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RJS Law - A Tax Law Firm

RJS Law: San Diego Tax Attorney & Lawyer | CPA

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S FINEST
TAX LAW FIRM

COMPLIMENTARY CASE EVALUATION

SAN DIEGO
(619) 595-1655
ORANGE COUNTY
(949) 535-2000
BEVERLY HILLS
(310) 299-2000
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Ronson J. Shamoun, JD, LL.M.
    • Sabri P. Shamoun
    • Chandara Diep, JD, LL.M.
    • Hilary Dargavell
    • Brendan O’Connor, CPA, MST, JD, LL.M.
    • Lupita C. Torres
    • Marisol Swadener, JD, LL.M.
    • Lauren Suarez, JD
    • Joseph Cole, JD, LL.M.
    • Jennifer Reardon, JD, CPA, MBA, LL.M.
    • Martin Schainbaum, JD, LL.M.
    • Bridget Balisy
    • Lauren Lee
    • Brad Paladini, JD, LL.M.
    • Deanna Bagdasar
    • Vanessa Yanez
    • Melanie M. Shamoun
    • Jewell Cornejo
    • Patricia Bott
    • Devon J. Arabo
    • Renae Arabo
    • Sandie Portilla
    • Jesan De Leon
    • Christopher Engelmann
    • Leandro Favano
    • Evan Walike
  • Services
    • IRS TAX MATTERS
      • IRS Appeals
        • IRS Appeals Process
        • Contesting an IRS Levy
        • Why Retain RJS Law for your IRS Appeal?
      • IRS AUDITS
        • IRS Correspondence Audits
        • IRS Field Audits
        • Initial Compliance Center Audits
        • IRS Office Audits
        • What to Expect During an IRS Audit?
        • Taxpayer Rights Under IRS Publication 1
      • IRS Collections
        • Avoiding and Eliminating IRS Tax Liens
        • Collection Due Process Hearings
        • CP 501 – IRS Notice
        • Failure to file a tax return: What happens?
        • How the IRS calculates interest
        • How to get a tax levy released
        • IRS Automated Collections
        • IRS Collections Process
        • IRS Interest Abatement
        • IRS Revenue Officers
        • Jeopardy Assessments and Jeopardy Levies
        • National Tax Agencies
        • Our Approach to Collections
        • Statute of Limitations on Collections
        • Streamlined Installment Agreements
        • TAX PENALTIES
        • Tax Penalty Abatement
        • Taxpayer Assistance Orders
      • IRS Payroll Tax Matters
        • Independent Contractor Reclassification Audits
        • IRS Forms 940 and 941
        • IRS Trust Fund Interviews
        • Payroll Tax Liability Payment Options
        • The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
      • IRS Wealth Squad
      • Offer in Compromise & Tax Settlements
        • OVERVIEW OF OFFER IN COMPROMISE PROCESS
        • The Offer in Compromise Process
        • Appealing a Rejected Offer in Compromise
        • How the IRS evaluates an Offer in Compromise
        • Offer in Compromise and Dissipated Assets
        • Offer in Compromise Requirements
        • Pros and Cons of an Offer in Compromise
        • Why Retain RJS Law?
        • Offer in Compromise Alternatives
        • Actual IRS Offer in Compromise Results
    • STATE TAX MATTERS
      • EDD/California State Payroll Tax
        • EDD Investigations
        • EDD Collections – Liens, Levies, and Garnishments
      • California Sales Tax
        • California Sales Tax Appeals
        • California Sales Tax Audits
        • California Department Of Tax And Fee Administration
      • State Tax
        • California Residency Audits
        • Discharging State Income Taxes in Bankruptcy
        • State Tax Practice – Outside of California
    • International Taxes
    • CRIMINAL TAX ISSUES
      • Criminal Investigation Division
      • IRS Criminal Investigation Division Tactics
      • Criminal Tax Defense – Tax Crimes
      • Currency Transaction Records & Suspicious Activity Reports
      • IRS Methods of Proof: Tax Fraud and Evasion
      • Methods IRS Agents Use to Locate Assets
      • IRS Special Agent Visits
      • Are You a Criminal Investigation Target?
      • Criminal Tax Attorney vs. White Collar Defense
    • CORPORATE TAXES
    • TAX COURT LITIGATION
    • Estate and Trust Planning
    • Real Estate Law
    • Innocent Spouse Relief
  • NOTICES
    • IRS Notices
    • IRS Letters
    • FTB Notices
    • Avisos en Español
  • Media
    • RJS LAW Events
    • Video Gallery
    • USD RJS LAW Institute
    • Tax Extention Deadline 2014
    • IRS Warns Taxpayers About Scam
    • Top Young Attorney
    • SD Business Journal Oct 2012
    • Union Tribune Article
    • USD Feature Story
    • IRS Hiring Agents for Audits
    • USD Feature Spring 2014
    • Search for Money Fuels Tax Att. Work
    • 102nd SDECCOC Annual Dinner
    • Industry Expert Shares 2014 Forecast
    • The Code Talkers
    • IRS Debt Settlement Momentum
    • SD Metro Best Attorneys 2014
    • SD Daily Transcript Roundtable
    • Understanding Tax Deductions
    • Leading Businesses Rely on RJS LAW
    • SDBJ Best of the Bar Award 2015
    • Sensitive Audit Areas for S-Corps
    • 4 Tips For Navigating The IRS Rapid Appeals Process
    • Commentation
    • Attorney Journal Cover Spotlight
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Payments
  • Contact

