An interview with tax attorney Samuel Landis regarding important issues in resolving IRS problems. Topics include: how to choose the right representative and how to avoid making mistakes in dealing with the IRS. For more information please contact: slandis@scltaxlaw.com or (310)285-3999
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It is easy to get Tax Tax Liability Relief when you get your details correct. Internal Revenue Service Tax Debt Resolution for your tax debt issues can come to fruition when you use many of the Internal Revenue Service Tax Programs designed by the IRS. Internal Revenue Service Tax Debt Programs, like an Installment Agreement or an Offer in Compromise , assist you in taking care of or making obligations towards your the amount you owe to the IRS. There are various Tax Liability Programs designed for IRS Tax Resolution. Keep reading to determine which IRS Tax Liability Process is the better technique to achieve IRS Tax Debt Relief.
Tax Relief aid Tax Debt Resolution with these IRS Tax Debt Packages:
Installment Agreement: One of the crucial popular IRS Tax Debt Relief programs stands out as the Internal Revenue Service Installment Agreement. This IRS Tax Debt Technique makes it to enable you to pay your IRS bills regularly, and it’s an excellent type of IRS Tax Relief. As long as you submit your monthly obligations with this particular Tax Liability Method, an IRS levy won’t be implemented in opposition to you. When you continue with your monthly payments for this IRS Tax Debt Program, complete IRS Tax Liability Resolution is going to be guaranteed.
Tax Debt Settlement: Many individuals seek Tax Liability Relief or Internal Revenue Service Tax Debt Resolution though Tax Debt Strategies that vow to handle what you owe for “Pennies on the Dollar.” These assertions are incorrect; a small number of people will be eligible for an IRS Tax Liability Plan that grants Internal Revenue Service Tax Relief through low IRS settlements. In the event you come across a person who claims they have an Internal Revenue Service Tax Liability Strategy lets you compromise what you owe the IRS for “Pennies on the Dollar,” proceed with caution.
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The Internal Revenue Service Tax Debt System for honestly settling Internal Revenue Service Tax Liability is the “Offer in Compromise (OIC).” Using this type of Internal Revenue Service Tax Debt System, you apply for a proposal to the Internal Revenue Service of what you would like to cover to satisfy your tax debt, and if they accept it, you can take care of what you owe for less than the amount you owe. This isn’t the safest option for IRS Tax Debt Conclusion, as only a few Americans will certainly qualify for an Offer in Compromise . In case you don’t qualify from this particular Internal Revenue Service Tax Debt Method, other kinds of Internal Revenue Service Tax Debt Relief are obtainable.
IRS Halt on Collections: In the even that you simply aren’t able to afford to cover the IRS, a particular Internal Revenue Service Tax Liability Relief Tax Technique is available to you. This method is called “Internal Revenue Service Suspended Collections.” Essentially, the Internal Revenue Service halts collection actions temporarily so you can get back on your feet monetarily. This kind of IRS Tax Liability Method grants non permanent Internal Revenue Service Tax Relief, but you must take note that it is not a everlasting Tax Debt Resolution. Once your money situation gets better, you will need to seek out one more form of Internal Revenue Service Tax Relief.
Expert Internal Revenue Service Tax Liability Programs: Tax Solution Businesses often offer excellent Internal Revenue Service Tax Debt Packages which help you achieve the most beneficial Tax Relief or Tax Solution. These IRS Tax Systems are usually mainly chosen to offer the most effective Tax Relief any time you elect to work with a professional.
Achieve Tax Liability Relief Immediately: It’s of great importance to act fast if you wish to achieve Tax Relief, whatever Internal Revenue Service Tax Liability Program you pick . Until an IRS Tax Liability Program or Internal Revenue Service Tax Resolution is picked, the Internal Revenue Service will continue to threaten you with collection efforts.
Receive qualified tax liability relief by visiting IRS-Tax-Settlement-HQ.com right now and see how we can start assisting you with your tax liability matter in the course of a zero cost debt assessment with a tax professional. Get back taxes and wage garnishments resolved fast!
