The Travis W. Watkins Tax Attorney Scholarship is a one-time $1,000 award for any current or soon-to-be student who has had his or her family's life altered because of tax controversies (back taxes owed, audits, etc.). The Travis W. Watkins Scholarship has a brief and 100% confidential submission process, and applicants will be judged on their ability to convey the importance of tax compliance as well as the journey of those challenges (including the impact of professional tax representation or lack of representation on the outcome).
Students applying must submit an essay where you explain, present, inspire, or otherwise convince us as to why you deserve to win this scholarship. There are no conditions or requirements for this essay. Please keep submissions to 5 paragraphs and 600 words at the absolute maximum. This is not a standardized test. While spelling, punctuation, and general cohesiveness will make your essay easier to read; and therefore judge, you are not being graded. The winning submission will be one which clearly conveys a non-fictional story of your life or someone that you know before and after an IRS or OK Tax Commission setback.
Tax and Accounting issues can be life-changing. We understand the importance of full disclosure and all essay submissions will be completely confidential. At no point will your essay be described to the public or the subject matter of the award. At Travis W. Watkins Tax Resolution & Accounting Firm, we provide troubled taxpayers with a customized, actionable plan to file old returns, negotiate with the IRS and stop immediate threats to their livelihood, so they can get a good night's sleep again. These solutions include Offer in Compromise, Innocent Spouse Relief, Currently Not Collectible or Hardship Status, Levy/Garnishment Releases, Bankruptcy, Penalty Abatements and Tax Lien Release. Each of these solutions has it's own unique intricacies that are best known by a tax attorney. Travis W. Watkins (Principal and senior tax attorney with offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas, and Norman) has helped save hundreds of thousands of dollars, their reputations and their families from financial ruin.
Whether they are a small business owner facing a payroll tax problem or an individual who owes thousands of dollars to the IRS, licensed tax lawyer Travis Watkins can use his thorough experience to help answer their questions. If they owe back taxes or have unfiled returns, the best thing they can do is seek help immediately.
Last day to apply for the scholarship is the last day in April or the last day in December of every year. You can submit through our webform or email to [email protected].
Relevant Tax Law & Accounting Resources:
- Oklahoma City Tax Attorney
- Tulsa Tax Attorney
- Tax Law Questions from IRS
- Accounting & Tax Training Institute
- The Compliance Costs of IRS Regulations
Previous Scholarship Winners
Fall 2019 Winner: Brittany Roadruck
Stress and Taxes “In this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.”-Benjamin Franklin This subject of owing back taxes is a highly personal one for me. My parents were both self-employed the majority of the time I was growing up, and in turn let their taxes go unpaid for a number of years. I don't think they did it out of sheer neglect, but rather the fact that they would have to take out more from their already meager earnings every week. In hindsight they would have been so much better off. The first time I remember hearing about their tax issue, I believe they were over 80 thousand dollars in debt. This was astonishing to me as I don't think they'd ever made that much in a year! They had not paid taxes in a few years and now it was starting to pile up. I think one of the most devastating manifestation of the back taxes occurred when my sister and I were offered a spur-of-the-moment trip to Japan, and they were unable to go, as they could not get a passport with their tax status. They were constantly either on the phone with the IRS or receiving letters from them. The fear of wage garnishment alone should be enough to make people do their taxes on time. If you have barely enough to get by, imagine even more of each meager paycheck being taken away for something that could have been prevented. This continued well into my middle and high school and beyond, thIs mass of looming debt they would never be able to pay. It wasn't until they contacted a tax attorney, someone like Travis W. Watkins, that they found relief. The lawyer's knowledge of the tax system combined with his willingness to help and his professionalism finally put them on the right path. They were able to make and offer that was a fraction of their original debt and pay that off in a short amount of time. I'd never seen a weight lift off someone's shoulder until the day I watched my mom pay the last settlement payment! They have lived without that tax bill for 3 years now and they change has been enormous. My dad was finally able to pursue a job that he wanted rather than one that would just pay the bills. My mom doesn't looked concerned every time she gets the mail. If it did anything, it has shown me the importance of paying your taxes on time, I usually file early now! Having an asset like the offices of Travis W.Watkins can really make all the difference when navigating your tax situations. Reach out for help, I promise it's worth it! -Brittany Roadruck