WINNER OF THE UNION TRIBUNE SAN DIEGO'S BEST TAX LAW FIRM


5 YEARS IN A ROW

Call
Contact
Blog
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Ronson J. Shamoun, JD, LL.M.
    • Sabri P. Shamoun
    • Chandara Diep, JD, LL.M.
    • Hilary Dargavell
    • Brendan O’Connor, CPA, MST, JD, LL.M.
    • Lupita C. Torres
    • Marisol Swadener, JD, LL.M.
    • Lauren Suarez, JD
    • Joseph Cole, JD, LL.M.
    • Jennifer Reardon, JD, CPA, MBA, LL.M.
    • Martin Schainbaum, JD, LL.M.
    • Bridget Balisy
    • Lauren Lee
    • Brad Paladini, JD, LL.M.
    • Deanna Bagdasar
    • Vanessa Yanez
    • Melanie M. Shamoun
    • Jewell Cornejo
    • Patricia Bott
    • Devon J. Arabo
    • Renae Arabo
    • Sandie Portilla
    • Jesan De Leon
    • Christopher Engelmann
    • Leandro Favano
    • Evan Walike
  • Services
    • IRS TAX MATTERS
      • IRS Appeals
        • IRS Appeals Process
        • Contesting an IRS Levy
        • Why Retain RJS Law for your IRS Appeal?
      • IRS AUDITS
        • IRS Correspondence Audits
        • IRS Field Audits
        • Initial Compliance Center Audits
        • IRS Office Audits
        • What to Expect During an IRS Audit?
        • Taxpayer Rights Under IRS Publication 1
      • IRS Collections
        • Avoiding and Eliminating IRS Tax Liens
        • Collection Due Process Hearings
        • CP 501 – IRS Notice
        • Failure to file a tax return: What happens?
        • How the IRS calculates interest
        • How to get a tax levy released
        • IRS Automated Collections
        • IRS Collections Process
        • IRS Interest Abatement
        • IRS Revenue Officers
        • Jeopardy Assessments and Jeopardy Levies
        • National Tax Agencies
        • Our Approach to Collections
        • Statute of Limitations on Collections
        • Streamlined Installment Agreements
        • TAX PENALTIES
        • Tax Penalty Abatement
        • Taxpayer Assistance Orders
      • IRS Payroll Tax Matters
        • Independent Contractor Reclassification Audits
        • IRS Forms 940 and 941
        • IRS Trust Fund Interviews
        • Payroll Tax Liability Payment Options
        • The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
      • IRS Wealth Squad
      • Offer in Compromise & Tax Settlements
        • OVERVIEW OF OFFER IN COMPROMISE PROCESS
        • The Offer in Compromise Process
        • Appealing a Rejected Offer in Compromise
        • How the IRS evaluates an Offer in Compromise
        • Offer in Compromise and Dissipated Assets
        • Offer in Compromise Requirements
        • Pros and Cons of an Offer in Compromise
        • Why Retain RJS Law?
        • Offer in Compromise Alternatives
        • Actual IRS Offer in Compromise Results
    • STATE TAX MATTERS
      • EDD/California State Payroll Tax
        • EDD Investigations
        • EDD Collections – Liens, Levies, and Garnishments
      • California Sales Tax
        • California Sales Tax Appeals
        • California Sales Tax Audits
        • California Department Of Tax And Fee Administration
      • State Tax
        • California Residency Audits
        • Discharging State Income Taxes in Bankruptcy
        • State Tax Practice – Outside of California
    • International Taxes
    • CRIMINAL TAX ISSUES
      • Criminal Investigation Division