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You can obtain a positive tax resolution in case you are enmeshed in a tax dispute with the Inner Income Service. Tax debt reduction will be brought about with the help of Enrolled Agents (EA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Tax attorneys or Tax accountants. Numerous treatments are at your disposal together with Provide in Compromise, Innocent Partner Relief, Injured Spouse Reduction, At present Not Collectible, the Assortment Due Process (CDP) and statute of limitation analysis.
Even when you have a size-able tax liability, that seems monumental or haven’t filed taxes in years, your tax issues might be resolved. An acute tax dispute can lead to a tax lien being filed, your financial institution accounts being attached, wages garnished, and the confiscation of your property. A tax resolution with the IRS can prevent dealing with or lessen the impression of those consequences.
As laborious as it might seem, it is attainable to reach a tax resolution and settle the dispute for much lower than the quantity owed. This can be achieve through a “Provide in Compromise”, which is a settlement or agreement between you and the IRS for delinquent taxes, for an quantity a lot less than the unique tax owed. It has been shown that approval rates are greatest when skilled tax help has been enlisted.
In case you are unable to satisfy a declare of legal responsibility by instantly paying it in full to resolve your tax issues there’s a glorious tax debt aid alternative. An Installment settlement with the IRS can bring a few tax resolution. This may assist you to pay in smaller, extra affordable, amounts over time.
“At present Not Collectible” is one other tax debt aid technique, this means that you the taxpayer doesn’t have the power to repay your tax debt. After receiving concrete proof that the taxpayer doesn’t have the capability to pay, the IRS can affirm you “At present Not Collectible”. As soon as this occurs all recovery and collection activity is discontinued, including levies and garnishment. You will nevertheless obtain an annual assertion that states the quantity of tax nonetheless owed. While your status is “At the moment Not Collectible” the ten yr statute of limitations on tax debt assortment stays in force. If after the ten yr interval the tax debt will not be collected it expires.
It’s sensible to not negotiate with the IRS for tax debt relief without skilled tax help. Professionals like CPA’s, tax attorneys and Enrolled Agents needs to be sought out if your tax points involve unfiled returns, lacking records, garnishment or the threat of property seizure, levies or different penalties. If it is an installment settlement, a “Supply in Compromise” you need or to be declared “At present Not Collectible” their advice and illustration will be priceless in this arena.
Because the IRS is in the business of gathering and recovering taxes, they’re receptive to severe offers which might be affordable and will help them obtain these aims. Even when the amount collected is a fraction of the original tax debt this is considered as a win and a closed case by the IRS. It is a win-win for you, the tax debt might be resolved and for lower than the unique amount. You will truly be serving to your government to succeed in a tax resolution and shut a case while you search a tax resolution. Go for it.
If you need tax relief help, contact a CPA to help with IRS problems.
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Tax-burdened Americans seeking professional help in solving their IRS problems have more options today than ever before. The tax debt relief industry has seen dramatic growth over the past 5 years as many companies have entered the arena to offer help to taxpayers impacted by a sharp increase in IRS tax compliance enforcement.
But lately, many of these so-called tax resolution firms have been making headlines for misleading consumers with deceptive advertising and false claims that they can settle taxpayers’ debt for “pennies on the dollar.” Consequently, many firms have been exposed for taking advantage of people seeking tax assistance. For a fee, they promise to help taxpayers, but instead leave them with their original tax debt, plus additional interest and penalties.
Now consumers are being urged to use caution when dealing with firms that claim they can help taxpayers reduce their back taxes. But how do consumers choose from the large number of companies out there that offer tax relief assistance? And more importantly, how do they know they won’t end up getting ripped off?
When selecting a firm, remember that these are the people who will represent you before the IRS. Therefore it is important that you hire a professional who is well versed in tax law and IRS procedures. IRS representation is a complicated field with many different laws to interpret. While any Attorney, CPA or Enrolled Agent can represent clients before the IRS, few are truly qualified to provide the knowledge, experience and negotiating skills needed to successfully represent a taxpayer before the IRS.
When hiring a tax resolution company, keep in mind the following:
1. As a rule, the firm’s track record is the best objective indicator of how that firm will manage your case. What is the firm’s success rate? How many Offers in Compromise has the firm successfully settled? What is the total dollars negotiated in settlements divided by total dollars in tax, interest and penalties owed? Additionally, the credentials should be substantiated by an independent third party, like the Better Business Bureau. You can also ask the firm if they have been designated a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist.
