When handling any tax-related concerns or issues, or dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), always be sure to obtain the best legal advice. Moreover, before securing the professional services of a tax firm, always ensure they are knowledgeable, of good reputation, and well informed concerning the most recent tax laws and necessary procedures. Before any contract for services is completed, research the firm to determine their professional credibility, and their competent ability to handle your particular tax issue or concern.
While the list below is not an exhaustive list of items for investigation, they are among the top three concerns that bring clients to our firm. The time to research a tax firm is not after you encounter trouble, but before problems arise. The following concerns need to be high on your list as you review prospective tax firms for your personal or business taxes.
- Positive Accreditations – Personal references and reviews on consumer websites and message boards can reveal much about prospective tax firms. Read every review possible and take note of any repeated complaints or issues. Ask the firm representative with whom you speak for a list of references and contact those people for their honest opinions and recommendations. Remember, if 20 out of 25 reviews are positive, five are still negative. Twenty percent is a significant percentage when considering negative experiences.
- Promises Regarding Settlements – Beware of any tax firm that promises too-good-to-be-true results concerning a tax settlement, especially before even reviewing your case. “We can settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar,” or “We can settle your $20 million tax debt for $200,000” are just two examples of crazy claims that sound enticing, but cannot possibly be true. Any firm that makes dollar amount promises cannot be trusted. Settlement numbers depend on a number of factors, including IRS regulations and decisions. No competent tax professional will make broad, absurd claims.
- Professional Customer Service – A truly professional and trustworthy tax firm will provide prompt, personalized, and expert customer service. This includes returning telephone calls or other communications promptly with the necessary answers readily available. It will also include disclosing all necessary documents and paperwork to the IRS by the required deadlines. This is an important point. Failure to do so will cause numerous problems and additional complications, in addition to harming your legal standing with the IRS. Negative reviews that mention customer service issues, especially documentary mistakes, should raise definite red flags.
A competent tax professional will provide transparent business references, refrain from exorbitant claims, and demonstrate exceptional and reliable customer service. Are you searching for a reputable tax firm to handle your tax negotiations or to answer questions regarding personal or business taxes? Are you unsure about the tax services you have received in the past?
Reliance Tax Group is here to help. Call our offices at (720) 452-2915 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We pride ourselves on being a flat fee company. Contact us today before your tax woes increase.
