All attorneys and accountants have experience with the IRS.
Only a small number of lawyers and accountants have actual experience dealing with the IRS. Some attorneys only draft documents and many accountants never go beyond routine accounting matters. This is because tax resolution is its own field, separate from preparation or compliance work, and it takes direct exposure to collection procedures to learn it.
Large national tax resolution firms are better than a Tax Resolution Professional.
National firms have no advantage over local Tax Resolution Professionals and often work at a disadvantage. A local professional understands the regional economy and any local issues that affect taxpayers in the area. National firms often do not know state-specific tax rules and may use one-size-fits-all methods for situations that need a closer look.
A tax professional who guarantees results is better than those who do not.
No legitimate Tax Resolution Professional can guarantee results. The IRS has the final say on every case. Firms that promise “pennies on the dollar” settlements often file weak Offer in Compromise applications, leaving taxpayers in worse shape than before. So it’s better to bet on skills and experience to raise the chances of a good outcome.
You cannot negotiate with the IRS on my own.
You can negotiate directly with the IRS. The real question is whether you should. A Tax Resolution Specialist acts as a go-between, handling calls and putting together proposals that fit IRS rules. They also know how to appeal when the first decision goes against the taxpayer.
You cannot get help if you have not filed taxes in years.
Help is still there no matter how far behind you are on filing. The first step by tax professionals is getting those late returns filed. Once the returns are in, the real debt becomes clear. From there, your tax resolution professional can help you look at resolution options, including penalty abatement and payment plans.
Ghost preparers are fine as long as they get the job done.
Ghost preparers finish returns but will not sign them or give their credentials. Without a signature and a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number, you take full blame for any mistakes. Professionals with good rapport sign the returns they work on. That signature means they stand behind the work.
