I recently contacted John Rogers seeking advice regarding an issue with my bank. I logged on to my…read moreon-line banking one evening, only to find a SIGNIFICANT "debit" to my account balance, and a "Legal Order" statement posted, with no clue as to what this was about. I called the bank's 1800 number, and the best I could get from them (and in REALLY "bad" english, I might add...) was that it was an order from the IRS ("chill"), and he gave me, yet another 1800 number to contact them. I could see where this was going... so I immediately called John, and in his typical calm and reassuring manner, he advised me as to the steps necessary to figure this out.
We started with my bank. I visited them the next morning, and per John's instruction, requested a copy of the "Levy Notice." They denied that request, which I thought absurd. I returned home and on my own, tried the IRS 1800 number. Well, after about an hour of navigating through phone menus, being put on hold, and getting disconnected (just as John said would happen), I gave up. I again called John, and he suggested I return to the bank and DEMAND a copy of the notice, as it is MY RIGHT... and to NOT TAKE NO for an answer. Well, he was right... they printed me a copy, which I then emailed to John, fearing the worst. Well, in about a half hour he called me and told me that THE LEVY HAD BEEN LIFTED, and the funds were being returned to my account.
John was able to make contact with the IRS IMMEDIATELY, and in looking over the Levy Notice and discussing it with them, it was determined that I had become a victim of Identity Theft (of sorts)... somehow, someone had gotten ahold of my SS number, and had filed a bogus tax return, in my name, hoping for a hefty refund check. He then forwarded me an "Identity Theft Affidavit" form, advising me how to properly fill it out and send it to the IRS, effectively putting a "freeze" on my SS number until the whole "mess" is sorted out.
I have worked with John for several years now, seeking business advice, preparing income taxes, etc. Being self-employed, his knowledge and services have proven "immeasurably priceless" ... I quite frankly, would be lost without him. He understands that WE ARE NOT ALL accountants; he explains things to me in "lay person" terms (in "good" english). John is laid back (not "stuffy" - you know the type), patient, open and honest... and A WEALTH of knowledge.
The financial "world" has become a complex place... given my predicament above, he set the "wheels in motion" ... navigating me through "the machine" ... and the ugly quagmire of bureaucratic red tape that would have otherwise surely swallowed me.
I am TRULY GRATEFUL for John, and glad to have him "in my circle."
- Phil C., Delray Beach, FL