2. Be leery of demands that the company be paid in full upfront. Trust is a two-way street. If you can trust that the company will provide the services as promised in their agreement, they in turn must trust that you will pay them and begin working 100% for you upon receiving a “good faith” retainer.
3. A taxpayer with a troubling problem should turn and run the other way if a company “guarantees” specific results. They are telling you what you want to hear, whether or not it’s really possible. Know that there are no sure fire ways to reduce your liability and that contrary to some companies’ claims, not everyone qualifies for the IRS Offer In Compromise program. Companies must obtain your background information and proper documentation before evaluating your situation and determining your options. An honest company will ask you lots of questions upfront in your initial consultation in order to understand the precise needs and specifics of your case.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for the names of the owners of the company. Any hesitation by their representatives is a definite cautionary red flag that they don’t want you to know who is behind the company and ultimately responsible for your case.
5. Be sure to ask, “How long has your company been in business?” Most new companies (no matter what the business is) never make it due to a wide variety of reasons. In today’s difficult financial climate you don’t want to get stuck with a company that hasn’t been in business for at least five years. Otherwise, they might not even be in business six months from now.
6. Be especially cautious when dealing with high-pressure sales people. They are usually working in a “boiler room” where they’ve been trained to prey upon a taxpayer’s fears.
7. Always ask about the people who will be doing the work on your behalf. When will you be contacted once you retain their services? Will your phone calls and emails be returned promptly? Will your case be assigned to someone in particular so that there is real accountability? That’s another reason to never give a firm 100% of your hard-earned money upfront. Once they have your full payment, you have no recourse.
Michael Rozbruch is one of the nation’s leading tax experts. A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS), licensed CPA and the founder of Tax Resolution Services. He helps individuals and small businesses solve their IRS problems and is dedicated to educating the public on tax planning and other strategies for managing their personal and business finances.
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Because the IRS is increasing enforcement to unprecedented levels, there’s been an increase in the number of unethical tax resolution scams preying on people who owe back taxes. This year we’ve already seen rising numbers of consumer complaints about tax resolution scams. In tough economic times, it’s especially important to not ignore IRS problems. Taxpayers must realize that they have to be careful when choosing a tax relief professional to resolve their back taxes and IRS problems.
Here are 9 tips for protecting yourself from tax relief scams including how to choose a qualified Certified Tax Resolution Specialist or expert tax attorney.
Protecting yourself from tax relief scams tip #1: Beware of tax resolution firms that overstate their success rate. One way to protect yourself from an unethical tax resolution firm is to avoid tax resolution firms that overstate their success rate. According to Consumer Affairs, it’s not uncommon for firms to misrepresent their ability to provide tax help. In some instances, companies will misrepresent their staff’s professional skills and experience in addition to failing to provide promised services. It’s important that Americans beware of tax relief firms that overstate their ability to reduce IRS debt. Look for a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist firm that puts potential clients through a rigorous in-depth interview process to find out if they qualify for an IRS tax settlement – and will not allow a client to retain their tax resolution services unless the taxpayer is a legitimate candidate for tax relief. This ethical and honest approach to tax resolution will guarantee that the Certified Tax Resolution Specialist you choose, chooses you too.
Protecting yourself from tax relief scams tip #2: Know what questions to ask before you hire your tax representation.
There are a number of important questions to ask your prospective tax resolution firm before hiring them on as your IRS battle-mates. In order to ensure that your tax attorney will be working in your best interest instead of simply charging you enormous service fees, you will need to treat your research process as you would a job interview. Here questions to ask before you hire your tax representation.
Protecting yourself from tax relief scams tip #3: Hire a firm that is responsive to your needs. A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist is responsive and will make sure you don’t pay a penny more than what you owe. A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist will take over all communication with the IRS and make sure you stop clocking interest and penalties. Unfortunately there are tax resolution scam companies out there that won’t take you calls, don’t respond to the IRS and make your back taxes troubles much worse than if you never hired the unethical tax relief professional. In addition to having a multi-year track record of success, Certified Tax Resolution Specialists have to keep up both continuing education and a high success rate with a wide variety of tax cases.
Protecting yourself from tax relief scams tip #4: Qualified tax resolution professionals provide immediate relief through Power of Attorney.
