    Refer a Client →
    [ QUESTIONS ]

    Straight Answers Before You Spend a Dollar

    The questions people ask us most before they get started.

    You talk with Bob Crane. He listens without judgment, reviews any IRS or state letters you have, and when it helps, gets the IRS or the state on the phone with you to find out exactly what is owed and which returns are missing. You leave with a clear plan. Some problems are solved on the call itself.
    An Enrolled Agent is a tax specialist licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Like CPAs and tax attorneys, Enrolled Agents have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states. Our team includes John Bove, EA, and Cheri Patterson, EA.
    Yes. With your authorization, we pull your income records directly from the IRS, determine which years must be filed to get you back in compliance (usually the last six), and rebuild the returns with every deduction you're entitled to.
    Yes. We resolve federal and California problems at the same time, including Franchise Tax Board levies and garnishments, EDD payroll tax, and CDTFA sales tax.
    Yes. Our Enrolled Agents represent taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states. We work with clients nationwide by phone, video, and our secure client portal.
    Mention your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or My Secure Advantage referral when you book. We've served EAP-referred employees since 2005, and member discounts are available through participating programs.
    [ TAKE THE FIRST STEP ]

    Stop Losing Sleep Over the IRS. Let's Fix Your Tax Problem Together.

    Book your free consultation or call us directly. We'll explain your real options in plain English, and help you take the first step today.

    Helpful to have for your call (if you have them):

    • Any recent IRS or state (FTB, EDD, CDTFA) letters
    • Which years are unfiled or owed (don't worry if you're not sure; we can check with the IRS)
    • Your employer benefit program's name, if you were referred
    • Call: (888) 999-0744
    • Office: 2 Commercial Blvd, Suite 101-D, Novato, CA 94949
    • Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
    📞 Call (888) 999-0744
    [ FREE · CONFIDENTIAL · NO OBLIGATION ]

    Book Your Free Consultation

    Pick a time that works for you. You'll get an instant confirmation by text and email.

    [ COMING IN YOUR NEW SITE ]

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