What Should I Consider When Choosing A Tax Relief Service?

When you’re planning to negotiate with the IRS, it’s a good idea to have a tax relief service on your side. A typical taxpayer may not know how to advocate for themselves before the IRS. Additionally, a taxpayer may not understand his or her tax situation enough to be able to speak eloquently about it. When you’re ready to settle back taxes, you want to consider hiring a tax relief service to advocate and guide you. Read on for strategies that will help you choose the right tax relief service for your complicated tax matters.

A Tax Relief Service Must Have Experience

As you’re searching for a tax relief service, look for those who have years’ worth of experience in the industry. You don’t want a new firm or tax professional gaining experience at the expense of your case. It’s best to work with a tax resolution specialist who has been in the industry for several years or longer. An experienced tax resolution specialist can be beneficial because they have likely handled cases as complicated as yours. Tax resolution specialists with the most experience will also understand how current tax laws apply to your situation. A tax relief specialist can utilize the existing laws to your advantage when dealing with the IRS.

How Long Has The Tax Relief Service Company Been In Business?

The experience you get from a tax relief service directly correlates to how long it has been in business. If a company has been in business for at last five years, you can usually trust its team has the necessary experience. However, it depends on the type of expertise for which you’re looking. If you have a unique and complicated tax matter, you may want a tax relief service with more experience. The amount of time a company has been in business also directly correlates to the knowledge of the staff. It’s within your rights to ask a tax relief service how long they’ve been in business. A newer company may be cheaper, but also may lack the experience you need.

What Is The Company’s Better Business Bureau Rating?

You also may want to consider the tax relief services’ Better Business Bureau rating. Its BBB rating can provide insight into the company’s reputation. As you’re reviewing its BBB score, you’ll want to consider the following criteria:

• Company’s grade
• Overall rating
• Number of outstanding complaints
• Are there any outstanding lawsuits?

It’s not a good sign if the firm has numerous outstanding cases or complaints. If the company has many complaints, it could be a sign that it fails to serve its clients. A lousy rating could also be a sign that the company fails to solve tax resolution cases effectively. It’s essential to avoid retaining tax relief service firms that have negative BBB scores. Additionally, do not work with a tax resolution firm that has lawsuits and complaints filed against it.

What Are The Qualifications Of The Tax Relief Services Company?

Another item you want to assess when researching tax relief service companies is their qualifications. As a client, you want the staff of tax specialists to be able to assist you with whatever you need. Look or tax relief services that hire people who are licensed or certified as tax attorneys or tax resolution specialists. Ideally, these tax relief specialists should belong to professional organizations such as the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers. Tax attorneys should also have admittance to the state bar.

Ask For References

You can also ask a tax relief services company for references before you hire them. The tax relief services company should provide you with names and contact details for people who have used its services. It should be a red flag if the company refuses to provide you with references. Typically, if a company doesn’t want to give you recommendations, it’s because they aren’t operating with integrity. Once you have references to contact, ask them about:

• Their experience with the tax relief services company
• If the company adequately disclosed fees and costs
• Did they receive any surprises during their case
• Were the terms of agreement and services explained to them
• Was the staff professional and helpful

Based on the answers you get, you can determine if you want to retain the tax relief services company. 

How Much Will Tax Relief Services Cost?

Tax relief services companies should be upfront with you about their pricing. You should walk away knowing how much you can expect to pay for its services. Avoid tax companies that say they charge flat rates for their services. These companies may be hiding fees that you’ll have to pay later once your case is underway. Also, ask the tax company:

• How much do they charge per hour?
• What is the tax attorney’s retainer fee?
• Does the firm charge for expenses such as courier costs, documents preparation, and other miscellaneous fees

The tax company should provide you with the pricing details in writing. Also, the pricing details should not be subject to change without advance notice in writing. To help taxpayers pay for tax relief services, Platinum Tax Defenders partnered with Lending USA to offer unique financing options. Customers can enjoy up to 60 months of special financing.

Legitimate Tax Resolution Firms Don’t Offer a Guarantee

Never trust a tax resolution firm that offers guaranteed satisfaction. A tax resolution company cannot guarantee the outcome of your case. Additionally, a tax company cannot ensure you will get the resolution you want from the IRS. A good tax firm will tell you upfront that the outcome of your case will depend on factors such as:

• The amount you owe the IRS
• How old your debt is
• If the IRS is garnishing your wages or seizing your assets
• Can your case be resolved with an Offer in Compromise, Installment Agreement, or other tax relief plan

The above factors can make it challenging for a tax relief firm to guarantee the outcome of your case.

Platinum Tax Defenders Offers Free Consultations

If you’re looking for a reputable tax relief services firm, call Platinum Tax Defenders. The team of enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys is waiting for your call. Call today for a free consultation.