How can you tell if a firm is on the level about their claims? Ask for a copy of a firm’s recent Offer acceptance letters from the IRS, taxpayer name, SS, & case # has to be blacked out for obvious reasons. The date of the filing and acceptance is on it, that way you will at least know they have gotten one done (they better have more than one). If they will not show you they probably don’t have any or you’re talking to phony sales shyster. Also ask for references, with good questions you should be able to tell a real person from these firm’s fake reference actors.
A new client the other day called after they worked with a firm famous for their huge TV advertising budget, pseudo offices in every city populated by “ex-siding” salespeople who promise the world to get their commission (never, never, pay full fees in advance), and their ability to collect fees and do very little for the client.
This caller had paid 4k to this firm and after a year and half the firm couldn’t even prepare four simple 1040 returns correctly. This firm is famous to telling client’s it is their fault, changing contacts, and losing the file, and somehow can still charge their account without a problem. Why do these firms usually advertise their great BBB rating and why doesn’t’ the BBB rating reflect the real type of firm they are?
So they hired our company and within six months the Offer was filed and accepted. Why do people keep hiring these turkeys we will never know. It is sad that so many people are wasting their money on empty promises.

Most of us have read about Wesley Snipes 12 million tax problem with the IRS, unfortunately this happens to thousands of taxpayers each year. I actually feel sorry for him because despite his apparent bad judgment, he did hire a “professional” to do his taxes; they broke the trust by taking advantage of him. Charging a percentage was unethical and now illegal by IRS circular 230.

The story usually goes like this, the taxpayer meets an accountant or CPA through a friend or co-worker that performs miracles on tax returns, giving the client huge refunds or explains why you don’t have to pay taxes through their unique brand of voodoo. Next, the IRS audits a return prepared by this magical accountant/CPA, and then you guessed it, the outcome is nasty for the taxpayer and then IRS audits everyone the accountant/CPA prepared returns for. The taxpayer then has to return of the refund for one or more years with the penalties and interested charged by the IRS, this creates a huge problem for the taxpayer, hence, the reason they contact us seeking help. Most of our clients tax debts are obviously much smaller than Wesley Snipes, but the problem is just a big in their world.

If it sounds too be good…it usually is.

In 2001, I made a carreer change that also changed my tax filing status from a company employee (W-2) to an independant contractor (1099). This means that I was now responsible for saving part of my income in order to make quarterly payments to the IRS. Well, I was enjoying this new income that wasn’t being taxed (yet), and all along , I had every entention of making my tax obligations. It just seemed that something would always come up that I would rather spend the money on. “I will start next month,” I would say to myself, and “next month” never got here. This went on for about five years without a word from the IRS. Then, I finally decided to do something about it, and quickly learned that I was so far into deabt to the government that I might not ever recover (penalties and interest add up FAST!). I filed my returns and tried dealing with it on my own, but I was no match for my debtors. They wanted ALL of their money, RIGHT AWAY…..and if I didn’t have it, they were going to take everything I brought in until it was paid for.

Then I surfed the web to learn more about my rights, and in doing so, I came across numerous sites were companies claiming to have the solution. I responded to a few of them and soon found myself speaking to several “used car salesman” like personalities who were promising to reduce my liabilities to “PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR”. They immediately made me uncomfortable and I was quick to end the conversations (thank god). Then I got a call from Jeff, at IRS & State Tax relief Associates. I knew instantly that he was different from the ones previous. He answered only the questions that he could respond to honestly, saving the rest for when he was familiar with my case. I decided to move foward by obtaining his services and I know now it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I left it all up to him and his associates and they really came through. Not only did they get the levy lifted, but they negotiated a monthly installment plan that is easy for me to pay. It was honestly like a breath of fresh air. I can once again sleep through the night and focus on what it is that I do best, rather than constantly worrying about what might happen to me and my family.

If there is anyone in a similar situation, I would certainly give Jeff a call. These guys are professional, respectful, they follow up, they take pride in what they do, and best of all…..they care.

Jamie
Corpus Christi, Texas