An experienced EA could do the same as well. Its not necessary to spend thousands of dollars to get professional help.That would depend on the situation. A tax professional (either an attorney or a CPA could do the following):
1. Find out if any of the amount in question is in error and amend/correct that.
2. Work out a payment plan with the IRS (of course you could do that yourself).
3 If you are beyond payment (indigent) possibly get an OIC (reduction).
Despite the advertisements the latter is not going to happen unless the IRS determines your financial situation is so dire they won't get the full owed amount even spread over time.
#1 depends on whether there are facts or interpretation of the tax code in doubt.
She surrendered her license in advance of the disbarment, but as you stated, she's out of the business as of last May. JKHarris is the subject of a LOT of complaints as well (and the guy gives me the creeps the way he always insist on putting his hands on his agents during the commercial ). The Texas attorney general filed against him for misrepresentation and they "settled" in May as well.I'd stick with a specialist when dealing with OIC. Certainly not those on TV (I think Ms. Roni has been disbarred or turned in her card and is in the deepest of the deep hot water for her actions.), but someone with experience and training in the process.