Skip to main content

We're the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers

We Turn Tax Pros into Elite IRS Problem Solvers

The American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) is a high-powered community of over 1,600 professionals from across the United States that specialize in representing taxpayers before the IRS and other taxing authorities.

How It All Started

Back in 2003, two tax pros—Larry Lawler and John Witkowski—kept running into the same issue. Their clients had tax problems, and they wanted to help. But when they looked for training on how to deal with the IRS? Crickets. There were barely any resources available.

So, they did what any relentless entrepreneur would do: they figured it out themselves.

Through years of trial and error, they cracked the code on tax resolution. And once they mastered it, they realized they had something bigger than just their own practice—they had the blueprint.

That’s when they founded the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS)—to take everything they learned and teach other tax professionals how to confidently take on the IRS.

Fast forward to today, ASTPS is the gold standard in tax resolution education, helping thousands of professionals turn complex cases into high-value wins.

Our Mission: Making Tax Pros Unstoppable

Millions of Americans have tax issues, but the real kicker? Even when they try to fix it, they sometimes get bad advice from the IRS itself.

That’s where our members come in.

We train and support tax resolution professionals from start to finish so they can take on even the most complicated cases—and win.

ASTPS members don’t just understand the tax code; they master it. They study the Internal Revenue Manual so deeply that they often know it better than the IRS agents themselves.

When you train with ASTPS, you’re not just getting education—you’re getting a superpower.

And most importantly, you’ll never go it alone—because you’re joining a network of top-tier tax professionals who’ve got your back.

You’ll have access to every tool, resource, and support system you need to solve high-stakes cases with confidence.

ASTPS Core Values

Excellence Over Everything
We don’t just teach tax resolution—we set the gold standard. Our goal is not to create average tax professionals; we train the best of the best. We hold ourselves, our team, and our members to the highest standards because excellence is non-negotiable.

Integrity Always Wins
Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. We teach our members to act with integrity—even when it’s inconvenient, even when it costs more, even when no one is watching. Integrity compounds, and it’s the foundation of trust in this industry.

Effort Is the Price of Admission
Success in tax resolution—and in business—requires work. We don’t believe in shortcuts or excuses. If you’re willing to put in the effort, we’ll give you the tools to succeed.

Relentless Problem-Solving
Tax resolution is complex, messy, and full of challenges—but we run toward the problems, not away from them. We train tax professionals to think critically, solve problems creatively, and approach every case with strategy and confidence.

Clients Over Ego
Our job isn’t to impress people with how much we know—it’s to get real results for clients. We focus on simplifying the complex, teaching in a way that’s clear, actionable, and effective. The impact we create matters more than the image we project.

Long-Term Thinking
We don’t teach quick fixes—we train professionals to build lasting, reputable tax resolution practices. The biggest wins come to those who play the long game, provide real value, and stay committed to mastering their craft over time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“It’s such a great feeling to be able to assist clients with resolving their tax problems. I enjoy this kind of work and value the classes and support I receive from ASTPS.” Kathleen D. CPA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ASTPS delivers a first-class service time after time. I have been involved in professional education for many years and am constantly looking to advance my knowledge in the tax realm, and ASTPS has been an invaluable resource. I would highly recommend Larry and his team to anyone looking for high-quality education and assistance.” – Kevin Tudor

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Knowing that ASTPS is always there to assist me is the best tool in my toolbox.” – Nick F., CPA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This organization is full of lovely people – the ones who run it and the ones who join it. It’s a supportive network with a breadth of resources to build my technical representation knowledge as well as my marketing and operations. Well worth the investment of my time and money in order to serve my clients better every day!” – Lauri Johnson

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ASTPS is AWESOME, their Tax Resolution courses are AMAZING and On POINT, they give so much training throughout the year, and you have access to them for questions!! Because of them I started my own Resolution Practice, I HIGHLY recommend them, NO HYPE, they are the REAL DEAL!!” – Erma Contreras

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Simply put, best decision I’ve made this year with regard to my business. I am looking forward to a mutually beneficial professional relationship with ASTPS.” – Linda D., CPA

Lawrence M. Lawler, CPA, EA, CTRS

ASTPS National Director & Founding Member

Larry has worked and consulted on literally thousands of IRS tax resolution cases in his career. He is a frequent public speaker, a writer on professional topics, and a regular trainer of tax professionals nationwide. He has been a NY CPA since 1973 and is the managing partner of Lawler & Witkowski, CPAs, PC, the firm he established in 1973.

