IRS problems:: IRS Problems, Taxfirm.com can help Call 1-888-829-3476 now, Solve Your Irs Problems,Tax problems, IRS Tax Problems, Wage levy, bank levy, seizure, audit, appeal, offer in compromise, Taxfirm is a division of Accufirst

Consumer Warning
Taxpayers should beware of promoters' claims that tax debts can be settled for "pennies on the dollar" through the Offer in Compromise Program. Check the OIC requirements to see if an offer in compromise is right for you .

Each week taxfirm.com receives telephone calls from prospective clients who have paid large fees of $2,000 to $5,000 to disreputable “tax problem” law firms and tax resolution companies. These firms deliver very little in terms of results, and in most cases, have given the taxpayer misguided and unrealistic advice.

What You Need to Know
Before paying a large fee to any firm, be selective. During the initial consultation, make sure you are speaking to a qualified tax professional such as a licensed tax accountant, tax lawyer, CPA, or an IRS Enrolled Agent. Most disreputable firms provide free consultations with a “salesperson” trained to promise you the world, and collect one lump sum payment. In the majority of these situations, the salesperson is not qualified in tax representation; however, they are very persuasive in gaining your trust, confidence, and your money without delivering any results.

A common ploy used by these firms is the statement, “We can settle your IRS tax debt for Pennies on the Dollar”. While the IRS maintains a program called Offer in Compromise (OIC) allowing individuals to settle a tax liability for less than what is owed, the program is abused by these disreputable firms in order to collect large fees from unsuspecting clients.

Statistically, the chance of the IRS settling your debt for “pennies on the dollar” is very low. Only one of every four Offers-In-Compromise submitted is accepted.   Typically, these firms state that the IRS can take anywhere in between six to twelve months to approve the offer. Even if you fail to meet the rigid OIC criteria, by assuring you with a false promise that your offer will be approved, the firms in question collect exorbitant fees. After paying thousands of dollars in non-refundable fees, and learning that the OIC has been rejected by the IRS, the most common reply is “sorry, we will have to try something else.”

Only a qualified tax professional can assess whether or not you meet all of the guidelines stipulated by the IRS.   The taxfirm.com approach begins with an in-depth interview between you and an experienced tax professional to educate our clients of every viable option. Our tax professionals will outline fees for all of your options, and provide you with the most comprehensive strategy to resolve your debt.


How to Protect Yourself

Never pay large fees without getting a sense of how the firm operates.
taxfirm.com’s initial retainer fees are between $95 to $1,000, allowing our clients to gain a professional perspective in the resolution of their tax liability, and observe how our firm performs. We educate our clients of the many options available, and most importantly, stand by our commitment to every client by delivering the best service in this very specialized accounting sector.

Before paying any upfront fees to disreputable firms, enter the company’s name on Google followed by the word “complaint,” and/ or go to consumer websites such as www.ripoffreport.com.

Check Carefully Before Applying for Offers in Compromise

IR-2004-17, Feb. 3, 2004

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued a consumer alert advising taxpayers to beware of promoters’ claims that tax debts can be settled for “pennies on the dollar” through the Offer in Compromise Program.

Some promoters are inappropriately advising indebted taxpayers to file an Offer in Compromise (OIC) application with the IRS. This bad advice costs taxpayers money and time. An Offer In Compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that resolves the taxpayer's tax debt. The IRS has the authority to settle, or "compromise," federal tax liabilities by accepting less than full payment under certain circumstances.

“This program serves an important purpose for a select group of taxpayers. But we are increasingly concerned about unscrupulous promoters charging excessive fees to taxpayers who have no chance of meeting the program’s requirements,” said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. “We urge taxpayers not to be duped by high-priced promises.”

The OIC may be considered only after other payment options have been exhausted. If taxpayers are unable to pay their taxes in full, there are other payment options, such as monthly installment agreements, that must be explored before an OIC can be submitted.

The IRS.gov Web site contains complete information on the collection process and payment options. Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process, also provides helpful information on the options available to taxpayers. Taxpayers also should review Form 656, Offer In Compromise, or Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, to determine if they qualify for either payment program. Form 656 provides detailed instructions for submitting an offer and includes all of the necessary financial forms.

Some taxpayers may be exempt from the $150 OIC fee depending on income or whether the OIC is based solely on doubt as to tax liability. Taxpayers who claim the poverty guideline exception must certify their eligibility using Form 656-A, Income Certification for Offer in Compromise Application Fee. The poverty guideline exception applies only to individuals.

All publications and forms are available at IRS.gov or taxpayers may order copies by calling 1-800-829-3676. All publications and forms are available free. Taxpayers may feel they need the assistance of a qualified tax professional to prepare and submit an OIC. Taxpayers may contact local or state tax professional associations for enrolled agents, CPAs or attorneys to locate someone in their geographic area that has the education and experience to assist them.