From: Lesley Bunning,President Tax Negotiation Center, Inc
If the IRS has garnished your wages chances are you will need professional help, choosing a qualified Tax Negotiator is very important:
How do you choose an IRS Negotiator? Before seeking help get the basics.
1.Research-
What is your Tax issue? Who is qualified to help you? Know the difference between a Tax Attorney, Certified Public Accountant CPA, and Enrolled Agent. Know your tax situation so you know who can help you and what questions to ask.
2.Experience & Qualifications-
How long has a firm been representing clients with YOUR same tax issues? What certifications or designations do they have that qualifies them?
Are they members of American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS)? These are individuals who have met the educational, experience, and examination requirements prescribed by ASTPS. These individuals are then Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS). This designation is restricted to Enrolled Agents, CPA’s or Attorney’s. ASTPS Members are in good standing and have proven expertise to resolve tax problems. The services a CTRS provides to individuals and businesses include securing Offers In Compromise, Installment Agreements, Penalty Abatement, Innocent Spouse Relief, Release of Liens or Levies, Non-Filer issues and many others.
Are they an Enrolled Agent? Enrolled Agents are licensed by the U.S. Department of Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the IRS, including collection and appeals functions.
3.Reputation-
How many people have they helped? What is their success rate? How long have they been in business? Always ask these important questions. Many firms offer services and guarantee results but don’t deliver on their promises. Know who your dealing with so that you make sure you are dealing with the best person to solve your individual tax problem.
4.Pricing-
Is the company you’ve hired able to give you a price? If they charge a retainer, does that come with a guarantee or just a start up fee? Make sure you know what your paying for and what results you will get for your money. If you don’t ask the right questions it may cost you thousands and you may still not have the answers. Be weary of false promises like, “we will settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar” Ask them how? Make sure you even qualify for an Offer In Compromise.
5.Time-
This goes right along with money. How long should it take to solve your Tax problems? This is a tough question because it can be a lengthy process, however a timeline should be provided for you. That means a list of things that needs to be done, how to do them etc.,
Why it’s important?
I am sharing this with you because in my 20 years in the industry the last thing people need when dealing with tax problems is to spend money and time they simply don’t have. Most people seek help when they are desperate. Desperate means out of time and out of money. You want to solve your tax crisis not add to it. So get informed and take action!