LG Brooks, EA, CTRS

ASTPS Director of Education

LG has been in the field of taxation for more than 30 years and has been in practice full time since 1990. He has been one of the nations top tax resolution instructors for over a decade. LG currently manages the Dallas Office of Lawler & Witkowski CPAs. LG received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bishop College at Dallas, Texas in 1977.

John J. Witkowski, CPA, CTRS

ASTPS Secretary/Treasurer & Founding Member

A graduate of Canisius College, John is a CPA, Certified Tax Resolution Specialist, and a founding member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS). He is the CEO of Lawler & Witkowski, CPAs, PC, the firm he joined in 1978., and has worked and consulted on thousands of IRS tax resolution cases in his career.

Angelene Wierzbic, EA, CTRS

ASTPS Senior Instructor

Angelene is an IRS Enrolled Agent as well as a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist. She has spent nearly two decades in the trenches alongside industry experts Larry Lawler and LG Brooks working on complex tax resolution cases. She has worked and consulted on many hundreds of cases in her career and is an instructor in the famous ASTPS Tax Resolution Accelerator (formerly known as the Boot Camp).

Steve Klitzner, Esq., CTRS

ASTPS Senior Instructor

Steve is the CEO of Florida Tax Solvers in Miami, FL and is an instructor of the ASTPS Accelerator. He is admitted to the US Supreme Court, US Tax Court, US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Steve is a frequent lecturer on Tax Resolution topics and has presented to thousands of practitioners around the country.

Mitchell Piper

ASTPS Director of Member Services

Mitch is the Director of Member Services at ASTPS and has been singularly focused on doing whatever it takes to make our members successful since 2014. Sometimes that means consulting one on one about marketing other times crafting programs on practice management. Mitch is a coach in the ASTPS Practice Builders program and marketing instructor in the Accelerator.

Lydia Zielinski

ASTPS Director of Membership

As the National Member Director at ASTPS, Lydia is passionate about supporting our members in their journey to grow successful tax resolution practices. From helping them find the right resources to guiding them toward the courses and tools they need to thrive in this industry. Outside of work she enjoys tackling DIY projects and exploring National Parks.

Carolyn Ryer

ASTPS Director of Events

As the Director of Events, Carolyn Ryer is dedicated to creating unforgettable event experiences for our members From planning logistics to curating engaging atmospheres, she ensures every event is both seamless and memorable for attendees. Outside of work, Carolyn has a passion for travel, skiing, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.

Book a Discovery Call!

If you’re interested in tax resolution but unsure about the best path forward, an ASTPS Discovery Call is the perfect next step. This free call is designed to help you clarify your goals, explore your options, and discover how ASTPS can support you in building a successful tax resolution practice.

During your call, we’ll discuss:

✔️ Your current tax practice and experience
✔️ Your goals for adding or expanding tax resolution services
✔️ The best ASTPS resources, training, and programs to fit your needs
✔️ How to take the next step toward mastering tax resolution

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your tax resolution business to the next level, this call will provide personalized guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

Book a Discovery Call

Become a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist

Set yourself apart from the competition with our Tax Resolution Certification, giving you the expertise and credibility to attract more clients.

Learn More

Fast-Track Your Success with the ASTPS Accelerator

If you’re ready to jumpstart your tax resolution business, our hands-on training program will give you everything you need to hit the ground running.

Learn More

Join ASTPS as a Member

Get ongoing support, advanced training, exclusive resources, and access to expert guidance to help you grow your tax resolution practice.

Learn More