      • IRS Criminal Investigation Division Tactics
      • Criminal Tax Defense – Tax Crimes
      • Currency Transaction Records & Suspicious Activity Reports
      • IRS Methods of Proof: Tax Fraud and Evasion
      • Methods IRS Agents Use to Locate Assets
      • IRS Special Agent Visits
      • Are You a Criminal Investigation Target?
      • Criminal Tax Attorney vs. White Collar Defense
    • CORPORATE TAXES
    • TAX COURT LITIGATION
    • Estate and Trust Planning
    • Real Estate Law
    • Innocent Spouse Relief
  • NOTICES
    • IRS Notices
    • IRS Letters
    • FTB Notices
    • Avisos en Español
  • Media
    • RJS LAW Events
    • Video Gallery
    • USD RJS LAW Institute
    • Tax Extention Deadline 2014
    • IRS Warns Taxpayers About Scam
    • Top Young Attorney
    • SD Business Journal Oct 2012
    • Union Tribune Article
    • USD Feature Story
    • IRS Hiring Agents for Audits
    • USD Feature Spring 2014
    • Search for Money Fuels Tax Att. Work
    • 102nd SDECCOC Annual Dinner
    • Industry Expert Shares 2014 Forecast
    • The Code Talkers
    • IRS Debt Settlement Momentum
    • SD Metro Best Attorneys 2014
    • SD Daily Transcript Roundtable
    • Understanding Tax Deductions
    • Leading Businesses Rely on RJS LAW
    • SDBJ Best of the Bar Award 2015
    • Sensitive Audit Areas for S-Corps
    • 4 Tips For Navigating The IRS Rapid Appeals Process
    • Commentation
    • Attorney Journal Cover Spotlight
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Payments
  • Contact

USD Feature Story

Where Are They Now? Spotlight: Ronson Shamoun
(view the original article on the USD Legal Clinics’ blog.)

“Where Are They Now?” highlights USD Law School graduates who participated in one or more clinics, and their successful transition to the workforce. This segment features Ronson J. Shamoun, a 2002 USD School of Law graduate.

From a young age, Ronson “Ronnie” Shamoun dreamed of becoming a tax attorney, possibly working for his father who is a prominent local businessman in the San Diego area. “My next door neighbor was a CPA/Tax Attorney and I knew it was a great career path,” Shamoun recalls. “I also knew I wanted to stay in San Diego, the city where I was born and where my family lives. When it came time to go to college, I knew I wanted to go to USD because it offers a great Catholic education. My sister is an alumni and she had nothing but good things to say about her experience. Plus, I loved the campus.” Shamoun completed his Bachelors degree in accounting in 1998 and, when he decided to go to law school after he graduated, USD’s School of Law was the natural choice.

Shamoun was an active participant in the legal clinics during his time there. He worked closely with Professors Gail Harriet and Donna Matias to raise the necessary capital for them to found the Entrepreneurship Clinic. In addition, he also was a Legal Intern in the Federal Income Tax Clinic where he met Professor Richard Carpenter, who became a good friend and mentor. “Richard is a gifted professor,” he says. “I took the tax litigation course he taught, in addition to working with him in the Tax Clinic. Richard has a tremendous passion for the litigation aspects of tax law and enjoys protecting people from the IRS. Having the opportunity to work with Richard in the clinic was a tremendously rewarding experience.”