When you get tax help from a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist, you get the benefit of them working completely on your behalf. The Certified Tax Resolution Specialist will file a tax Power of Attorney (POA) with the IRS. This will provide you with immediate relief because from this point on the IRS will be required to contact your Certified Tax Resolution Specialist instead of you. If they should happen to contact you, all you need to do is politely request that they contact your Certified Tax Resolution Specialist directly and provide them with the phone number. A separate POA may be required for any State problem.
Protecting yourself from tax relief scams tip #5: Beware of firms that guarantee results without even seeing your information. One of the hallmarks of the tax resolution scam is someone who promises you a specific outcome without an in depth review of your specific tax matter. Every situation is unique and the IRS agent on the other side of the table is always an unknown factor. There are no guarantees in life. Anyone who gives you a guarantee is unrealistic and unprofessional at best, or a tax resolution scam at worst. A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist will get to know their client’s specific problem and educate them on tax resolution options for their specific case so that they have realistic expectations.
Protecting yourself from tax relief scams tip #6: Know when to work directly with the IRS to resolve back taxes.
If your back taxes debt is less than ,000, most Certified Tax Resolution Specialists won’t take you as a client. A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist wants to create a win-win situation, where the taxpayer gets needed tax relief and the Certified Tax Resolution Specialist earns their fee. If your back taxes debt is relatively small (less than ,000), most often you can work directly with the IRS to resolve you back taxes.
Protecting yourself from tax relief scams tip #7: Understand the costs associated with resolving your specific IRS problem. Tax resolution scams will often low-ball their representation fees, quoting a seemingly low cost but neglecting to you tell you that the average Offer in Compromise takes 6-10 months. Additionally, because a high percentage of Offers are rejected by the IRS, these cases often have to go to the appellate level – at which point these firms will then turn around and hit the client with additional appellate representation fees. Look for firms that charge a fixed fee for their tax resolution services and can explain exactly what will be involved with achieving a settlement for your specific IRS problem.
Protecting yourself from tax relief scams tip #8: Know the truth about Offer in Compromise tax settlements. A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist has a track record of success with the IRS. You get that success rate by negotiating realistic Offers in Compromise with the IRS. An IRS tax relief scam might give you an impressive number of Offers In Compromise they have filed, but the number of OICs a tax resolution firm files is not what matters. Find out what percentage of their Offers in Compromise are accepted by the IRS (their success rate). Because Certified Tax Resolution Specialists are usually realistic with the cases they file, they often have the best track record for getting Offers in Compromise accepted.
Protecting yourself from tax relief scams tip #9: Know the difference between a tax specialist and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS)? Tax specialist has no meaning. What matters is being a Certified Resolution Specialist. Certified Tax Resolution Specialists are certified by the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers. The ASTPS is a national, not-for-profit organization of professionals who specialize in representing taxpayers before the IRS.
In order to obtain this certification, licensed professionals (tax attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents) have to take and pass an exam administered by the ASTPS, prove directly related experience in the tax relief niche (two years), and be a CPA, tax attorney or enrolled agent in good standing with their respective state that licenses/regulates them. A Certified tax Resolution Specialist is uniquely qualified to successfully solve IRS problems – from negotiating tax settlements and IRS payment plans to removing or modifying IRS and bank levies - day in and day out. So whether you are looking for a tax attorney or a firm comprised of attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents you can research the ASTPS site and click on Find a Tax Problem Solver to determine if they are Certified Tax Resolution Specialists.
To combat tax resolution scams, you’ve got to arm yourself with knowledge. But your best insurance to protect you from tax resolution scams is getting someone you know you can trust on your team.
For more information on how to resolve your back taxes and remove IRS bank levies, visit www.taxresolution.com for a free tax relief consultation or call 866-IRS-PROBLEMS.
Michael Rozbruch is one of the nation’s leading tax experts. A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS), licensed CPA and the CEO & Founder of Tax Resolution Services. He helps individuals and small businesses solve their IRS problems and is dedicated to educating the public on tax planning and other strategies for managing their personal and business finances.
