How to choose an IRS Problem Advisor - A Checklist
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NO
red flag! |
Impressions |
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- Do you believe that this firm offers personalized, customized services tailored to your unique situation (vs. one-size-fits-all solutions)?
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- Did the firm avoid making guarantees of financial results or “pennies-on-the-dollar” solutions?
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- Have you checked the Better Business Bureau (or state authorities) for this firm’s record?
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- Will the person handling your case be easy to reach (you have the direct phone line, email, etc.)? Is the telephone at the firm answered by a person, not a voice prompt 'tree' or voice mail system during regular business hours?
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- Did the company offer you an initial free, no-obligation consultation?
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Questions to ask |
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- Who will be my point of contact while my case is being handled?
(You want to make sure your point of contact is the person actually working on your case and representing you before the IRS through power-of-attorney..)
- Will I have direct access to you during business hours to discuss the specifics of my case? (for example, via direct telephone line or email)
- How long has your firm been representing people with tax problems?
- Is tax problem resolution your (or your firm’s) only specialty?
- Are you an Enrolled Agent, CPA or Attorney licensed to practice in the state of [the state where your taxes are filed]?
- How many consultants will be working on my case? (The more people working on your case, the less individual attention it gets.)
- If I can’t reach you during business hours, who will be able to help me?
- Do you have some references I can see from your own clients? (not just the firm's clients)
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About this checklist
Thousands of tax representation firms have sprung up in the past decade, making it difficult and confusing to know where to turn with an IRS problem. Follow the old adage – if it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is! A legitimate tax advisor will not offer you financial guarantees, make ‘pennies-on-the-dollar’ promises, or offer to fix your problem for a rock bottom fee (which is either wasted without results, or escalates into unanticipated thousands as time goes on.) Most complaints regarding tax resolution services revolve around impossible-to-reach consultants who take your money and don’t communicate (or make) any progress. The last thing you need is more financial headaches – so be sure to research the tax resolution company you hire before you hand over any of your hard-earned money!