During his internship with the Federal Tax Clinic, Shamoun settled seven cases, and remembers one case in particular that spanned about three years: an Innocent Spouse Claim for a low-income woman who was recently divorced. Shamoun remembers the case vividly. “Her husband had been hiding his business activities and, being a loving and supportive wife, she signed all the paperwork that he asked her to without question. When their divorce was finalized, he ended up leaving her with a enormous tax bill that she would never be able to pay off. She came to the Legal Clinics distraught over how she could ever afford to pay the money back. However, I was able to persuade the IRS to abate the full liability. I will never forget how relieved she was when we told her that her liability was relieved.” Of the rest of his time in the clinic, Shamoun reflects, “We saw many similar types of cases during my time there. Our clients could not afford the services of an attorney and had nowhere else to turn to in order to get help. They were so grateful for the work that we did, which was a great feeling. On top of that, I knew we were doing a huge service for our community by helping and protecting those San-Diegans that needed it most.”

Shamoun also credits his experience in the clinics with giving him a chance to utilize the principles he had learned in his law school courses through real world experience. “The clinics were an important aspect of my legal education – it wasn’t just me studying a case out of a textbook,” Shamoun reflects. “I was able to get real substantive practice on real cases. It was a great confidence booster when I went out on my own because I already had the foundation I needed because of the clinic program.”

After receiving his J.D. in 2002, Shamoun pursued his Masters of Laws in taxation through USD’s LL.M. program, which he finalized in 2003. Shortly after graduating, a friend’s mother referred a large case to him. Shamoun contacted his old mentor, Richard Carpenter, to see if Carpenter would jointly work on the case with him. Carpenter agreed and, after they settled the case, Shamoun decided to start his own practice, renting an office next to Carpenter. Shamoun has gone on to build a successful practice. His firm has expanded to a staff of six attorneys, two CPAs and five administrative staff members. RJS Law is now the largest boutique tax controversy firm in San Diego.

RJS Law’s team of attorneys and staff.

RJS Law deals in all areas of federal and state tax controversies including criminal tax matters, audits, appeals, collections/settlements, tax court litigation, sales tax, and payroll tax matters. Their cases have ranged in size from a few thousand dollars to over $300 million. Shamoun has also successfully defended numerous clients in several high profile criminal cases and has achieved remarkable results. In recognition of his achievements, he received the San Diego Daily Transcript’s “Top Young Attorney” award in both 2009 and 2010. A recognized expert, Shamoun is also a frequent legal commentator for many local media outlets including Fox 5, ABC Channel 10, KUSI, NBC 7 News, and nationally on The Daily Buzz.

Ronnie and his wife, Melanie Shamoun.

Outside of his law practice, Shamoun is an active member of the community and is an elected member of the Ocean Beach Planning Board. He is also the owner of the Junction Steakhouse in El Cajon, the Charcoal House in La Mesa, a Subway franchise in Ocean Beach, a convenience store (Newport Quik Stop), and a drive-through coffee/juice bar (Café Bella). Shamoun also recently purchased the famous “floating” building at 3rd and A Streets in downtown’s city center neighborhood. RJS Law will occupy the fourth floor of the 32,500 sq. ft. building and the additional space will be leased to tenants.

“One thing I would like to add is that a big part of my success and motivation is my father,” comments Shamoun. “My dad is a tremendous inspiration to me and my desire to make him proud fueled me through school and in my career. Since I was little, it has been his love and support that has given me the foundation to become what I am today. I am truly blessed.”

And USD’s School of Law and Legal Clinics built on that foundation by providing him with both the legal knowledge and practical experience to create a winning combination for a thriving law practice. “My experience in the clinics gave me the confidence to be able to go out on my own and do it myself,” comments Shamoun. “And because of that education and my father’s support, I have.”