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While taxpayers are allowed to represent themselves before the IRS, many taxpayers seeking tax relief find dealing with the IRS frustrating, time-consuming, intimidating or all of the above. So they make the decision to hire professional tax help (specialized tax attorney, tax resolution firm, etc.) to negotiate with the IRS on their behalf. An experienced tax attorney or Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS) who specializes in providing tax relief to individuals and businesses can help resolve tax problems at both the state and federal level. Before you hire a tax resolution professional, check out these top tips for choosing a good tax relief expert to help you resolve your IRS problems.
Tax Relief Professional Hiring Tip #1 – Understand the cost of going solo: There are many advantages to hiring an income tax attorney or Certified Tax Resolution Specialist, but the greatest advantage is peace of mind and knowing that you are not taking unnecessary risks with your personal and financial freedom. Going in front of the IRS without a tax attorney is like defending yourself in a murder trial. You’ll get creamed. To paraphrase the wise old saying, “He who acts as his own tax attorney has a fool for a client.” Even if you can’t afford to pay your back taxes or have years of unfiled delinquent tax returns, a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist or tax attorney can help you settle your IRS debt by increasing your chances of resolving your back taxes and helping you qualify for a tax relief settlement where you only pay back only a fraction of what you owe.
Tax Relief Professional Hiring Tip #2 – Don’t be penny wise but pound foolish: Even when you know you need a tax attorney, it can still be a difficult decision to make when faced with their fees. However, know that not getting professional tax help can be even more costly. To get the tax relief you need, you need to leverage the specialized knowledge that only an expert income tax attorney or Certified Tax Resolution Specialist can provide. In many instances, retaining professional and reliable tax attorney and tax resolution services will often result in more affordable IRS payment plans and lesser tax penalties. However, when you owe back taxes and you need a tax attorney’s help to get the tax relief you want, the issue at stake is more than just what is on your balance sheet. Issues with back taxes and other IRS problems can be both financially and personally crippling – so you will want to resolve them swiftly and permanently.
Tax Relief Professional Hiring Tip #3 – Understand your tax settlement options: Your tax attorney or Certified Tax Resolution Specialist should help you understand the process for resolving tax debt so that you have realistic expectations for solving your specific tax problem. Because the IRS has very strict guidelines governing eligibility for tax settlement, your tax relief professional needs to let you know up front what tax settlement options are viable for resolving your specific IRS problems.
Tax Relief Professional Hiring Tip #4 – Know that every tax relief case is different: To get the tax relief you need, you will need personalized attention rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to tax resolutions. Beyond being able to leverage the specialized knowledge only an income tax attorney or Certified Tax Resolution Specialist can provide, you will want to choose a firm with extensive experience and an exceptional track record for tax relief success to help ensure your unique case is in good hands.
Tax Relief Professional Hiring Tip #5 – Look for a firm that offers transparency. It’s unfortunate that there are some tax relief firms out there that will lowball their initial fees – without letting taxpayers know about additional fees that may be involved further down the road. This is a popular tactic that firms use to secure a client. They start the process by quoting entry-level fees – intentionally leaving out the fact that the Offer in Compromise process can take up to 6-7 months. Because a high percentage of Offers are rejected by the IRS, these cases often have to go to the appellate level – at which point these firms will then turn around and hit the client with additional appellate representation fees. You will want to choose a firm that will help you understand exactly what’s involved with achieving a settlement for your specific IRS problem.
Tax Relief Professional Hiring Tip #6 – A tax attorney will keep you out of future IRS trouble: Hiring professional tax attorneyand tax resolution servicescan not only help you resolve IRS problems from the past, but it can also help you achieve permanent tax relief, making sure you don’t run into tax problems in the future.
Hiring a good Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS) or tax attorney can help significantly increase your chances of securing offer in compromise settlements, IRS payment plans, penalty abatement, innocent spouse relief, release of liens or levies, non-filer issues and many other tax settlements.
For more information on how to get IRS tax relief, visit www.taxresolution.com for a free tax relief consultation or call 866-IRS-PROBLEMS.
Michael Rozbruch is one of the nation’s leading tax experts. A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS), licensed CPA and CEO & founder of Tax Resolution Services. He helps individuals and small businesses solve their IRS problems and is dedicated to educating the public on tax planning and other strategies for managing their personal and business finances.
