This month Philadelphia VIP recognizes Ilya Lipin for his outstanding volunteer assistance to VIP clients.

Since becoming a VIP volunteer in 2008, Ilya has represented eight VIP clients in complex tax matters. Ilya describes his work for VIP as “doing what he loves by helping members of our community.”

Ilya’s persistence, advocacy, and negotiation skills helped several VIP clients resolve hefty IRS liabilities and comply with federal tax laws.

In one case, Ilya assisted a disabled, unemployed client whose benefits were levied as a result of an audit. The preparer she paid failed to report all of her income and refused to file an amended return on her behalf. Ilya had the interest and penalties abated on over $3000 in liability, which results in the client paying only $800.

In another case, Ilya represented a client who was trying to obtain the EITC for his two grandchildren. Ilya spent over twenty hours communicating with the IRS on the client’s behalf to have the liability reduced and the credit accepted.

Because of Ilya’s representation, VIP clients are able to resolve their tax controversies within an otherwise impenetrable IRS system. In addition, Ilya represents non-profit clients in their tax matters and mentors other VIP tax volunteers.

For his advocacy and dedication to serving the needs of VIP tax clients, Philadelphia VIP recoginzes and offers its heartfelt appreciation to Ilya Lipin.

Philadelphia VIP Profile [PDF]