[backtaxpro]

This is a great post. I am a CPA part of a diverse tax team made up of w enrolled agents and attorneys because each professional has their expertise and is more efficient with certain tax problems over others (well at least in our firm). If you have accumulated tax debt or back taxes, you want to move quickly in getting the problem resolved since IRS penalties and interest will accrue. In selecting the right tax professional realize there may things to consider:

1) Diversification - make sure the firm you are dealing with is diversified in the sense of who makes up the firm. Having a diverse tax team on your side will usually lead to a speedier and better outcome with the IRS.

2) Beware of any claims to reduce your back taxes for pennies on the dollar. These are usually scams. IRS back taxes can be reduced or settled but there is not guarantee that this will happen.

3) Reject any firm that wants a up front retainer fee in my opinion. We get countless clients telling us a firm took their money and now resolved their Tax Problem.

4) Find out details about the company for the tax problem you are looking to resolve. In other words, if they claim they can settle your taxes with an Offer In Compromise, find out their success rate. Find out if they they offer a money-back guarantee?

One key tip is remember no matter what your IRS problem is you cannot come to a resolution unless you have filed your taxes first.