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Services

  • IRS Tax Matters
  • State Tax Matters
  • International Tax Matters
  • Criminal Tax Issues
  • Corporate Law
  • Tax Court Litigation

Testimonials

Compassionate. Knowledgeable. Capable. The team at RJS, specifically Brad, Marisol and Ronnie were on top of all of our issues. They were efficient and communicated with us on every step. Finding a team that is on top of their game like RJS is a tough find.... add to that the compassion and care they provide makes them second to none. Call them now. - Mike G.
RJS Law firm was very professional and someone was always available to answer our questions. They really looked out for our interest only! If you want the best Law Firm Representing YOU, These guys are absolutely SECOND TO NONE!!! I  highly recommend them! Thank you for solving my tax problems! You guys Rock! - Mike S.
Amazing!  In today's world of NO customer service and only internal focus, The RJS Law firm and Chandara in particular completely changed my perspective.   Due to a complicated personal situation, I found myself  in a difficult position with the IRS.  One call and I can not tell you how relieved I am.  I can breathe again, and what is even more amazing-  I do not need an attorney.  Chandara advised me on how to resolve this myself.  It would have been easy to just take my money and add further stress to the situation,  but she didn't. I believe that nothing but good can come from true acts of kindness, so I truly thank her and RJS for outstanding service and should I ever need an attorney-  she will be my first call. - Michele W.
Calling this firm put me at ease. I had sleepless nights as I was procrastinating to take care of my problems; I didn’t know how to go about them. Seeking legal help is always a good way to go, as they are more suited for the job. Chandara has guided me through the process of my stressful situation. No strings attached but I couldn’t let go, I truly recommend them. They will give you sincere and honest answers at all times. I couldn’t be more at ease with my family taking this a step at a time. - Kimberly
I have been a tax client of RJS Law for nearly 10 years. Mr. Shamoun and his team have always delivered results above and beyond my expectations. My attorney has always been just a phone call away when I need advice. I would highly recommend RJS Law to anyone in need of representation for tax related matters! - Brad
My grandmother and I called RJS LAW because she fell behind on her business taxes. She no longer owns the business so she wanted to get back on track and settle that debt. Brendan was very informative and very helpful. We set up a consultation and everyone at the firm was very polite. Brendan helped us create a plan so that we can get resolution to the problem. He helped turn this insurmountable issue into something manageable going forward. I highly recommend this place! - Deana
With no doubt I have to say I have the best advice going forward. I was in the military residing from California but I was stationed in Texas and I didn’t know my filing requirements. Not only I got my questions answered by they gave me free knowledge that I wouldn’t ever had known. I feel comfortable with filing now and going forward I will know what’s best for me. The best thing I liked about this firm is that they answered right away! Transferred my call to an attorney and got it done! In no time! Highly professional and helpful! - Karla
We worked with Brad Paladini on an appeal for an Offer in Compromise we previously submitted on our own. Looking back we should have hired RJS BEFORE we tried submitting an OIC on our own. Brad was amazing to work with on the OIC appeal and literally saved us over $100,000 in taxes. Didn’t show any judgement, took over all the IRS communications and helped us get all the paperwork the IRS was requesting. He fought for us like a bulldog to win the appeal. We are so thankful we found RJS LAW through Yelp and decided to write a review to pay it forward! - Holly
RJS LAW San Diego came to us highly recommended. The firm delivers with precision, tact and professionalism. They are not cheap, but cheap doesn’t always deliver. Ronnie Shamoun, Quinn Disparte, and their associates treated our case with respect, dignity, empathy and speed. They were able to get our case dismissed timely, as promised and without any of the associated headaches that normally come with the territory. The end result was tremendous peace of mind. If that is what your ultimate goal is you need not look any further. - Mandana

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SAN DIEGO

Map & Directions

303 A Street
Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone No.
(619) 595-1655

ORANGE COUNTY

Map & Directions

2 Park Plaza
Suite 1258
Irvine, CA 92614

Phone No.
(949) 535-2000

BEVERLY HILLS

Map & Directions

8484 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 210
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Phone No.
(310) 299-2000

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