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Finding a tax professional to solve your tax problems is like the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Make the right choice and all your wounds will be healed. Make the wrong choice and you’ll be turned into a screaming shriveled skeleton. Whether it’s a tax attorney, certified public account or certified tax resolution specialist (CTRS), it’s important to choose your tax representative wisely.
If you’ve got tax problems, like delinquent tax returns, back taxes, payroll taxes or other tax collection or audit issues, your first instinct may be to open up the yellow page or Google or ask around for recommendations. Great, now you’ve got some names, but how can you find the right expert to give you the IRS help you need?
To avoid paying a high hourly rate unnecessarily, go through this tax attorney/CPA/tax resolution specialist interview checklist first. This checklist will help you weed out the tax relief scammers, as well as the merely inept attorneys and CPAs out there who will leave you with their high fees, your original tax debt, plus additional penalties and charges.
Print out this article and ask the following questions.
Before you face a tax attorney or tax resolution professional, first look in the mirror to get a handle on your tax problem.
Are you looking at personal income tax issues (you are an innocent spouse or a victim of tax fraud), business tax problems (such as unpaid payroll taxes, sales taxes), estate taxes, foundation or charity tax issues? Are you dealing with just federal or state taxes too? Do you have tax problems in multiple states or jurisdictions? Does the IRS know about the issue yet or have you just discovered it? Did the IRS contact you but you’ve buried your head in the sand hoping it would go away? Are your records a shambles? Can you attempt a true reckoning of what happened? Has the IRS come to your home or place of business? Has the IRS demanded an in-person audit? Has the IRS garnished your wages, put in tax liens or seized any property?
Answering these questions will help you decide what kind of tax help you need.
When you get tax problem resolution professional recommendations from friends, you need to compare apples to apples. While a CPA will have a cheaper hourly rate than a great tax lawyer, they can’t do what a good tax lawyer can. A great CPA can put your tax records in order so you can get a true accounting of the “historical” road just travelled, but they probably shouldn’t take you into battle with the IRS because they don’t spend all their time negotiating tax resolutions the way specialized tax professionals do. You need someone who battles the IRS for a living, who has learned the latest laws and knows all the secrets to helping resolve your tax problem.
That’s why some tax resolution firms offer a team of expert tax professionals to help you get the best possible outcome for your tax settlement. So before you rack up those high hourly charges, you need to make sure you are talking to the right tax professional who can do the job for you. You will be hiring this tax attorney, so treat your initial consultation as what it should be, a job interview.
Questions to ask a tax attorney, CPA or certified tax resolution specialist:
About the firm:
1. How long has they been in business solving IRS problems? The longer they have been handling negotiations with the IRS the better. A lawyer or CPA firm may just do tax law on the side and not be dedicated to knowing the ins and outs of IRS negotiations.
2. How many tax attorneys do they have on staff? (Some firms are only CPAs, some are nothing but former IRS agents, some are straight law firms with only one or two tax attorneys). If you don’t do tax resolution day in and day out, you don’t know all the loopholes, tricks and tools. Look for someone who is a certified tax resolution specialist, they have to take a special exam and have a number of years of experience and continuing education in this field. There are only about 200 in the entire country who actually do this as a living.
3. What is their success rate with tax cases? Don’t take a generic number here. Ask about the success rate for cases like yours. Don’t expect a perfect score. For example in most cases the Offer in Compromise is a starting offer. Only about 2% are immediately accepted by the IRS. The more important number is comparing cases like yours. What is the total dollar amount negotiated in settlements divided by total dollars in tax, interest and penalties owed? In short, how much did these tax attorneys save their clients?
4. Do they offer a guarantee? Run away if they do. No one can guarantee anything.
5. Does the law firm or tax resolution company want all the money up front? If they do, run. Once tax professionals have your money, they have no incentive to go the extra mile for you. If your tax attorney, tax resolution specialist or CPA wants some “good faith money” that’s fine.
6. Do they give you a high pressure sales pitch? If they are pushing that hard, that’s a warning sign to stay away. In many cases when you get a sales pitch you are talking with a salesperson, not a tax attorney or tax resolution specialist who can help you.
