Are they on the level?
October 30, 2006
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.
January 16th, 2007 at 1:43 am
I have a good deal of tax debt(nearly 30k) because of taxes not filed, penalties, and accrued interest over the last 9 years. An acquaintance of mine told me I had to much income and equity in my home for me to even be considered for a reduced settlement with the IRS. Regardless, I called a tax much advertised tax relief service and told them exactly my circumstances, my income, and available assets. They wanted my tax info and full payment for services up front. They would in turn start the negotiation process that would lead to reduce the penalties and interest.
I then called IRS/STATE Tax Relief Assoc. and gave them my situation. They confirmed what my friend had told me. I am NOT a canidate for a reduced tax settelement and to save my money. They also gave me a clear direction on what I should do to fullfil my tax obligation with the IRS. I believe you can trust the people here at IRS/STATE Tax Relief to honestly with you. They were honest with me and I am grateful to them for their advise.