Questions to Ask a Tax Resolution Specialist Before Hiring

Questions to Ask a Tax Resolution Specialist Before Hiring

Figuring out your taxes can be super confusing and stressful. Especially if you owe money to the IRS! That’s why hiring a tax resolution specialist is a great idea. These pros know all the ins and outs of tax law and can help you resolve issues with the IRS. But not all tax resolution specialists are created equal! You’ll wanna ask some key questions before hiring someone to make sure they’re the right fit for you.

What credentials do you have?

There are a few main credentials to look for in a tax resolution pro:

• CPA – Certified Public Accountant
• EA – Enrolled Agent
• JD – Juris Doctor (that means they’re a tax attorney)

These show the person has specific training and expertise in taxes and working with the IRS. Make sure to ask what licenses or designations they hold so you know you’re getting someone qualified.

How long have you been practicing tax resolution?

You’ll want someone with plenty of hands-on experience resolving tax issues. At least 5 years is good, 10+ years is ideal. The longer they’ve practiced, the more situations they’ve encountered and can handle for you.

What is your success rate?

Any tax pro worth their salt should have a high success rate resolving cases. Ask what percentage of their clients end up with a satisfactory outcome. Over 80% is great. Under 50% could be a red flag.

What does your process look like?

Make sure to understand what working with the tax specialist will entail. Will they handle communicating with the IRS for you? How often will you meet or speak? Do they walk you through every decision? Understanding the process upfront ensures no surprises down the road.

Can you provide references?

Reputable tax pros should be able to provide references from past clients. Speaking with previous customers gives you an idea of what to expect working with that person.

How do you charge for your services?

Tax specialists set fees in a variety of ways:

• Hourly rate
• Flat fee per service
• Contingency fee based on amount of tax savings

Make sure you understand how you’ll be billed so you aren’t shocked by costs.

Do you offer payment plans?

Many tax resolution services require large upfront payments, which can be difficult for taxpayers already struggling financially. Ask if they offer payment plans to spread costs over time.

How quickly can you start working on my case?

You’ll want someone who can start tackling your tax issues ASAP, so ask how soon they can begin. The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest may accrue.

Do you handle negotiations with the IRS?

Dealing with the IRS directly can be intimidating, so ideally your tax pro handles all communication for you. Make sure to clarify if they will negotiate on your behalf or if you’ll be expected to talk to the IRS yourself.

What are my options for resolving my tax debt?

A knowledgeable tax specialist should explain all potential options to address your tax issues, such as:

• Payment plans
• Offers in compromise
• Penalty abatement
• Currently not collectible status
• Innocent spouse relief

They should outline pros and cons of each option for your situation.

Can you guarantee the outcome?

Reputable tax pros won’t make outright guarantees since the IRS decides the final resolution. But they should express confidence in their ability to get you the best possible outcome.

Do you have experience with cases like mine?

Make sure to choose someone familiar with situations similar to yours. For example, if you’re a small business owner or self-employed, you want someone used to working with those types of taxpayers.

Will you defend me if audited in the future?

It’s good to know if the tax pro will represent you in any future audits or issues stemming from your current tax problems without charging additional fees.

Do you offer tax planning services?

Some tax specialists provide tax planning and advice to help prevent issues in the future. This added service can be beneficial.

Finding the right tax pro takes a bit of research, but it’s worth it. Asking these questions helps you identify red flags and find someone truly qualified to resolve your tax problems. With the right tax specialist on your side, you can finally put your tax troubles behind you for good!