7. Check out your potential tax attorney or tax resolution firm with the Better Business Bureau, but keep in mind the volume of people the company serves. If the company has 20 complaints over three years but has served 5,000 clients in that time, that’s a 0.4% failure rate, or said differently a 99.6% satisfaction rate. Even that can be misleading because the BBB only tracks complaints, not resolutions. Even if the client got a full refund and 100% satisfaction, the client can’t withdraw their complaint once it is filed with the BBB. You could also Google their name with the words “complaint,” “rip-off” and “scam.” And if they are a tax attorney, check with your state’s bar to see if they have any complaints against them.
8. Ask for the names of the people who own the law firm or tax resolution company. If your contact is elusive on this, run. Bottom line, you need to know who runs the show. You need the name of the owner, NOT the senior tax attorney. If your IRS case goes south or the tax attorney handling your case is a problem, you need to know exactly who you can complain to or who to seek redress from.
9. Find out the name of the tax attorney or tax resolution specialist who will be taking your case. Find out how quickly they respond to your inquiries. Do they answer their phone or email promptly? Ask for references of satisfied customers for that specific tax attorney or tax resolution professional. (Given the confidentiality of tax resolution work, a personal reference for a tax attorney might be hard to come by.)
10. Does the tax attorney or tax resolution firm have experience in multi-jurisdictional issues? Because the IRS is a federal agency, there are three people permitted to practice before the IRS. You have to be an active licensed member of the state bar, a certified public accountant actively licensed or an enrolled agent. No matter where they live, they can represent the taxpayer before the IRS is all 50 states.
11. Will this tax attorney or tax resolution specialist go with you to an in-person audit? Although 90% of tax resolution work is done over the phone, electronically or via FedEx, sometimes you need a tax attorney to literally hold your hand in an audit. But don’t choose a tax attorney just because they have an office near your home. An accident of geography doesn’t mean they are the right tax attorney for the job. In many cases a national firm such as ours can make sure you never have to darken the door of an IRS audit.
12. How can they help you if the IRS wants to come to your home or business?
13. Is the firm just a tax form filler? Just because they prepare a lot tax returns doesn’t mean they are ready to battle the IRS. There are a number of tax resolution and “tax attorney” scams that do nothing but type up an Offer in Compromise and just mail it to the IRS. That’s all the service these “tax attorneys” provide. These companies are at best, a waste of time and money and at worst, a one-way ticket to big trouble.
14. What are their prices? Don’t be penny-wise but pound-foolish. Don’t just lock onto a tax attorney or tax resolution firm’s low price. Look for value and the number of services you get. Will this tax attorney or tax resolution professional give you preparation of all IRS forms, all backup documentation, and all negotiation with the IRS?
When you meet or interview your tax resolution specialist or tax attorney ask them:
1. Where did this tax attorney or CPA go to school for tax resolution? How current are they (how much continuing education is this tax attorney taking)?
2. How long has this tax attorney or tax professional practiced tax resolution, not straight tax law but real battle with the IRS for tax resolution?
3. What percentage of their jobs are tax problems like yours?
4. Who is their direct supervisor? What is their contact information?
5. Does the individual tax attorney, CPA or tax resolution specialist have references?
6. What is his/her personal success rate? (How many Offers in Compromise settlements have been accepted and what was the negotiated amount owed versus the initial amount of taxes owed and penalties? In short, how much has this individual tax attorney or tax resolution professional saved clients? How does this tax attorney or tax resolution specialist compare to the rest of the firm: above average or below?)
7. What sorts of releases for tax liens, levies, etc. have they achieved? How fast?
8. What sorts of penalties (like mine) have this tax attorney/ tax resolution specialist gotten waived?
9. What sorts of installment agreements in situations like mine has this tax attorney or tax resolution professional negotiated and what was the payment schedule?
Once you are convinced you have found the tax attorney or tax resolution specialist that can help you, you’ll feel like you’ve found the Holy Grail. Choose wisely.
For more information on achieving a tax resolution for your IRS problems or back taxes, visit www.taxresolution.com for a free tax relief consultation or call 866-IRS-PROBLEMS.
Michael Rozbruch is one of the nation’s leading tax experts. A Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS), licensed CPA and the founder of Tax Resolution Services. He helps individuals and small businesses solve their IRS problems and is dedicated to educating the public on tax planning and other strategies for managing their personal and business finances.
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